Transfer of Air Rights Sought to Finance Public Housing Improvements in Brooklyn

The rezoning of the neighborhood of Gowanus in Brooklyn is providing opportunities for local politicians to address local needs.

1 minute read

November 10, 2019, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Gowanus Canal

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

Daniel Geiger reports on the evolution of a rezoning plan for the Gowanus neighborhood in Brooklyn, where the local councilmember, Brad lander, is proposing a transfer of air rights to help finance improvements at three local New York City Housing Authority buildings.

"Lander has asked the Dept. of City Planning, the agency drafting the rezoning plan, to include a mechanism that would allow the three complexes, Wyckoff Gardens, Gowanus Houses and Warren Street Houses, to sell air rights into the district, potentially raising tens of millions of dollars or more for the properties, which together have about 1,800 units," according to Geiger.

"Developers in the Gowanus neighborhood would be compelled to purchase air rights from the NYCHA buildings to achieve some portion of the added density granted through the neighborhood rezoning."

The Gowanus rezoning has been in the works for several years, with drafts released in 2018 and 2019. Next up for the rezoning is a seven-month public comment process, expected to begin in December or January.

Friday, November 8, 2019 in Crain's New York Business

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

1 hour ago - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

3 hours ago - The Washington Post

Bird's eye view of studio apartment design.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet

With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive