Locals Slam Domino Sugar Refinery Development

(Rendering courtesy CPC Resources, Inc.)

Last night marked the official start to the long, eight month public review process for the mixed-use residential and retail development proposed at Williamsburg's old Domino Sugar Refinery. As the Brooklyn Paper reports, it did not go so well for the developer behind the $1.2-billion project, which would transform the vacant 11-acre industrial site into a complex with 2,200 apartments, 30% of which would be set aside for low- and moderate-income families, plus a waterfront esplanade.

After three hours of debate, the Community Board 1 Land Use Committee voted against the proposal 5-3, objecting to the project's density, the anticipated strain on the already overtaxed L train (not to mention the J/M/Z), and the fact that the affordable housing might be made unaffordable after 15 years. "The bottom line is, we need proof that this is really needed," Committee Chairman Ward Dennis said. "We’re all for affordable housing, but we want permanent affordability — it’s a must for something we’ll sign off on."

Susan Pollock, senior VP of the development company, insists "the density of this project is required in order to make the entire program work. The [parking lot] site is so dense because we chose not to build on the [four acres] of open, public space that this community needs." The Committee was unpersuaded, but their vote is just a recommendation to the full Community Board, which will hold a full vote next month. And even a no vote there won't be enough to stop the project, which is making why board member Heather Roslund is get all emo: "We should just shoot ourselves right now. If this is the future of New York City, it’s just sad."

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By John Del Signore in News on February 24, 2010 12:25 PM

Comments [rss]

D F

As the widow of one of the founding partners of Radiac Corp. 259-261 Kent Ave., across from the proposed Domino condo conversion, please tell me how you feel about Radiac in your neighborhood.

ganghiscon

2,200 apartments.

Imagine an extra 2-3k riders getting on and off at the Bedford stop every day.

philippedemontebello

Actually ganghiscon, multiply the # of apts by the average family size and the figure is 5,500+ new residents/riders. This number does not include the people who work there (add another 1,000) and all the other apartments not including Domino. The projects just finished, under construction, and proposed... aprox 10,000+ and counting. All in all close to 20,000+. If the East River freezes over every day, all year, possibly we can get out of the neighborhood with Clydesdales and sleds.

brunning

It's quite a walk to the L train, so I'd imagine this location will attract drivers. Imagine hundreds of extra cars on the small streets of Williamsburg, on the bridge, and jockeying for parking near the Bedford L stop.

NannyState

High fructose corn syrup did this to us.

ProcedureTurn

Trust Fund Towers

Wza

Wack.

Galls

Why is it that everyone bitches about affordable housing but the wants to limit supply of housing of all kinds?

The only way to get affordable housing is to have enough supply.

zincink

The only way to get affordable housing ... is to leave.

SikBug

I'd rather see that building empty with weeds growing outta it.

books

ha. that is the future of ny.

thats what happens when you support a society where money trumps everything.

your goverment is a business run businessmen whos every act is to help the rich make mo money. parks, quality of life. decent living. f u...pay me. welcome to ny. welcome to america.

our grandchildren will have more balls then we do and overturn this shite.