Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Brooklyn

Brooklyn Merchants Fight for Parking Over Affordable Housing

A group of profoundly confused Brooklyn merchants have convinced themselves that a nearby empty lot is better used for motor vehicle storage than affordable housing for 152 families. Oh, and by the way, the affordable housing plan includes an even larger parking lot beneath the building. The Daily News reports:

A group of Williamsburg merchants is battling a city plan to develop a parking lot that for more than a decade has helped attract customers to the thriving commercial strip. But the city and the developer - which is set to buy the city lot for $1 - said the plans for 152 units of affordable housing at McKenna Court also would benefit the merchants.

The lengthy city land-review process, which will determine whether the project will be approved, continued on Monday with a hearing before the borough president...

The merchants said that many more spaces would be needed for the new tenants. But the developer said past experiences have shown that few, if any, of the new tenants would have cars. Without a transportation study - which the community board has now requested - the merchants remained convinced that their businesses would suffer.

Convenient parking is crucial to good business, said Betty Cooney, executive director of the Graham Avenue Business Improvement District, which represents 180 businesses. "We need those amenities to keep our customer base," she said.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Aims to Build First Avenue Tunnel Bike Lane Before September’s UN General Assembly

DOT hopes to have the concrete-protect tunnel bike lane installed this summer, but its exact plans are still in development.

May 7, 2024

Waste Reforms Could Require Data on Crashes, Dangerous Driving

The proposal affects at least one trucking company with a deadly driving record.

May 7, 2024

When it Comes to Federal Infrastructure Grants, Size Does Matter

Cities and municipalities with larger budgets and staff are more likely to win competitive federal infrastructure grants, the Urban Institute has found.

May 7, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines: Real Estate Greed Against Good Bike Lane Design Edition

A real estate developer's opposition to the Ashland Place protected bike lane yields some baffling bike lane markings. Plus more news.

May 7, 2024

City Considers Fixes for Another Ridiculously Slow Cross-Bronx Bus

Potential bus improvements are on the table for the Bronx's Tremont Avenue, but the Adams administration's failures on nearby Fordham Road loom large.

May 6, 2024
See all posts