Just a few short weeks ago, we hosted a community forum on the new proposed development plan for the Domino Sugar Factory property by the current owners, Two Trees. We have been engaged in a lot of thought, a lot of discourse, and a lot of good conversations with forces both in favor and against the new plan.  A lot of people have been asking our opinion and while it is too early to put out an official statement since we tend to do that during the hearings that are a part of the official ULURP process, we would like to share our thoughts on the plan so far.

NAG calls on the City to work with Two Trees and bring the new new Domino plan forward for formal public review. We believe that the Two Trees proposal is an improvement on the existing approval in many ways, and we encourage Two Trees to continue to work with the community to make further improvements. The City should pursue these changes, working with the developer and the Williamsburg community to ensure that all promises to the community are enforceable and transferable to any future owners.

In 2010, NAG opposed the Domino rezoning because the proposed density was an unsustainable burden on our community and because the developer’s promises were not backed by sufficient guarantees. The density proposed in 2010 was higher than that approved for the 2005 Greenpoint-Williamsburg Waterfront Rezoning and could cause a series of unmitigated community impacts, including a reduction in per capita open space, year-round shadow impacts on our local park, excessive waivers to provide additional parking, large-footprint neighborhood-unfriendly retail, and added burdens to our already over-taxed public transit system.

Despite our opposition, the rezoning was approved. The primary community benefit, 660 units of affordable housing, was not guaranteed – a fact that became sadly relevant when the previous developer ran into financial trouble and was forced to sell the property.

Now, a new developer – Two Trees Management – has acquired the property and proposes to change the zoning. The choice presented to the community is the previous flawed zoning with its unenforceable promises, or a new plan that, in our view, addresses some of the flaws of the previous zoning. The Two Trees plan does not correct the central flaw of the density of the 2010 approval, and it does add considerable height to the development as a trade-off for improvements in other areas. However, based on what we have heard to date, these trade-offs could lead to a better plan for the community. In our view, the Two Trees proposal appears to make significant improvements over the existing zoning in the following areas:

Commercial use: Two Trees proposes eliminating 116 residential units from the approved zoning, in favor of creating more than 530,000 additional square feet of commercial space.  This includes using the landmarked refinery building entirely for commercial (and possibly community facility) purposes.  This proposal is consistent with Community Board 1’s position on the 2005 rezoning; at that time, they envisioned North Brooklyn as a vibrant, mixed-use community.  As the rezoning has reshaped the neighborhood, we’ve seen a dramatic decline in commercial space, and the accompanying decline in opportunities for local employment.  Although Two Trees’ proposal will bring in an entirely different kind of work opportunity than was previously available in this space, we are encouraged that Two Trees shares the community’s position that a mix of uses creates a more dynamic and interesting neighborhood.

Retail: The new construction on Kent Avenue built since the 2005 rezoning has generally provided large retail footprints, attracting corporate, big-box retail outlets to the neighborhood.  NAG’s and CB1’s recommendations in 2005 included the promotion of locally owned small businesses, as job creators, entrepreneurial opportunities, and a strategy for keeping money in the local economy.  Two Trees has verbally expressed its support for small retail footprints to encourage local businesses.  We hope to see this guaranteed through their revised zoning proposal, and encourage Two Trees to go a step further by subsidizing the location of locally owned small businesses within the development if necessary.

Open Space: One of the main pieces of feedback generated in the community meetings that NAG hosted about the Domino redevelopment was that open space is a priority for North Brooklyn, especially for the Southside, which is the most underserved portion of an underserved community when it comes to public green space.  The trade-off of taller buildings allows for an interesting open space plan that not only provides more than two additional acres of open space to the neighborhood, but also creates an improved per capita open space ratio as opposed to that proposed by CPCR.  Reintroducing the street grid to the site will make this open space feel like a true community benefit, rather than just a large backyard for the development’s tenants.  In addition, the planned reconfiguration of the buildings on the site creates a less direct shadow impact on Grand Ferry Park, and Two Trees has verbally committed to working with the community to advocate for the creation of a new Williamsburg Bridge Park on the waterfront south of their site.  Both contribute to CB1’s vision of a continuous, publicly accessible waterfront.

Affordable Housing:  The most dire need in community district 1 today is affordable housing.  We appreciate Two Trees’ verbal commitment to building the 660 affordable units promised by CPCR, although we stress the community’s need to see the numbers, including affordability levels, committed to in writing.  We are pleased that Two Trees is integrating all the affordable housing into its developments, with no difference between the affordable and market rate units.  (The separation, shoddy construction, and lack of access to amenities for affordable housing tenants in the new waterfront developments has frankly been an embarrassment to the neighborhood).  We also applaud Two Trees’ verbal commitment to front-load the development of 300 affordable units in the upland site, which will be built first.

Shift in Height:  In 2010, NAG was concerned with the precedent that the large-scale upland site would set for future development on the neighborhood’s low-rise side streets. Two Trees’ proposed tiered design of the upland site (“Site E”) addresses this concern by shifting height away from Wythe Avenue toward Kent.

Parking and Transportation:  Traffic is a major issue in North Brooklyn, and so we are pleased to see that Two Trees has proposed only the minimum amount of required parking in the new development, to be included in two of the new buildings.  Our 2010 concerns about transportation have been alleviated somewhat by the proposed introduction of the new Kent Avenue bus line, which will connect the site with the J, 7, E, and M trains.  Still, we remain concerned about the impact of density on our transit systems, and hope that Two Trees will explore alternative solutions, such as a new ferry terminal on site, and maintenance and support of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway.

In conclusion, this is not an endorsement of the Two Trees plan – that plan is still in formation, and there are many details yet to be worked out. An endorsement of the plan itself is something that can only come with more information and a clear idea of the commitments behind their plan. However,  we do recognize that Two Trees has proposed significant and meaningful changes to the existing approval, changes that we believe the City and the community should give full and careful consideration to.

We encourage our neighbors to continue to engage in the process and make their voices heard.

“This is one of the areas with the least open space in all of Brooklyn,” said board member Jason Otano. “Even though it’s not a patch of grass, it will provide people places to congregate.”

Williamsburg Walks 2012

Back for another year of fun on Bedford!!

Spring is in full effect in Williamsburg as the days grow longer and warmer. In NAG-land that means we are gearing up for our big annual Summer kickoff– Williamsburg Walks.

2013 dates: Sat June 8th —  Sat June 15th — Sat June 22nd

This will be the 6th year where Bedford Ave is transformed into a car-free oasis of neighbors having fun in the sun with art, music, cafe craziness, and pop up parks. We hope to make this year better and bolder than ever  but that means we need you — your support, your volunteer power, your ideas, and your amazing energy!!

Bedford Ave as an open space...

Bedford Ave as a giant outdoor cafe...

SUPPORT THE WALKS

Sponsor the Walks and help us activate every inch of Bedford with creativity. Your $$ helps us buy more sod and create bigger parks, pay artists (cause they can’t do everything for free), hire helpers to do the heavy lifting, and make all the bold ideas reality.  Contact Ryan or Joy at the NAG office (718.384.2248/nag.bklyn@gmail.com) to learn of all our sponsorship opportunities. We have a variety of sponsorship levels and many ways for businesses to help with in-kind services.

East River Ferry sponsors the walks and brings out the best chairs for their lawn space!!

Northside Festival is a big sponsor supplying $$ and a block full of art action. June 16 2012

VOLUNTEER AT THE WALKS

One of the most popular things about Williamsburg Walks is the pop up sod parks and the random cafe seating. It takes a lot of volunteer power to get that sod laid, chairs & tables set out, and the whole scene readied for play. It also takes a nice crew to get the street cleaned up and ready for car traffic. We get a lot of help from volunteers from the Southside CSA  but we can always use more. Email nag.bklyn@gmail.com or message us via the NAG FB page to learn how you can lend a helping hand. There are set-up shifts starting at noon and clean-up shifts that begin at 7pm. A great way to help this fun event be sustainable is to volunteer for a few hours… plus you get that cool T-shirt!!

