Monday, April 22, 2024

HOUSING NOT HIGH-RISES: REPORTS ON THE APRIL COMMUNITY MEETING

Arrow Linen Supply Company is planning to shut down its operations in Windsor Terrace. Arrow has applied for rezoning for the land that it and several nearby houses sit on, a move that would increase the sale value of its property.
 
Rezoning would allow a developer to build thirteen-story high-rises on Prospect Avenue, between Prospect Park West and 8th Avenue, a block of mainly two- and three-story houses.
 
In response, a group of neighbors formed Housing Not High-Rises. The group is advocating for a five- to seven-story building with at least fifty percent of it affordable.
 
What Arrow is requesting appears to be spot zoning.
Spot zoning refers to the rezoning of a parcel of land to a use category different from the surrounding area, usually to benefit a single owner or a single development interest. Size of the parcel is relevant, but not determinative. Illegal spot zoning occurs whenever “the change is
other than part of a well-considered and comprehensive plan calculated to serve the general welfare of the community."
 
Housing Not High-Rises held its most recent community meeting on April 16th at Holy Name Church and has posted a summary of the meeting, the slide presentation made at the meeting, and suggestions for follow-up steps that neighbors can take, such as contacting elected representatives.
 
Additional reading from "Brownstoner" and "Brick Underground":

"A Brooklyn group says yes to affordable housing but no to 13-story towers" https://www.brickunderground.com/live/arrow-linen-rezoning-housing-not-high-rises-windsor-terrace-brooklyn
 
"Windsor Terrace Locals Want a Shorter, More Affordable Arrow Linen Project" https://www.brownstoner.com/development/windsor-terrace-arrow-linen-rezoning-467-prospect-avenue-height/