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/