Be a volunteer hero!!

Cool Shirt!!

ADD YOUR ART & MUSIC TO THE WALKS

Williamsburg Walks is modeled after those amazing (permanent) pedestrian plazas around the world. We try to create a pop-up version of the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica or the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires with street musicians and artists creating a vibe that makes people-watching an entertaining sport. If you would like to perform your music or art, let us know. We love the impromptu performances that pop up each week, but we are also open to scheduling spots and spaces for musicians and artists. Contact Ryan at NAG office to talk details.

Sweet Street Symphony performs at 2012 Williamsburg Walks

Genevieve White, Rope Piece, Williamsburg Walks 2009

SHOW OFF YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS

One of the main goals of Williamsburg Walks outside of creating a way to rethink public space and streetscapes is to promote local businesses, both on & off Bedford. We invite the businesses of Williamsburg & Greenpoint to set up during Williamsburg Walks and show the world why they rule. Contact Ryan at the NAG office to learn the rules (sorry, our permit does not allow vending! no sales, only give aways and demos)

Brooklyn Charm has the most popular booth where you can make a free bracelet

PS 9 Pet Supplies shows off their goodies

PROMOTE YOUR GOOD WORKS & ACTIVATE BEDFORD

We invite community groups to join us on Bedford and help create a vibrant space for fun and activism. Over the years a variety of community groups have hosted activities — from picnics to book swaps and everything in between. Join us this year and be a part of the action!! Contact Ryan to sign up and reserve your spot today!!

Greenpoint Soup Kitchen Volunteers hosted a puzzle table. 2012

NYC Loft Tenant hosted a book swap. 2012

SO MANY WAYS TO GET INVOLVED!!

Contact Ryan Kuonen today to learn how you can get plugged into Williamsburg Walks 2013.

Office ph: 718.384.2248

Email: ryanlachica@gmail.com

Sign up today to support Williamsburg Walks 2013

Don't miss out on the best summer event !!

Domino Community Forum w/ Two Trees
Thurs March 14th
The Woods – 48 S4th
6-8pm

RSVP via FB Event

Jed Walentas and the Two Trees team will be walking us through their whole plan, providing you an opportunity to learn about the proposal and get answers to your questions.

The proposal is pretty big — with lots of details that involve affordable housing, open space, increased commercial space, bringing back River Street, flood zone planning, and much much more. This will be a great opportunity to look at the model, hear the whole plan in detail,  and then ask questions from the developer. We are very interested in your input on this new plan, and encourage your attendance at this meeting.

Forum Schedule: 
6-630: Meet, greet, grab a drink, check out the model of the Two Trees proposal, say hi to your neighbors, and then grab a spot for the powerpoint.
630-715: Domino presentation.
715-8pm: Questions & Discussion

http://vimeo.com/61254689

Links to Lots of Press about the New Plan

A Skyline for Williamsburg? The Brooklyn Waterfront Gets a Radical –and Terrific — Re-Design

How Much More Williamsburg Development Can the L Train Handle?

Two Trees Unveils Sweet Plan for Domino Site

Sweet or Sour? Redevelopment Plans for Domino Sugar Plant released 

Oo0h, Williamsburg

Battery Park on Beijing-Dubai Steroids

Domino "Today"

Current approved plan from the 2010 site rezoning

Very exciting right!! Want to get involved? Of course you do. Well, mark this Saturday down in your calendar for some serious brainstorming fun.

Community Outreach Meeting

Good Yoga    2pm   Sat March 2nd

Check the FB event here!!

All are welcome; green thumbs not required;)

Help make this space what the community wants it to be! Band together with the groups of community activists and dedicated citizens who are hell bent on converting the vacant lot at 61 Franklin Street into a garden for the neighborhood.

