The Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City recently announced opposition to a controversial project on a major thoroughfare in Brooklyn.
"[Brooklyn] Borough President Eric Adams gave the thumbs down to a proposed 18-story residential building on the site of a drive-thru McDonalds at Atlantic and Vanderbilt avenues, citing the project’s height and density," reports Ben Verde.
Adams is also the heavy favorite to be the next mayor of New York City, having just been announced as the winner of the Democratic primary election.
The project was planned for 300 apartments, with about 95 of those designated as below-market-rate units. The project encountered strong opposition from residents of the neighborhood as well as adjacent neighborhoods. The controversy also sparked renewed interest in the "long-debated" M-Crown Rezoning, according to Verde.
"While representatives for the developer behind the project, Simon Duschinsky of the Rabsky Group, has argued for a higher density in order to create more housing, members of Community Board 8 have been reluctant to work outside of their vision for the M-Crown rezoning, which seeks to up-zone the industrial swath of Crown Heights and Prospect Heights while preserving jobs in the area."
Adams's recommendations for the sites include a 145-foot building height and deeper commitments to affordability. While Adams only has an advisory role in the fate of this particular development project, getting elected "would give him significant authority over decisions on rezonings across the Five Boroughs," explains Verde.
FULL STORY: BP ADAMS REJECTS PROPOSED 18-STORY ATLANTIC AVENUE REZONING
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie