Res. No. 1214
Resolution calling upon the Department of City Planning to commence immediately a downzoning study of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn and upon the Department of Buildings to implement the appropriate procedure so as to not issue permits that would allow any new construction or alteration to an existing building that would exceed a height limit of 50 feet until the Carroll Gardens neighborhood downzoning is complete.
By Council Members de Blasio, James and Sanders Jr.
Whereas, Carroll Gardens is a charming neighborhood defined by its tree-lined streets, beautiful 3-4 story brownstones, and atypical setbacks that create deep front yards; and
Whereas, The architecture and layout of Carroll Gardens create a village-like character, which is not commonly found in New York City; and
Whereas, Carroll Gardens is zoned R6, which does not provide a uniform restriction on height; and
Whereas, With the recent state of hyper-development in Brooklyn, there is widespread concern that new large scale constructions pose a threat to the fabric of this historical Brooklyn neighborhood; and
Whereas, According to a 2006 survey by Brooklyn Community Board 6, 91% of neighborhood residents surveyed responded that they were either very concerned or concerned about the height or size of new buildings in the neighborhood. Further, 83% of those surveyed indicated that they favored stricter limits on the height, size and/or overall bulk of new buildings; and
Whereas, A neighborhood downzoning by the Department of City Planning would be the most effective long term method to preserve the neighborhood character and a solution to the problem of over-development in Carroll Gardens; and
Whereas, A 50 foot height limit on new construction or alteration to an existing building would protect the neighborhood from over-development during the time necessary for the Department of City Planning to perform the study and the analysis that precedes the downzoning of Carroll Gardens; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Department of City Planning to commence immediately a downzoning study of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn and upon the Department of Buildings to implement the appropriate procedure so as not to issue permits that would allow any new construction or alteration to an existing building that would exceed a height limit of 50 feet until the Carroll Gardens neighborhood downzoning is complete.
LS#
01/15/08
CJS