BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
LANDMARKS/LAND USE/HOUSING COMMITTEE
March 7,2026@ 250 Baltic Street
Attendees
Dave Jerry Lena (remote) Kathleen Daniel Maddie Laurie Quorum streak continues,
Landmarks 152 Atlantic Avenue – Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a Rooftop Addition in the Cobble Hill Historic District
Presented by Richard Grisaru, the project architect. New skylights, stair bulkhead, deck, and railings are being added at the building roof. The height of the rear building wall is being extended upwards to accommodate the new supporting roof structure.
Questions were asked about the visibility of the proposed work from Clinton Street, north of Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn Heights Historic District). Discussion about the setback distance of front railing and FDNY access. The property owner pointed out that the portion of deck closest to Atlantic Avenue affords a view of Manhattan.
Community members who live on Union Street expressed support of the project since visibility from Clinton Street is primarily of only55 railing.
Jerry: Motion to conditionally approve if railing facing Atlantic is set back an additional 2’. Maddie: Seconded.
Five votes in favor. Two abstentions.
Motion passes.
Land Use 175 Third Street - GSD-175 Third Street Certification & Authorization to modify bulk, Certification of a Waterfront Public Access Area (WPAA), and Authorization to modify WPAA requirements to facilitate a new 28-story, 869,000 sf (6.2 FAR) mixed-use development, including 740,000 sf residential use (1,071 Dwelling Units); 129,600 sf of commercial uses, and 28,000 sf of WPAA on property.
Presented by Tavros Charney development team; BIG, the design architect; and Field Operations, the landscape architect. The focus of the presentation was on widening 2nd Street access, park amenities, architectural features, courtyard, and anchor retail space. 85,000 sf of zoning floor area [ZFA] is being acquired from Powerhouse Arts to add 100 dwelling units; this requires modification of bulk as per City of Yes guidelines.
Lengthy discussion with committee, which included the following comments: - Presentation neglected to distinguish between “as-of-right” bulk and proposed bulk modifications due to proposed acquisition of PHA ZFA. - In previous discussions, developers presented that the total number of units would be 1,000, including 100 added by acquiring PHA ZFA. - In previous discussions and emails dating back to last summer, the committee requested that for its support, the developer must provide public bathrooms, all additional units meet affordability requirements, and that it leverage its purchase of the ZFA from PHA to ensure that the non-profit’s promenade is opened to the public. The developer has declined each of these requests, and repeatedly referenced the limitations placed on it by underwriting. - When asked if there could be any increase in the number of affordable units beyond the 25% MIH threshold at 60% AMI, the developer said due to underwriting no additional units could be affordable. - Committee expressed frustration with minimal apparent effort made to negotiate public access of the promenade with PHA. - The developer confirmed that no money has been paid yet to PHA. - The committee suggested an option where the developer could pay for required upgrades to the promenade to meet WPAA requirements. PHA could use a portion of its incoming funds to amend its DOB paperwork and file for a change of use, initiating the indemnification it has publicly indicated was a sticking point. - Developer was told by PHA that if its current use, as listed on its TCO (Temp. Certificate of Occupancy) was changed, the current programs would not be allowed. The committee disagreed with this since its current primary use is industrial and manufacturing, while its programming is legal under other uses as defined in the resolution. - A committee member expressed reservations on the quality of construction at Union Channel, another property developed by Tavros Charney, raising concerns with the accuracy of the 3rd Street presentation and verbal representations. The developer objected to this characterization of its building. - Given the large sum that the developer will be paying to PHA for its floor area, the committee advised the developer to use its financial leverage to negotiate with PHA on behalf of the community to open its promenade.
Community members asked about access to public transit and a mix of affordable units. The bus stop on the corner of Third Avenue will remain and the mix is required to meet the mix of market rate units. One community member expressed support of the project since it adds more housing.
Daniel: Motion to conditionally approve authorization if, a) the PHA promenade is opened to the public as a direct result of the ZFA acquisition, and b) 30% of the 1,071 units meet the affordability requirements for 60% AMI. Jerry: Seconded.
Six votes in favor. One abstention.
Motion passes.
End of meeting.