Continuum Company Cancels Crown Heights Rezoning Near Brooklyn Botanic Garden
In a surprising turn of events, developer Continuum Company has decided to withdraw its controversial rezoning application for the Spice Factory site in Crown Heights. This decision came shortly after the City Planning Commission approved a revised version of the proposal, which aimed to protect the nearby Brooklyn Botanic Garden from shadows that could harm its plants. The developer initially seemed to support this modified plan, but ultimately chose to cancel the rezoning application.
The site, located at 962-972 Franklin Ave., will now likely be developed as market-rate condos under the existing zoning regulations, according to a representative for Continuum Company. This decision marks the end of years of efforts by the developer to push through a rezoning for the property.
Background of the Controversy
The development of the Spice Factory, formerly known as Consumers Park Brewing Company, has been steeped in controversy from the start. Local residents have been divided on the issue, with some advocating for the preservation of the historic brewery buildings and others expressing concerns about any development that could potentially impact the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Continuum’s original rezoning application, submitted in May 2024, sought to convert the property from an R6A zoning district to R8A and C2-4. This would have allowed for the construction of a 14-story, 475-unit building, in contrast to the seven-story development permitted under the existing zoning laws.
Revised Proposal and City Planning Commission Approval
In response to the community’s concerns about the shadows that the proposed development would cast on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the City Planning Commission modified Continuum’s application. The revised plan reduced the height of the building to 115 feet and the number of units to 355. Additionally, the zoning was changed to R7D, which required a 15-degree slope on the western side of the building to mitigate shadows.
Despite these changes, Continuum Company decided to withdraw the application after the City Planning Commission’s approval. The developer cited financial concerns, stating that the modifications would make it difficult to fulfill the promises made to the community, including the creation of affordable housing units and job opportunities.
Impact on the Community
The decision to cancel the rezoning application has raised questions about the future development of the Spice Factory site. Without the proposed rezoning, the property is likely to be developed as market-rate condos rather than utilizing the City of Yes Universal Affordability Preference, if it is passed by the city.
Next door at 960 Franklin Ave., developer Yitzchok Schwartz is planning a seven-story, 300-unit condo development that complies with the existing zoning regulations. This highlights the contrast between the proposed development by Continuum Company and the potential future developments in the area.
Reactions and Responses
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden expressed satisfaction with the modifications made to the proposed development, particularly regarding the impact on the garden and the nearby Jackie Robinson Playground. However, the garden emphasized the need for further changes to protect its vulnerable collections from shadows.
City Planning Commission Director Dan Garodnick praised the collaborative efforts of all parties involved in finding a solution that balances the need for new housing with the preservation of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the garden’s long-term viability while meeting the community’s housing needs.
Moving Forward
Despite the approval of the modified rezoning proposal by the City Planning Commission, it is unlikely to progress to the City Council due to Continuum Company’s decision to withdraw the application. As of now, no new building applications have been filed for the Spice Factory site, leaving the future development of the property uncertain.
In conclusion, the cancellation of the Crown Heights rezoning near the Brooklyn Botanic Garden marks the end of a contentious chapter in the neighborhood’s development. The decision reflects the challenges of balancing the competing interests of housing development, historic preservation, and environmental conservation in rapidly changing urban areas. The future of the Spice Factory site remains uncertain, but the community’s concerns about the impact on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden have been heard and addressed through the collaborative efforts of all parties involved.
