Draft Rezoning for Gowanus Released

Daniel Geiger reports that the New York City Department of Planning recently released a draft rezoning plan for the Gowanus neighborhood [pdf] of Brooklyn in New York.

"The plan imagines remaking the low-rise, formerly industrial neighborhood into a denser, mixed-use district with far more housing and park space and a revitalized Gowanus Canal while preserving affordability, businesses and the area's character," according to Geiger.

Geiger notes that the plan attempts to preempt some of the controversies that have slowed other recent rezonings in New York by "[dedicating] much of its 115 pages to the perks it would offer existing residents and businesses."

Development spurred by the rezoning would be required to remediate polluted sites in the neighborhood, which were contaminated by manufacturing and industrial businesses decades ago. New residential and mixed-use buildings along the currently filthy canal would be required to create a public waterfront esplanade and access for pedestrians.

The plan already has early support from Councilmember Brad Lander, who represents most of the area covered by the new plan. A more detailed draft of the plan will be released later this year.