Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Controversial Greenpoint Towers Approved by Brooklyn Borough President

By Meredith Hoffman | October 16, 2013 2:34pm
 Greenpoint Landing would add 5,400 residential units to the Greenpoint waterfront.
Greenpoint Landing would add 5,400 residential units to the Greenpoint waterfront.
View Full Caption
Handel Architects

GREENPOINT — The controversial Greenpoint towers fought by the local community board and hundreds of residents were approved by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz this month, city reports show.

The two massive developments, which developers have called "a new neighborhood on the waterfront," are slated to include 12 high-rises, thousands of apartments, a public school and green space.

Markowitz said that the plans should be approved, but asked for more affordable housing, senior housing and increased transportation to the area.

Markowitz's "yes" vote on the projects at 77 Commercial St. and Greenpoint Landing came as distressing news to some local residents.

"I'm disappointed. A 'no' vote is much stronger," said Community Board 1 member Rob Solano. "At the end of the day he said yes."

CB1 demanded more affordable housing as well in its vote, but Solano said that even though Markowitz recommended similar provisions, his overall approval of the project sent a different message to the City Council, which ultimately decides on the proposals.

The approval was first reported by the Brooklyn Paper.