http://cgcord.blogspot.com/
It is quite long (11 pages) Below are some excerpts:
RECOMMENDATION FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT OFTHE ZONING RESOLUTION FOR 15 BLOCKS WITHIN CARROLL GARDENS 080345 ZRK
PUBLIC HEARING
On May 7, 2008 Borough President Marty Markowitz held a public meeting for the proposal by the Department of City Planning (DCP) to amend the zoning text for 15 blocks in
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bulk in order to support the quality-of-life that makes the neighborhood so desirable. Supporters believed that the proposed text change will allow the neighborhood to be regulated under more appropriate zoning provisions. Residents also showed concern about the impacts imposed on them due to the many developments, and they believe that this proposal would decrease the number of construction projects. Concern was expressed regarding the proposed density and height for the building under construction at
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In an attempt to preserve the character of their neighborhood, area residents expressed that they were willing to forgo the extent of the allowable expansion to their property that the current zoning provisions will allow. It was noted that several supporters purchased in the area based on
favor of this application that were not shared at the public hearing. The general consensus noted that this proposal seeks to curtail the spread of out-of-context development that is occurring throughout the neighborhood. Keeping the character intact along these blocks is paramount to some of the issues raised by those against the proposal. Subsequent documentation from CORD was submitted highlighting the amount of information and coverage pertaining to the text amendment proposal.
Those opposed to this proposal cited various reasons for their decision. A number of those who testified questioned the public process of the proposal. Many remarked that homeowners and tenants had little input and limited opportunities to voice their opinions. It was suggested that all property owners should be notified.....(edit)
Community Participation
Regarding the alleged lack of community participation in the process, the borough president believes that the turnout from the community at his public hearing demonstrated significant awareness amongst area residents. The number of people in attendance was one of the most highly attended land use hearings held by the borough president. While there is always more that can be done to have area residents become aware of the ongoing process, the borough president was very pleased by the number of people that gave up their personal time to provide testimony and stay to listen to what other speakers had to say. ...(edit)
As the proposal moves forth, community residents are
welcome to contact the borough president's staff for technical considerations pertaining to the proposed rezoning.
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The borough president acknowledges testimonies seeking to modify the application to include
Street Wall Height
The borough president received testimonies seeking an exception to the "narrow" street wall height limit of 45 feet in the proposal. Though the street wall building height limit is proposed to be 45 feet, the Zoning Resolution provides an allowance 'for a building parapet to exceed such height by 4 additional feet. Thus, the actual building wall height along the gardens is nearly the same as the height of 50 feet suggested as the prevalent condition on certain blocks on "Place" streets. ..........
Rear Yard Extensions
In this neighborhood, between 80 to 85 percent of the properties would have floor area that does not exceed the proposed permitted residential floor area. It is likely that many of the properties will have enough excess development rights to extend into the rear yard for one or more floors.
Possible Displacement Due to Building Destruction
For residences of 3 or more families, the Zoning Resolution only permits the complete reconstruction of legal non-compliant floor area if less than 75 percent of such floor area is destroyed. 1- and 2-family homes may recreate non-compliant floor area, though no new non-compliance is
Appropriateness of
The borough president disagrees with the representation that the proposed text change is not appropriate given the ample light and air resulting from the extensive distance between buildings. This change is intended as an interim measure until a slightly more restrictive zoning map change initiative can be implemented. Therefore, it is anticipated that at least a significant amount of the affected area would be changed to a district with a height limit of 50 feet. Though such districts are more often associated with street qualifying as "narrow" widths, there are nearby examples such as Third and Ninth Streets and Sixth Avenue in Park Slope and, Clermont, Clinton and Vanderbilt Avenues in Clinton Hill, where the R6B zoning
district designation with its height limit of 50 feet were deemed appropriate
by the City Council, despite being along a "wide" street. Given the rapid
pace of out-of-context development occurring in
The borough president applauds the developer of
proposed text change in the context of the added cost considerations for construction over the subway structure.