Transfer of Air Rights Sought to Finance Public Housing Improvements in Brooklyn

The rezoning of the neighborhood of Gowanus in Brooklyn is providing opportunities for local politicians to address local needs.

1 minute read

November 10, 2019, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

Daniel Geiger reports on the evolution of a rezoning plan for the Gowanus neighborhood in Brooklyn, where the local councilmember, Brad lander, is proposing a transfer of air rights to help finance improvements at three local New York City Housing Authority buildings.

"Lander has asked the Dept. of City Planning, the agency drafting the rezoning plan, to include a mechanism that would allow the three complexes, Wyckoff Gardens, Gowanus Houses and Warren Street Houses, to sell air rights into the district, potentially raising tens of millions of dollars or more for the properties, which together have about 1,800 units," according to Geiger.

"Developers in the Gowanus neighborhood would be compelled to purchase air rights from the NYCHA buildings to achieve some portion of the added density granted through the neighborhood rezoning."

The Gowanus rezoning has been in the works for several years, with drafts released in 2018 and 2019. Next up for the rezoning is a seven-month public comment process, expected to begin in December or January.

FULL STORY: Gowanus rezoning could require developers to buy Housing Authority's air rights

Friday, November 8, 2019 in Crain's New York Business

Housing Land Use Urban Development New York New York City Brooklyn Gowanus Planning Urban Planning City Planning Rezoning Rezonings Gowanus Neighborhood Planning Study Councilmember Brad Lander New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) View More

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