Why the DNA is Rallying to 'Save the Brooklyn Bridge'

The Dumbo Neighborhood Association is sponsoring a rally this Sunday in Dumbo for those who want to learn about and show support “for a comprehensive, contextual rezoning plan that supports a positive future for all of DUMBO’s inhabitants.” The Rally to Save the Brooklyn Bridge is being held on Sunday, January 11th, 2009 at 10:30am (Corner of Washington St. & Prospect St.) to support appropriate development in the DUMBO neighborhood – the proposed Dock Street development included – that will not compromise the majesty of the Brooklyn Bridge. We asked Sheryl Buchholz, President of the DNA to share the DNA’s viewpoints on why the rally and what’s so important about it?

“The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most cherished structures in the United States. 7 days a week, visitors from around the World walk over the Bridge and take photos. Movie shoots, documentaries and books use this area to show the significance, beauty and the grace of our entire city with photos on and around the Brooklyn side of the Bridge.

This part of Brooklyn is considered one of our country’s first suburbs and the ferries at Fulton Landing, followed by the Brooklyn Bridge when completed in 1883, were used by the first commuters. The increase in density due to spot zoning changes at Dock Street will increase congestion and pollution; it will also seriously compromise one of the most historic waterfront areas in the country, if not the world.

DUMBO, Fulton Ferry Landing and the Brooklyn Bridge itself are all National, State and New York City-designated landmarks and historic districts. The very nature of these landmarked areas are under significant and what could be catastrophic development pressures should Dock Street bed approved. And, while the proposed school, affordable housing and “green” building are all laudable features in any development, they have become the distraction over significant and permanent zoning changes to a fragile area.

As stated above, the DUMBO Neighborhood Association is not opposed to a building being constructed at Dock Street, and absolutely supports a school or affordable housing at the site. What we are opposed to is an almost 500 car garage under the bridge; a very tall building that will cast significant shadows on the surrounding blocks; eliminate the view of the Manhattan Bridge from the Brooklyn Bridge walkway; and forever change the Brooklyn waterfront and skyline. The proposed development as currently presented eliminates seeing the historic buildings and streets from the walkway of the Bridge itself. We need contextual development that can accommodate a school, stores and services at substantially less than 210 feet high – as proposed – when that portion of the building is only between 70 feet and 90 feet from the Bridge. A wider building that has a height limit of 75 feet under the R7B recommended by Community Board 2’s Land Use Committee – similar to existing historic warehouses in both DUMBO and Fulton Ferry Landing – would allow for a 135,000 square feet building that would not be higher than the walkway of the Brooklyn Bridge.

The kind of building that is being proposed would never be allowed to overshadow the Washington Monument; St. Paul’s Cathedral in London; the Eiffel Tower in Paris; and other World-class monuments throughout the globe. It would be a disgrace if we allowed it to happen here, as ultimately it would benefit only one person in DUMBO: the developer.”

Supporters of the controversial project dispute the anti-Dock Street group’s claims that views of the bridge would be blocked by the building. The full community board will vote on the proposed rezoning on Jan. 14 at 6 pm at Borough Hall (209 Joralemon Street, at Court Street).

{Past Dock Street news}

38 Comment

  • savethebrooklynbridge.org

    view the renderings to see the negative impact on the bridge this proposed building would have. note that the “skin” of the building in the renderings is not accurate since the developer’s plans are not final but the height, size, and density are all accurate.

  • savethebrooklynbridge.org

    view the renderings to see the negative impact on the bridge this proposed building would have. note that the “skin” of the building in the renderings is not accurate since the developer’s plans are not final but the height, size, and density are all accurate.

  • is this the rally to save those overpriced condo views?

  • is this the rally to save those overpriced condo views?

  • I think the rally would be more appropriately titled “Save the Sweeney and One Main Buildings and our Million Dollar Views”

  • I think the rally would be more appropriately titled “Save the Sweeney and One Main Buildings and our Million Dollar Views”

  • I’ll be at the rally. It’s about preventing developers from diminishing our City’s landmarks, historical heritage, and artistic/engineering masterpieces. If this is allowed, what’s next?

    For those who want another Verizon building on the Brooklyn side, don’t attend the rally and keep up the snarky comments.

    (btw for the snarks, I have no private view of the bridge to protect. I’m just a 4th generation lifelong Brooklynite who cares about our county’s world-reknown symbolic icon.)

  • I’ll be at the rally. It’s about preventing developers from diminishing our City’s landmarks, historical heritage, and artistic/engineering masterpieces. If this is allowed, what’s next?

    For those who want another Verizon building on the Brooklyn side, don’t attend the rally and keep up the snarky comments.

    (btw for the snarks, I have no private view of the bridge to protect. I’m just a 4th generation lifelong Brooklynite who cares about our county’s world-reknown symbolic icon.)

