Residents oppose proposed high-rise development in Brooklyn
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Fed up with towering buildings and skyrocketing rents, a group in Brooklyn is making a stand against a proposed high-rise development that threatens to alter the character of their neighborhoods.
Residents of Park Slope and Windsor Terrace are expressing concerns they have over the potential impact of the buildings.
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Pat Lenahan, a resident of Prospect Avenue for 50 years, expresses her frustration with the proposed high-rise buildings. She worries about the impact on parking, already a major issue in the area, and the potential for blocked access for emergency vehicles. “Forget about it,” she says, “the parking here is bad enough. God forbid somebody needs an ambulance.”
This concern is shared by many residents who have formed a group called “Housing Not High Rises.” They advocate for affordable housing solutions rather than luxury high-rises. Jack Walsh, a member of the group and a resident of Windsor Terrace, emphasizes the neighborhood’s character: “This is a block with two and three-story buildings, occasionally a four-story on a corner. 13-story towers in the middle of the block are completely inappropriate.”
Walsh goes on to criticize the developer, Arrow Linen, accusing them of prioritizing profit over the well-being of the community. “This is just a cash grab to enrich the owners,” he states.
Arrow Linen filed for rezoning in August. PIX11 reached out to the company, their land-use attorney, and Councilmember Shahana Hanif, who represents the neighborhoods, but has not received any responses to requests for comment.
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Despite the lack of response from certain parties, residents are determined to fight the proposal. “We are surprised that we actually have to organize to fight this because it’s such an egregious abuse of the process,” says Walsh.
Pat Lenahan echoes this sentiment, stating, “That’s the last thing we need now.”
This ongoing battle highlights the growing tension between residents and developers in Brooklyn, as concerns over affordability and neighborhood character clash with economic interests.
This is a developing story.
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