Rallying Against the Dock Street Development

As the Dock Street Development gets closer to City Council approval, opponents are raising their voices. Yesterday they met on the steps of City Hall to rally against the proposed structure that would ultimately block the historic view of the Brooklyn Bridge. As lines are drawn in the cobblestone, the Brooklyn Eagle brings us current, noting that so far "It has been approved by the City Planning Commission (which reduced the height from 184 to 170 feet), the Borough President’s Office (with other modifications) and CB 2."

The opposing side is at a disadvantage, with Two Trees allegedly throwing cash at public officials to make this happen. Yesterday the Post reported that "the company spent $409,323 lobbying the city since Jan. 2007, with much of the money going towards trying to sway support for the Dock Street plan." While the opponents may not have that kind of cash, as decision time gets closer some well known names are stepping in. Ken Burns made a statement supporting the protest (which he was supposed to attend), calling the bridge an international icon.

While slight modifications have been made, opponents believe that any building rising higher than the bridge’s footpath would be unacceptable. The Municipal Art Society was one group on hand at the rally yesterday, calling on the Mayor to reject the plan. The organization's Melissa Baldock told us it's the duty of New Yorkers to make sure the development doesn't happen, noting, "There are two very important public views that must be protected on both sides of the bridge, the iconic views of the Bridge from our neighborhood streets and the views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, the East River, and the other East River Bridges from the public walkway of the Brooklyn Bridge."