NEWS: South Slope Update
From the Downtown Brooklyn Star:
http://www.brooklyndowntownstar.com/StoryDisplay.asp?PID=4&NewsStoryID=4076
The Vest Case Scenario
By Nik Kovac
All the BSA asked for was a written brief. Community activists in South Park Slope gave them that, and more.Dozens of angry citizens gathered with their political representatives on south 15th Street to demand that the supposedly new and improved Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) stop acting like it’s old, rubberstamping self.All summer, optimism was running high in the recently downzoned residential communities northwest of Greenwood Cemetery. The four BSA commissioners – two of which were recent appointees with a third on the way – seemed to be asking tough questions of the developers seeking to circumvent the new law.There are seven properties hoping to build taller than currently allowed by being vested, or grandfathered in, under the old zoning. Last month, two of the properties – 400 15th Street and 639 6th Avenue – which seemed to have the least chance of success were granted their requested variances by the BSA.This sent shock waves of anger through the growing coalition of contextual development advocates, and the high turnout at this week’s rally was evidence of that. Decisions are currently pending on the two most prominent properties – 182 15th Street and 614 7th Avenue – and Tuesday, July 11, the community’s brief was due.”If these properties are allowed to vest,” rallied councilman Tony Avella, the Queens councilman who never misses a Brooklyn rally, “it will set a precedent that developers can walk all over us anywhere in the city.”