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About This Map

There are three key parts to this map

1. Rough Renderings of the Quadriad Proposal
2. Outline (red) of the Seven Block Development Area
3. Zoning Map Showing the General Building Height Allotments Created Under Last Year's Waterfront Rezoning Plan

Zoning Key

(Note: this is a simplified version of the actual zoning. It is only intended to show general building height allowances in the area. For more detailed zoning designations please see the city's official zoning maps listed in the resources at the bottom of this page).

To help you orient yourself, other information about the neighborhood is also provided

> Well known ongoing projects are indicated by the cranes
> Photos of the area's streets are indicated by little red dots
> Subway lines are available as an underlying map

You can discuss this map here.

The Issue: Upzoning A Protected Low Scale Zone

The central issue around the Quadriad Proposal is that it seeks to place 28 towers in an area of Williamsburg that just last year was was designated as a protected low scale area. Under last year's sweeping Brooklyn Waterfront Rezoning, the area where Quadriad wants to build towers was designated as 6 stories, with a 2 floor bonus available when affordable units are included. This was part of an appeasement to the community for the massive up zoning on the waterfront. Quadriad is now seeking a reversal of that deal on seven blocks in the heart of the protected area.

Politicians Touted This As A Protected Area

Politicians in 2005 claimed that the low scale zoning of this area of Williamsburg was an important part of last year's waterfront rezoning:

"This comprehensive plan supports the Bloomberg administration's commitment to redeveloping the waterfront for housing, including affordable housing, as well as the Mayor's promise to support industrial firms...The unique character of the existing inland neighborhoods will be protected by the new zoning."
City Planning Commission (CPC) Chair Amanda M. Burden, March 14, 2005

"This plan protects the fabric of the inland neighborhoods, preserving their mixed-use character, preventing noxious, heavy industrial uses and further out-of-scale development"
Mayor Bloomberg, May 2nd 2005

Summary of Quadriad's Proposal

Based on the developer's presentation (copy available below) Quadriad appears to be proposing a multi-tiered deal, one in which they offer more affordable housing and "community facilities" as they are allowed to build higher. This information shown on the map above is based on comments by the developer reported in the media and looking at this presentation. Here are the details of the proposal that appear in the presentation:

Terms of The Deal

for twice the existing far (far x 2) :
25% of the housing is made affordable for either
rental or ownership

for three times the existing far (far x 3) :

all of the above +
an additional 5% of affordable housing is provided
community retail space is provided
community open space is provided

the land for a key community facility is provided

for four times the existing far (far x 4) :
all of the above +
the land for key community facilities is provided and
the facility itself is built at not (sic) cost.

Development Phase One: Williamsburg Square

The developer Quadriad already owns the property at Bedford between 3rd
and 4th streets, and is pushing to build here first. Rough renderings by the developer have shown the tallest towers at this location. This is the area the developer calls Williamsburg Square.

Development Phase Two: More Property Acquisition

The developer has told representatives of People's Firehouse in Williamsburg that they have also already puchased 3/4 of the property from N 4th to N 5th between Berry and Wythe. The developer is said to be negotiating for a final strip along Wythe on that block.

Meetings Have Already Happened with City Planning and David Yassky

The developer also told People's Firehouse that they have been meeting with City Planning and they have presented their idea to David Yassky, who allegedly called the plan "very interesting".

Research Resources

Documents

The Developer's presentation (PDF!)
Greenpoint-Williamsburg Landuse Zoning Map (PDF!)
Greenpoint-Williamsburg Landuse Amendments Zoning Map (PDF!)
More details about last year's approved waterfront rezoning are available at the NYC.gov's Greenpoint-Williamsburg Land Use Page

onNYTurf

Quadriad Proposal For Williamsburg