The best way to get involved is plug into the first community outreach meeting. On the agenda is discussion of  community involvement and brainstorming ideas for the site. Can’t make the meeting (man — you are BUSY BEES Brooklyn!!), LIKE the FB page (linked below) and be a part of the conversation, planning, and fun…

GO GO GO 61 Franklin Street Garden!!!

Can’t wait to hear all those big ideas, great dreams, and to begin to build something together…

Get gussied up & celebrate neighborhood activism!

Enjoying food, fun, & friends at the 2011 Gala

#7 -You believe in building a stronger community through citizen participation. NAG devotes a lot of our resources to helping the residents of Greenpoint & Williamsburg plug into their local government and create (or call for) real change on their street…

Good times at the 2011 Gala

NAG’s Annual Neighborhood Gala & Benefit is such fun! We gather together a great bunch of neighborhood activists, advocates, and supporters in one room to celebrate NAG’s grassroot neighborhood activism. This year the Gala will take place on Saturday, November 3rd from 8 p.m. to midnight. The venue is Biba, the soon to open restaurant space located below our offices at 110 Kent Avenue (North 8th Street – looking onto the East River State Park). It is an evening of food & drink & music & dancing.

Buy a ticket today and support our brand of community organizing. NAG is a great mix of old timers and newbies who work together to improve our neighborhood on a hyper-local level.  Some of this work has developed into a series of skillshares that we like to call NAG Action where our organizers help break down neighborhood issues and the byzantine practices of  local government. NAG ACTION brings the issues of our Organizing Agenda–Open Space, Transportation, Affordable Housing, and Community Character–under one umbrella. The goal is to address them in a proactive way and to support the larger goals of progressive, intelligent community growth, bringing together any and all types of organizers, activists, local leaders, business owners, and residents to discuss, learn, and take action in the neighborhood.

Sharing ideas at the NAG Town Hall

The topics are determined by NAG’s (volunteer) organizers, rotating between teach-ins, skillshares, group discussions, and actions. Areas of focus center around the immediate concerns of our community as we look to local experts on each topic to help us teach and participate. The best part of NAG Action is that we welcome everyone to join us at any level of neighborhood knowledge. Whether you’ve been in the ‘hood your entire life or just arrived last week, there are things that we can all learn, share, and do together to better our community. The list of NAG Action events over the past 3 years is exhaustive. Check out the blog to see just a few. We hope to keep growing and growing that list each year to include all of the issues that affect our everyday life in North Brooklyn.

Support NAG’s  continued work by coming out to celebrate another year of nagging!

We really hope that you can join us for this special night. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at Brown Paper Tickets. For more information, please email us at nag.bklyn@gmail.com

Talking about waterfront open space. Jul 2012

Superfund Skillshare @ GMDC. Oct 2010

Cut a rug with NAG at our annual gala!

Join us for some good times & celebrations!

#9 –NAG is leading the fight to get more open space in the neighborhood. 

We need your support to keep bringing the fight to City Hall!

NAG’s annual fundraiser is such a fun  celebration.  This year the Gala will take place on Saturday, November 3rd from 8 p.m. to midnight. The venue is Biba, the soon to open restaurant space located below our offices at 110 Kent Avenue (North 8th Street – looking onto the East River State Park). It is an evening of food & beverages provided by local businesses, as well as music and dancing and amazing conversation.

In addition to throwing a great party, NAG works hard at making sure that we get some of that good growth for our neighborhoods, especially that open space that makes life in the city so sustainable.  Brooklyn’s Community District 1, which encompasses Williamsburg and Greenpoint, has only 0.6 acres of open space per 1,000 residents. (The median in the City is 1.5 per 1,000). NAG won’t stop fighting until our neighborhood gets the open space it deserves.

When it comes to open space we fight to get promises fulfilled — like those made during the 2005 rezoning; We work to get new open space created–like on the City owned land on the Williamsburg Bridge waterfront. We organize meetings and charettes in order to be sure that everyone’s voice gets heard.

