Greenpointer

Keeping a watchful eye on the waterfront

5.30.2005

Movement on Landmarking 184 Kent Avenue



The Landmarks Preservation Commission has decided to hold a hearing on landmarking 184 Kent Avenue, a/k/a the Austin-Nichols Warehouse. This is major progress on a step that many in the historic preservation community consider overdue.

Designed by Cass Gilbert (of Woolworth Building and Brooklyn Army Terminal fame) in 1913, the building has hosted a range of warehousing, light manufacturing, and artistic uses in recent years. Most recently, the owners were denied a variance to convert the building's facade and to put a massive four-story extension on the roof. Because of the recent rezoning, the owners are allowed as-of-right to convert the building to all residential use and to put residential towers on top of the building.

Picture courtesy Historic Districts Council

5.18.2005

Between Java & Kent


click on image for full-size

A few years back, the City's Economic Development Corporation stablized the East River bulkhead between Java and Kent Streets in Greenpoint. For at least two years, the public had access to this stretch of the waterfront between Kent and Java.

But over the winter of '04-'05 the property owner fenced off the portion of the waterfront accessible from Java St and closed the gate on Kent St. This has reduced by 3/4 the amount of space available to the public for fishing, suntanning, and contemplation.

Hopefully this is not a sign of how the waterfront will be treated in between now and when the private-public shorewalk is built.

5.13.2005

Greenpoint from the Air


Click on picture for full-resolution

View of Greenpoint (with Williamsburg in the foreground) from the area. The tallest building in Greenpoint when this picture was taken (Sep 20, 2004) is the 1875 St. Anthony's church at 862 Manhattan Ave. Its white spire visible at the right/middle of the picture is 240 feet tall.

5.12.2005

Greenpoint Terminal Market Beginning Renovations


The two concrete-faced buildings on the neighborhood side of West St (pictured above) have construction permits for internal demolition.

42 West St: (filed 4/26) "Proposed filing to remove stairs, to create at a later date, and remove elevator shafts. No change in use, occupancy or egress under this application."

60 West St: (filed 2/9) "Proposed interior demolition of partitions, disconnection of plumbing fixtures & mechanical. No change in occupancy, use or egress under this application."

The architect is Scarano & Associates

5.11.2005

Welcome To Greenpointer

This blog will track new development in Greenpoint (and Williamsburg). Feel free to send suggestions, tips, & photos to m [dot] fs [at] verizon [dot] net.

Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn Endorsed by 32BJ, Nadler and Working Families Party Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn interviewed by Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn Brad Lander housing advocate is running for City Council in Brooklyn Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn and is supported by a wide range of people Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn and calling for checks on Bloomberg's education policy and more parental participation Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn and supports marriage equality Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn and wants to end the double taxing of freelancers Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn and is listening to the community to inform his platform Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn and is testifying against the Department of Buildings Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn fighting for affordable housing Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn endorsed by State Senator Daniel Squadron Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn Daily News update Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn supports superfund designation Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn critic of Atlantic Yards Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn New Yorkers Green Sustainable City Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn because we are threatened by out of control development Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn critic of Housing & Preservation Development plans for Queens West Luxury Housing Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn page on facebook Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn Gets United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500 endorsement Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn Atlantic Yards Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn Director of Pratt Center for Community Development Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn Brad Lander is running for City Council in Brooklyn