Striking a Balance Among Housing, Industry, Transportation, and Open Space

In recent years as manufacturing has continued its relative decline and NYC’s strong housing market has created pressure for growth in outer boroughs, the neighborhoods of Greenpoint and Williamsburg in Brooklyn have been experiencing rapid residential growth. Much of this growth has been gentrification and has, in some significant ways, led to an imbalance between the community’s vision of itself and actual growth trends, creating tension between the residents and their region. In recognition of these trends, the Department of City Planning conducted a study of the Greenpoint/Williamsburg zoning regulations, which has recommended a large-scale rezoning of the two neighborhoods. The City’s rezoning proposal is the largest rezonings of waterfront land currently being undertaken throughout the City, and is being closely monitored by many civic groups and residents. To examine the rezoning plan in-depth, this Capstone team focuses on four key aspects of there development of Greenpoint-Williamsburg:Transportation - What are the existing transportation needs in the area, and how can they be met? How will new residents get around?; Housing - Is the affordable housing plan put forth by DCP the most effective way to ensure affordability in Greenpoint and Williamsburg? How might this be improved?; Open Space - What are the critical issues with the open space component of DCP’s rezoning? What can be done to ensure that a world-classes planade is created, on a reasonable timeline?; and Industrial Retention - How can we ensure that the new residential units do not squeeze manufacturing out of Greenpoint and Williamsburg? How can we support the continuing success of these uses, in a manner compatible with a growing residential population?

This Capstone was made possible with the support from an anonymous donor through FJC: A Donor-Advised Fund.