On the Record
Representing this unique, and uniquely vulnerable, neighborhood demands that we take a firm and well-supported stand on a broad range of issues. Our judgments are based on careful study by the land-use lawyers, architects, planners and public advocates on our Board – all Heights residents – and on input from you, our members. Look here regularly for our positions on the issues affecting Brooklyn Heights, as well as other documents reflecting those positions. Most are intended to be read aloud or submitted in writing at municipal, state and local hearings. Reading them will give you a good idea of the issues facing our community.
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Brooklyn Bridge Park
As the Park Debuts, the BHA Endorses Plan for NYC Control
After all these years, we can hardly contain our excitement that the first phase of Brooklyn Bridge Park is opening. Having been involved since the idea was first floated (in response to a proposed high-rise development scheme on the piers), the BHA has advocated, planned, pleaded, and negotiated for more than 20 years to see the Park come to life. And now it's here.
It's been a long and winding road to this point, and the journey isn't over yet. But through multiple iterations of plans – each becoming more realistic and achievable – BHA members and governors have helped move the Park forward. In 2006, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation adopted a General Project Plan (“GPP”) for the Park after one of the most comprehensive public planning endeavors the City has ever seen. Over ten years, hundreds, if not thousands, of residents participated in multiple public planning forums. While the GPP cannot possibly meet the needs and desires of everyone who participated, it includes a wonderful balance of active and passive recreation, unique access to the water, sustainable design and spectacular landscaping and views. It is already receiving rave reviews in the press.
Looking forward, significant issues remain. The Park's long-term governance structure is not in place, all the necessary construction funds have not yet been committed by government, and the real estate market currently is not conducive to moving ahead with the planned development parcels. The BHA endorses the City’s recent proposal to contribute more construction moneys and to assume control of the Park’s operations and maintenance. The open space should be permanently protected as parkland as soon as possible. The permanent governance structure should include community members and park user groups. Finally, we want to see this Park completed promptly. While we share a desire to limit the income-generating development to the smallest footprint necessary to fund the park, we do not want construction halted or even slowed. We want our Park now!
Check back here for updates on BHA positions on evolving Park issues.
Get more info:
At a recent meeting, hosted by State Senator Squadron, City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe announced Mayor Bloomberg's commitment to completing Brooklyn Bridge Park and plan to assume control from the State. The BHA registered its strong endorsement of this plan in a letter to Commissioner Benepe:
BHA Letter to Adrian Benepe on City Control of BBP
A broad summary of the BHA's positions on Park issues through the years can be found in this key document from 2005:
BHA Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Development of Brooklyn Bridge Park
For more on Brooklyn Bridge Park today, visit:
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corp website
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy website
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Atlantic Yards Challenge
BHA Joins a Lawsuit Against the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and Forest City Ratner Corporation (FCRC)
In November the BHA joined Brooklyn Speaks, a coalition of community groups and local elected officials, to challenge the ESDC’s approval of the Atlantic Yards Modified General Project Plan. The suit contends that the plan was approved without sufficient study of the impacts of its extended construction schedule and completion risks. It also alleges that the ESDC has illegally delegated to FCRC much of its governmental power to determine the future content and configuration of the Project.
Get more info:
Atlantic Yards Lawsuit Announcement.pdf
Court Petition.pdf
Atlantic Yards Governance Reform Working Draft.pdf
www.brooklynspeaks.net
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Helicopter Noise and Safety
A Growing Issue in the Heights and Surrounding Communities
Increasing helicopter traffic over Brooklyn Heights — and more to come in the near future — has become a significant issue for many residents. The BHA is actively addressing this quality-of-life issue by first marshaling the facts and then establishing a plan of action to organize our response. This is shaping up as a significant challenge for 2010.
Get more info:
BHA_Statement on Helicopter Safety (Aug 2009).pdf
BHA Letter to EDC on Helicopter Traffic (Sept 2009).pdf
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BQE Rehabilitation
Atlantic Avenue to Sands Street
There is no other current or planned infrastructure project that will affect Brooklyn Heights more than the rehabilitation of the BQE scheduled to begin in 2015. The neighborhood abuts the BQE for most of the length of the proposed project, the Promenade is an integral part of the cantilever portion of I-278 within the project boundaries, and the emerging Brooklyn Bridge Park is in the middle of all of it. For all these reasons, the BHA has begun to organize the community’s response and represent its interests as this critical project moves forward.
SCREENING PROCESS UPDATE (2/1/10)
The New York State Department of Transportation has begun the process of the reconstruction/replacement of Interstate 278 (BQE) between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street. The first phase (Tier 1) has begun and will establish the project scope and assess as many alternatives as possible. When the Tier 1 EIS is complete (approximately 2012), one or more preferred alternatives will have been selected and the project moves to Tier 2, in which the preferred alternative/s will be analyzed in depth in a second EIS, planned to be completed in 2015. Final design and engineering may take several years so construction will not begin until 2017.
A Stakeholder Advisory Committee has been formed composed of representatives from neighborhood and civic associations, businesses and others. The Brooklyn Heights Association is a member and will keep its membership informed of the progress of the project as well as solicit input at various times. See the DOT's "Level 1 Screening Criteria" below for more information, and go to the New York State DOT website for a full review of the project.
Comments?
Comments about the screening criteria can be submitted to the BHA or directly to NYS DOT (through its website below).
Get more info:
Level 1 Screening Criteria (2/10).pdf
NYS DOT Website on BQE Project
BHA Position on BQE Rehab (6/09).pdf
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