  • Their current plans are really aggressive…why not make the visual footprint a little smaller, by like, oh, 8 stories?

  • Their current plans are really aggressive…why not make the visual footprint a little smaller, by like, oh, 8 stories?

  • I live in DUMBO and bought here 4 years ago. I decided not to pay extra $ for the view of the bridge, because by doing some basic research you knew that there could be future development to block the views.

    Two Trees has done a great job building with the community and with their latest project, I think they have the right idea. DUMBO needs more people, so that the current and new businesses here can continue to thrive.

    The majority of people complaining are those that are at risk of losing the views they paid a hefty premium for. Worst case scenario, they can building a 30 story hotel without a problem….which would you rather have….

  • I live in DUMBO and bought here 4 years ago. I decided not to pay extra $ for the view of the bridge, because by doing some basic research you knew that there could be future development to block the views.

    Two Trees has done a great job building with the community and with their latest project, I think they have the right idea. DUMBO needs more people, so that the current and new businesses here can continue to thrive.

    The majority of people complaining are those that are at risk of losing the views they paid a hefty premium for. Worst case scenario, they can building a 30 story hotel without a problem….which would you rather have….

  • For me it’s not about people’s views, though I’m sure they want to protect them. It’s about the beauty of the Brooklyn Bridge and unobstrusted views to and from it. Including being able to see the Manhattan Bridge from the walkway. This proposed building blocks even the beautiful view of the old architecture of DUMBO from the walkway.

    I am grateful for DUMBONYC for posting this. I hope people attend. I don’t have an apartment with a view an I probably have one of the smallest apartments in Dumbo but I love the views to and from B. Bridge and the nighborhood and I hope and wish that they remain unobstructed and protected.

  • For me it’s not about people’s views, though I’m sure they want to protect them. It’s about the beauty of the Brooklyn Bridge and unobstrusted views to and from it. Including being able to see the Manhattan Bridge from the walkway. This proposed building blocks even the beautiful view of the old architecture of DUMBO from the walkway.

    I am grateful for DUMBONYC for posting this. I hope people attend. I don’t have an apartment with a view an I probably have one of the smallest apartments in Dumbo but I love the views to and from B. Bridge and the nighborhood and I hope and wish that they remain unobstructed and protected.

  • Amen. Well said.

  • Amen. Well said.

  • the building stinks

  • the building stinks

  • Just back from the rally. About 100 people turned out on a cold morning to hear Councilmen Yassky and Avella decry irresponsible development that if permitted would diminish our local, City and national treasure.

    If you missed the rally, then turn out this Wednesday at Borough Hall at 6pm to show the full CB2 how you feel.

  • Just back from the rally. About 100 people turned out on a cold morning to hear Councilmen Yassky and Avella decry irresponsible development that if permitted would diminish our local, City and national treasure.

    If you missed the rally, then turn out this Wednesday at Borough Hall at 6pm to show the full CB2 how you feel.

  • For those who claim “DUMBO needs more people to thrive and to support the businesses” do not forget that the entire section of DUMBO east of the Manhattan bridge has yet to be rezoned by city planning to residential zoning. As soon as that happens, the density of the neighborhood will explode, thereby creating the density desired by some. And, don’t forget the four 18-26 story buildings that will be built on the Jehovah Witness block on Jay Street between York and Front. How will the infrastructure support the many thousands of new residents, toilets, showers,garbage, and children as a result of that? DUMBO does not need an over-sized tower further sealing off the neighborhood from the world and compromising an important monument.

  • For those who claim “DUMBO needs more people to thrive and to support the businesses” do not forget that the entire section of DUMBO east of the Manhattan bridge has yet to be rezoned by city planning to residential zoning. As soon as that happens, the density of the neighborhood will explode, thereby creating the density desired by some. And, don’t forget the four 18-26 story buildings that will be built on the Jehovah Witness block on Jay Street between York and Front. How will the infrastructure support the many thousands of new residents, toilets, showers,garbage, and children as a result of that? DUMBO does not need an over-sized tower further sealing off the neighborhood from the world and compromising an important monument.

  • Don’t count on that Jehovah complex ever getting built, especially anytime soon…

  • Don’t count on that Jehovah complex ever getting built, especially anytime soon…

  • I love rallies against progress! As well as saving my view! Where do I sign up to get Wallentis to build a small building that won’t block my view AND have a free school?

  • I love rallies against progress! As well as saving my view! Where do I sign up to get Wallentis to build a small building that won’t block my view AND have a free school?

  • James T:

    The 8,000+ signatures on the petition against the Dock St. project as currently designed is all Sweeny and 70 Washington residents protecting their views, isn’t it? Please.

    The attempt to characterize people who care about our national landmarks as self-interested condo owners who wish to protect their views rings very hollow. Can’t you come up with something better to explain the overwhelming popular and politicial support for protecting the bridge?

