While the Carroll Gardens neighborhood is anxiously awaiting the beginning of two mega construction projects, one at 360 Smith Street, the other at 340 Court Street, the building at 100 Luquer Street, at the outer edge of Carroll Gardens, has been going up and up, changing the feel of that block forever. And while local residents are still debating if we should rezone, landmark or just let thinks be, towers like these are being constructed and more are planned for our neighborhood.
I received this very nice note from reader W.D. today. He happens to live in the shadow of the Luquer building. In his email he states: "A good friend of mine from Manhattan came out and visited me a few months ago. In half-jest, he called our neighborhood "big-sky country". I though it was very funny. But, I now realize that that sky is seriously in jeopardy." He would like all of us to take a good look at the Luquer Street "monstrosity" as a warning to us all. Today it's his block, tomorrow it will be yours!
Hello,
I just wanted to say as someone else who lives in the neighborhood that I enjoy your blog very much. Especially that you voice your (and our) concerns about the development that threatens it's existence. I live on 4th place, and one side of my apartment faces the giant monstrocity that is being built at 100 Luquer.I am not sure that many people see it since it is right on the edge of Carroll Gardens, but it is enormous. If you happen to be on Clinton Street down around 3rd or 4th Place...take a look south. The building is 11 stories. But not your average 11 stories. Each floor is designed to be "loft-like" so they are 11 feet high.
Anyway, my point is that if enough people from the neighborhood saw it, I think they would be much more concerned about all the potential building sites in the heart of the neighborhood.
Thank you for hosting a forum for these issues. But I also enjoy all the other little stories and things that you point out in the neighborhood that I take for granted. Thanks for making me think about and appreciate them.
Respectfully, W.D.
For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking
.JPG)
7 comments:
That building is visible all the way from the B.Q.E. It towers over the whole neighborhood. It's a shame!
This is a dumb NIMBY blog.
Oh no, the buildings are sooo tall.
Doubt this comment will even appear.
I think calling 360 Smith st a 'mega-project' sounds hysterical and does nothing to help argument that area could use some modification to zoning.
But the limits that some of neighborhood residents propose is way to strict and limiting and yes very nimbyish. This neighborhood along with all others must be able to add housing stock to this city which is lacking housing. It is the edges of the neighborhood which could be considered blighted where most new development is taking place and is helping these areas.
I mean, seriously, is someone going to build a nice new townhouse down there almost against the BQE?
Hi-
I understand the frustration a lot of people have due to the high-rises emerging in the area, but maybe there's another way to consider this issue. I live in Red Hook, right across the BQE from the Luquer St tower and see it on a daily basis.
I used to wonder why such a building was necessary (along with the 360 Smith St building), but I was reminded of an event that I remember from living in Orlando:
In Downtown Orlando, I would walk by a high-rise retirement home on a regular basis; across the cobblestone road from the building was a patch of undisturbed land, still flourishing with vegetation. The residents of the home would sit on the porch and watch wildlife across the street.
Eventually the land was bull-dozed for construction. The seniors gathered on the porch to watch the destruction of their view, and of one of the few areas left in town that wasn't paved over, knowing they were losing something special.
This situation can be compared to what's going on here.
If our buildings don't go up, they go out, and then we have a whole other problem.
It's a compromise that won't satisfy everyone, but it's worth considering.
stop complaining and let these people work. get those old buildings out of there and get your yuppie whining out of the City - aka move back to long island or to middle america. 'the sky is in danger'. oh really chicken little sense?
stop complaining and let these people work. get those old buildings out of there and get your yuppie whining out of the City - aka move back to long island or to middle america. 'the sky is in danger'. oh really chicken little sense?
Michael,
I care more about the sky than I care about you.
Who do you think is going to move into high-priced condos at 100 Luquer except the "yuppies" you've just commanded to leave?
I care more about the sky than I care about them either.
Post a Comment