New Housing for Columbia Street?

Columbia Street in Red Hook, which has been in a state of serious street construction for more than a year, will be getting some new housing if a "pre-approved" Department of Housing Preservation and Development goes ahead. The plan is for 152 units of housing, 40 percent of which would be affordable. The plan was to be discussed at a Community Board 6 committee meeting on August 23. The presentation was canceled because it conflicted with a Carroll Gardens "Town Hall" meeting hosted by City Council Member Bill de Blasio. The Brooklyn Downtown Star has a new story on the plan. It may not be greeted warmly by residents, some of whom may object to plans for buildings up to 60-80 feet tall in a community where most structures are only two or three stories. It is similar to the issue which led to the Carroll Gardens meeting, in fact, where plans for a building of similar height at 360 Smith Street built support for downzoning the entire neighborhood.
[Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Downtown Star]