CB1 Votes Down Domino

On Tuesday night, at a very crowded monthly meeting, Community Board 1 voted to reject the plans for the New Domino development, a series of high-rise towers slated for the Domino Sugar site on the Williamsburg waterfront, 23-12.

The plan, put forth by Community Preservation Corporation, encompasses the rezoning of an 11.2 acre site on the Southside waterfront to include four 300-400 foot glass towers and 2,200 residential units—660 of which will be permanently affordable—in addition to retail and commercial space, and more than four acres of open and green space. The plan includes a waterfront esplanade, a complete overhaul of the existing wharf and the preservation of the brick landmark Refinery complex, erected in 1882 and land-marked in 2007, as well as the famous Domino Sugar sign. In addition, the plan calls for a job-training program, and expects to create upwards of 1,000 jobs for community residents.

As proposed by the applicant, the rezoning would allow for a total of 2.8 million square feet of new development, 2.4 million square feet of which would be designated for new residential development; 127,000 square feet for new retail space, 100,000 square feet for new commercial office space and 140,000 square feet of new community facility space.

At last month’s CB1 Land Use Committee meeting board members voiced a variety of concerns about the plan including the density and the impact the influx of North Brooklyn residents would have on existing transit infrastructure. Many of these concerns were echoed on Tuesday evening as the full board accepted the ULURP-recommended rejection of the plan.

“Issues can be traced back to the density of this project,” said ULURP Committee chair Ward Dennis. “It would exceed the 2005 waterfront rezoning by 24% and the community board felt this increase would have significant adverse effects on the Greenpoint/Williamsburg community. In terms of modifications, we’re seeking to maintain the positive aspects of the project while providing some meaningful mitigation. But, even with the proposed modifications, it will result in a large project with many unmitigated impacts.”

The laundry list of modifications proposed by the CB1 Land Use Committee includes a commitment to a comprehensive transportation study of the area; limiting the height of the upland site to six stories and downsizing to comply with the 2005 Greenpoint/Williamsburg waterfront rezoning—CPC is requesting a 5.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) though that approved in the 2005 Greenpoint/Williamsburg waterfront rezoning allows for a maximum of 4.7 FAR—among others.

In response to the ULURP Committee’s recommendations, CPC Senior Vice President Susan Pollack voiced her commitment to affordable housing, and her confidence in the merits of the project and its benefits for the community.

“To commit to 660 units, and not just say it but really commit to it in the midst of an economic collapse…we really believe we’ve got a great project affordable with housing and open space, and we’ll continue fighting.”

While the majority of board members voted in line with ULURP, some were disappointed at the rejection of the plan. CB1’s newest member, Churches United for Fair Housing Executive Director Rob Solano, said he believes the vote is indicative of a shift in the core values of the community board.

“I thought the permanent affordable housing would sway the vote, but obviously that’s just not enough,” Solano said. “This sets a precedent that affordable housing is not a priority in the community board anymore.”

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will vote on the New Domino plan on Thursday evening. It will then be voted on by the New York City Planning Commission and finally by the City Council. Councilmember Diana Reyna voiced her support of the plan, while Councilmember Stephen Levin has refrained from issuing an official statement on the matter.

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