The power of one may seem insignificant at times – however, supporting a cause that you feel passionate about on a local level can only add to the domino effect of positive change in the world. NAG will continue to show up to City Hall, be it for protests on the steps or testifying on behalf of its members inside, until we have an open space ratio we can be proud of. Check out some of our work: Broken Promises Continue Over Bushwick Inlet Park & Williamsburg Bridge Park Community Visioning

Support NAG’s  continued work by coming out to celebrate another year of nagging! We really hope that you can join us for this special night. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at Brown Paper Tickets. For more information, please email us at nag.bklyn@gmail.com

Where's Our Park? Protest at Bushwick Inlet

Community Visioning for Williamsburg Bridge Park

This came into the NAG inbox today and i have to admit that it inspired me to vote in an online contest (something i NEVER do). Check it out!

Friends,
I have had a garden on my South Williamsburg stoop for 24 years. My first planter boxes were old refrigerator shells. Several years ago I got the city to plant 2 Linden trees on my sidewalk through the Million Trees program. The city did a hack job and dug up enormous areas of the concrete leaving vast dirt patches. Last year I paved these areas with 581 bricks that I scavenged from an empty lot around the corner. I welded steel tree guards capable of fending off the UPS truck, which have been test proven. And last fall I planted 35 daffodil bulbs, which first sprouted this spring. I live on one of the dirtiest streets in Brooklyn. There is trash strewn everywhere and little regard for beauty or quality of life. But my little stoop is paradise. Please help me continue my efforts. Help me demonstrate to the neighborhood and my elected officials how hard I have worked to make my neighborhood nicer. Please take a moment to vote for my tree beds. After 24 hours please vote again. Please spread the word. The contest ends August 3rd.

Rob H.

So, if you want to support a neighbor doing good, vote for “Robert’s Spring Daffodils” in the My Tree NYC: Beautiful Tree Bed Contest by Million Trees NYC

How to Vote:

Follow this link to the Facebook App.

https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=141649&u=34877&a=254553244581393&p=79560015073&rest=0&v=View

Pretty sure you have to like Million Trees & then search for Robert’s Daffodils. Then you vote (and you will have to allow the Offerpop App to work it’s magic…) It is a relatively painless way to support all those guerilla gardeners in the neighborhood that put their time, $$, and sweat into beautifying our local streets.

First  NAG’s co-chair, Ward Dennis gave us a quick introduction to the site and walked us through all the community groups and local pols who support putting  parkspace on that land. Then James Rojas and his fabulous student helpers from Pratt, led us through an afternoon of creative building and talking…

    By the end of the afternoon, we came up with a big list of uses, a whole lot of creative ideas for the park, and a great community vision for the waterfront under the Williamsburg Bridge. Stay tuned for all the results from this session and dates for more upcoming meetings.

Such big gratis goes out to James Rojas and his student helpers, Isabel and Joseph, for taking time to come and lead us in this beautiful exercise. It was such a great way to put community planning into practice! Thanks to everyone from the community who came out to join in the fun. It was especially great to have both our council reps, CM Levin & CM Reyna, our state committee man, Lincoln Restler, and reps from El Puente, St Nicks Alliance, and UJ Care in attendance . And of course, big thanks to our partner in crime, Churches United for Fair Housing for helping us plan and promote this event.

Sunday July 29th  

3-430pm  

Backyard at the Woods 

(48 S4th — btwn Kent & Wythe)

Williamsburg Bridge Park is a vision for a new waterfront park for Southside Williamsburg. The City-owned site is on the Williamsburg waterfront between South 5th Street (the Domino Sugar site) and Broadway. This site could be transformed into public park with an 800-foot long waterfront esplanade connecting to the Domino esplanade and Grand Ferry Park to the north, passive open space, and adaptive use of existing buildings for community and recreational facilities. Help us imagine the possibilities.

Sponsored by Churches United for Fair Housing (CUFFH) and Neighbors Allied for Good Growth (NAG). Facilitated by James Rojas, founder of the Latino Urban Forum.

PS — Check our amazing facilitator, James Rojas