The Gowanus Rezoning Review Process Must Move Forward
The Gowanus Community deserves a open public discussion on the merits and shortfalls of the current zoning proposal put forth by the city. The online public meetings are not perfect, but they are well attended. Perhaps more importantly, they enable community members with accessibility challenges at in-person events to engage in the process.
Rather than debate the rezoning with colorful language in chat rooms, court filings, and through the media, we support a public dialogue of the issues where community groups and individuals can share their views on the rezoning. While people may disagree on whether the rezoning should happen, or if the current proposal is flawed, we should be able to agree that understanding the various viewpoints is a step towards developing a community vision.
Our Position
So let's get started. Throughout the process, Gowanus by Design has put forth ideas on how to improve the zoning model. We've listened carefully and considered the feedback we received from our colleagues, friends, neighbors, Department of City Planning, Department of Environmental Protection, and local elected officials. Here is where we stand:
The zoning cannot go forward without a binding commitment and significant long-term capital investment to address the mind-boggling failures (too long to list here) to properly maintain and improve the nearby NYCHA campuses.
A cornerstone of the Gowanus identity is its manufacturing history. A rezoning requires a commitment by the city to:
Reduce/eliminate parking requirements for M-zoned development and expansion,
Expand the allowable FAR for non-conforming uses so the buildings can be expanded and modernized,
Conduct a traffic study specific to the Industrial Business Zone that looks at how truck and pedestrian/bike traffic can safely co-exist,
Secure an IBZ real estate tax credit for growing manufacturing businesses, and
Set up a virtual FAR land bank for manufacturing properties displaced by the rezoning.
Require DCP to commission third-party reports at regular intervals to monitor, evaluate, and manage the rezoning. Establish a benchmarking process at the community level for reviewing/modifying the overall zoning model.
As part of the benchmarking process, track infrastructure improvements with the development. Infrastructure includes, but is not limited to: schools, affordable housing, public transit, street safety, combined sewer system, parks, micro grid, and internet connectivity.
Accurately model how new development will mitigate and manage the impact of rising sea levels, hotter temperatures, more intense rain storms, increased density, etc.
Create NYCHA-affordable units (not just MIH) and set up equity and employment opportunities for low-income residents in new development.
Permanently close streets and convert to outdoor park space.
Create a Parks Improvement District [PID] that is funded by a development tax. Establish a PID steering committee that includes at least 50% representation by the NYCHA community.
Many thanks to our colleagues who advised on these recommendations. They are not intended to invalidate or replace other organization's objectives for moving the discussion forward. We welcome an opportunity engage and debate the merits of the rezoning and look forward to achieving a consensus-driven community vision.
Onward...