Gowanus Rezoning Gets Green Light From City Planning Commission

BROOKLYN, NY — The city's controversial plan to rezone Gowanus has gotten the green light from the City Planning Commission, moving it one step closer to a final vote in City Council.

All but one member of the Planning Commission, who abstained from the vote, signed off on the proposal on Wednesday.

The vote should come as little surprise to New Yorkers given the Department of City Planning's role in devising the Gowanus Neighborhood Plan, which seeks transform the once-industrial neighborhood by changing zoning rules in 80 blocks around the Gowanus Canal.

"This vote is a key milestone in the process of approving this unique and innovative plan — one that is shaped by the Gowanus community and stands for equity and sustainability in this great city of ours," CPC Vice Chair Kenneth Knuckles said before his vote.

"As our housing crisis continues to grow and in the face of a deadly virus this proposal means 8,000 new homes, 3,000 of them affordable, and a moderate and sustainable mixed-income community that will allow people to live work and play in a green Gowanus for generations to come."

The Gowanus rezoning, which has been in the works for a decade, started the review process earlier this year after a months-long legal battle.

It has so far gotten the support of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the community board that oversees the majority of the rezoning area, though both yes votes included a long list of conditions. Community Board 2, whose district includes four of the 80 blocks, voted against the proposal, also with a long list of conditions.

The biggest sticking point for most local leaders has been a demand that the city fully fund public housing repairs in the neighborhood. Both Council Members Brad Lander and Stephen Levin have said their votes will hinge on that and other demands.

In recent weeks, some lawmakers have demanded a new environmental study of the rezoning plan given concerns from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the city used outdated data to conclude it won't increase sewer overflows around the polluted canal.

The rezoning plan will head next to City Council, the final stage of the review process aside from a potential veto from Mayor Bill de Blasio.

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