Kenn Lowy took over the Brooklyn Heights Cinema in 2011 after its previous owner was indicted in a financial scandal. Despite a successful three-year stint, the building was recently sold to a new developer, who has no plans to keep the theater intact. The cinema’s infrastructure, […]
Zoning
standard No Halloween Prank: Half-Built ‘Horror House’ Finally Dead
While many people may look at 1882 East 12th Street in Sheepshead Bay–now an empty lot surrounded by a chain-link fence–they may see neglected land and real estate blight. But it represents something very different to Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Brooklyn) and neighbors on […]
standard On a Range of New Developments, Legal Protections Leave Critics Wanting
Across several neighborhoods, critics of unfettered development are finding that a range of legal protections once trusted to thwart outsized construction cannot necessarily be relied upon. Community groups and preservationists are retooling where they can, holding demonstrations, filing additional lawsuits and perfecting appeals. But in other […]
standard St. Ann’s Housing Forum: Widespread Struggle for Affordability, But Few Solutions
“I don’t recognize my neighborhood anymore,” said Victor Li of Kensington. “No one can stop the developers.” “I live on Franklin Avenue, and our landlord has pulled one maneuver after another,” offered Elisa Holland of Bed-Stuy. “They want the rent-controlled tenants out, and […]
standard Is 172 Montague a Sidewalk-Eating Monster?
A towering new development on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights has local residents concerned–but not for the usual reasons. “Is the facade of the new building at 172 Montague, long hidden by scaffolding, now revealed to be taking more sidewalk than it should?” […]
standard Is Landmarking Out of Control? Contentious Perspectives Clash at Crain’s Event
A cataclysm of divergent views sparred in a healthy (if occasionally contentions) forum sponsored by Crain’s New York Business. “Is Landmarking Out of Control?” brought together an array of prominent figures, from developers to preservationists and others involved in the industry. Kenneth T. Jackson, Professor […]
standard Protest Against New Condos in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens
Championing Preservation, Environmentalism, and Affordable Housing “Stop condos in the Park!” members of the Coalition Moratorium to Protect Prospect Park Yelled near the Farmer’s Market at Grand Army Plaza Saturday. Their protest against new development in the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens area is fueled by […]