Weekly Digest: a Shifting Zeitgeist on Development?
Also, lingering questions about Atlantic Yards, and a big move by arena operator BSE Global into a Brooklyn icon.
This digest offers a way for people to keep up with my Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report blog, as well as my other coverage in this newsletter and elsewhere.
There was some news this past week that might be considered Atlantic Yards-adjacent: the compromise agreement, by a key City Council committees on Mayor Eric Adams’ “City of Yes” agenda to increase housing production.
Also, the New York Times published not one but two (!) articles—well after the fact— about the failed effort to rezone the 962 Pacific Street parcel, not far east of Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park.
That’s located in an area that Brooklyn Community Board 8 studied as M-CROWN and which the City Council is rezoning under the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan.
The tone and focus of the news coverage and public discussion point to a “pro-housing” or “pro-homes” agenda (to use supporters’ rhetoric), rather than a “skeptical of developers” posture or a NIMBY (not in my backyard) one.
The Atlantic Yards angle
Covering Atlantic Yards, of course, has made me skeptical, so I think that’s a useful counterweight, however much it’s valid to argue that the city and region need more housing production—especially of certain types—to moderate housing costs and accommodate those who want to live here. I’ll write about both issues separately.
The zeitgeist shift must be welcomed by the incoming joint venture expected to take over six Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park development sites (B5-B10) over the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Vanderbilt Yard.
In other words, if the watchword is “build baby build,” then why shouldn’t they be gifted 1 million new buildable square feet of development rights, as the project’s current developer requested last year?
(Well, um, because it’s the same thing as giving away valuable land, and that deserves scrutiny in terms of both reciprocity and community impact.)
From this newsletter
Nov. 20: Flashback: "Atlantic Yards Is ___"? The gnomic question persists. A look at many changes. Indeed, the an anonymous (as far as I know) effort in 2009 to encourage passers-by to fill in the blank has enduring resonance.
In 2014, I observed, “Don't be surprised at some unexpected change. Indeed, the project has gone through many such changes. Click here for some of the list.
From Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report
Nov. 19: BSE Global buys landmarked retail space at base of Williamsburgh Bank Tower near arena. Will this space be a new perk for high-rollers?
The retail space, used for example as a temporary home for the Brooklyn Flea, never found a permanent tenant, but now it has an ambitious owner with lots of plans.
It’s another sign that the company owned by Joe Tsai, with a minority investment from the Koch family, as big plans for Brooklyn, including a new media enterprise and a share of the newly revamped Brooklyn Paramount venue.
Nov. 21: As Site 5 Interim Lease made public, timing questions, coordinated spin, & confirmation of future P.C. Richard store in retail space at planned giant development.
I had wondered if P.C. Richard might be ousted from expected higher-end retail at the parcel across from the arena block, but they apparently negotiated well.
Nov. 22: So, would The Brodsky Organization or TF Cornerstone have partnered with Greenland USA on the B5 tower? On all six railyard sites? What about emerging Site 5?
In other words, a developer previously involved with the project might return.
Nov. 23: Stamp of approval: New York magazine gift guide recommends Lady Liberty Tee, featuring Ellie the Elephant. The New York Liberty have gone from niche to very noticeable. Hey, the T-shirt’s just $38.
Programming note: it’s a holiday week, so I won’t send a weekly roundup at week’s end, though you will see another newsletter.