    And BTW, the school isn’t free. The build out for the empty shell that Two Trees is verbally offering (no where in writing of course) requires over $50+ million of buildout, according to the BoE.

  • James T:

    The 8,000+ signatures on the petition against the Dock St. project as currently designed is all Sweeny and 70 Washington residents protecting their views, isn’t it? Please.

    The attempt to characterize people who care about our national landmarks as self-interested condo owners who wish to protect their views rings very hollow. Can’t you come up with something better to explain the overwhelming popular and politicial support for protecting the bridge?

    And BTW, the school isn’t free. The build out for the empty shell that Two Trees is verbally offering (no where in writing of course) requires over $50+ million of buildout, according to the BoE.

  • Walentas has his Bridgehampton horse farm on the market for a runored $200 million. Seriously, how much money does this wanker need? I think it’s his response to 85 Adams and 100 Jay: developer weenie waving.

  • Walentas has his Bridgehampton horse farm on the market for a runored $200 million. Seriously, how much money does this wanker need? I think it’s his response to 85 Adams and 100 Jay: developer weenie waving.

  • nah Polite … its only listed at $95 mil.

  • nah Polite … its only listed at $95 mil.

  • As a resident and non condo owner who has watched the neighborhood change over the past years,I must side with preserving what is already here.Have we not bowed down enough to changing the landscape of this country . Every neighborhood in NYC has been changed in the name of progress to the point of losing all its character. Who wants a middleschool in their fairly quiet neighborhood ? Have you lived around a middle school before ? It f*ing sucks …
    Lets see, school buses at 7am, the general noise that comes from the operation of a school. You must also take into consideration the increase in petty crimes,such as vandalism and small thefts. So ixnay on the school.
    I could care less about the million dollar views , but I’m against changing the skyline and the historical significance of these views.The Brooklyn Bridge is more than a part of Brooklyn and NYC history, its a symbol of this country. As a Military Veteran who has fought for this country in recent wars , there were always certain things I knew I could come back too and the bridge was always one of them .
    Why must we go on changing everything in the name of progress ?
    Shall we progress so much that we lose sight of who we are and where we came from ?
    What for ? For a boutique ? For a Middle School when there is one ,7 blocks away already.
    Nope , all for a bunch of fat cats, trying to line their pockets in the name of progress.
    Keep the neighborhood the way it is.
    You have all changed it enough…

  • As a resident and non condo owner who has watched the neighborhood change over the past years,I must side with preserving what is already here.Have we not bowed down enough to changing the landscape of this country . Every neighborhood in NYC has been changed in the name of progress to the point of losing all its character. Who wants a middleschool in their fairly quiet neighborhood ? Have you lived around a middle school before ? It f*ing sucks …
    Lets see, school buses at 7am, the general noise that comes from the operation of a school. You must also take into consideration the increase in petty crimes,such as vandalism and small thefts. So ixnay on the school.
    I could care less about the million dollar views , but I’m against changing the skyline and the historical significance of these views.The Brooklyn Bridge is more than a part of Brooklyn and NYC history, its a symbol of this country. As a Military Veteran who has fought for this country in recent wars , there were always certain things I knew I could come back too and the bridge was always one of them .
    Why must we go on changing everything in the name of progress ?
    Shall we progress so much that we lose sight of who we are and where we came from ?
    What for ? For a boutique ? For a Middle School when there is one ,7 blocks away already.
    Nope , all for a bunch of fat cats, trying to line their pockets in the name of progress.
    Keep the neighborhood the way it is.
    You have all changed it enough…

  • If all this other stuff gets built and we still don’t get a middle school because some of you babies are afraid of losing such a tiny snippet of view for those of us who dont live in those pricey condos…
    There was no middle school 40 years ago when I graduated from PS 8 and there is none now. It is so sad to see the same panicked dance by good families who had put down roots now have to reorder their lives when the middle school years arrive for their children. In Manhattan parents can choose from a plethora of good public schools. As someone who’s family goes back here before the civil war I say: if we don’t get this school we should secede from the city because the promise they made to us when we built this bridge is that we would be equal partners. I think Brooklyn too often gets the short end of the stick and the school issue is just one example.

  • If all this other stuff gets built and we still don’t get a middle school because some of you babies are afraid of losing such a tiny snippet of view for those of us who dont live in those pricey condos…
    There was no middle school 40 years ago when I graduated from PS 8 and there is none now. It is so sad to see the same panicked dance by good families who had put down roots now have to reorder their lives when the middle school years arrive for their children. In Manhattan parents can choose from a plethora of good public schools. As someone who’s family goes back here before the civil war I say: if we don’t get this school we should secede from the city because the promise they made to us when we built this bridge is that we would be equal partners. I think Brooklyn too often gets the short end of the stick and the school issue is just one example.

  • is this the rally to save those overpriced condo views?

  • is this the rally to save those overpriced condo views?