(Rezoning Proposal by Dumbo Neighborhood Association)

As previously posted, the proposed rezoning would change the current M1-2 and M3-1 manufacturing zoning designations, which neither permit residential use nor have height limits, to a mixed-use contextual zoning district. The Community Board 2’s Land Use Committee voted 8-6 to disapprove the proposal to rezone this portion of Dumbo. From this point, the full Community Board will vote on the proposal in the next meeting in April.

The opposition for the proposed rezoning mainly centers around the potential height, scale, and density of the streets and buildings that fall within the zoning area. The Dumbo Neighborhood Association stated during their testimony that the proposed rezoning will create out-of-scale development in this part of Dumbo, will harm the Dumbo Historic District, as new construction may not relate to the historic fabric of the neighborhood, and will loose businesses and jobs that result from residential conversions. (Read DNA’s testimony (PDF) and proposed plan (PDF)).

Merchants and the Dumbo Improvement District support the proposed rezoning because it will promote positive change in the area and increase the number of potential shoppers and residents. The Dumbo Improvement District’s testimony can be seen on their website. In a Brooklyn Daily Eagle article summarizing the hearing, the owner of Gleason’s Gym in Dumbo, Bruce Silverglade expressed his support for the rezoning to welcome additional neighbors to support his business.