Rose Plaza Plans Get Denied

rose plaza, schaefer landing, south williamsburg

30 Nov, 2009 by New York Herald in Real Estate

Rose Plaza (map), South Williamsburg’s ambitious 801-unit waterfront development proposal, has been denied by the Community Board for a second time, despite revised renderings that include a landscaped, public accessible esplanade and 20% affordable housing. Apparently, the three tower complex exceeds current zoning regulations and doesn’t provide enough affordable housing to earn itself an exemption.  Lack of family size units also irk the likes of committee member Rabbi David Niederman, who commented that “It’s another development that gentrifies a community that is suffering already from a lack of housing”.

Just as well, Williamsburg is facing a huge inventory surplus, although we’re pretty sure this will eventually get the nod.  As Schaefer Landing residents ourselves, (just north of the proposed Rose Plaza), we know that the area has some of the best views of Manhattan and the right plan would be a beautiful addition to the neighborhood. Let’s hope this rejection forces a more ambitious and inclusive use of the waterfront by the Rose Plaza developers.

Update: Dec. 4, 2009 – What Rose Plaza used to look like

Brooklyn 11211 has dug up a beautiful image of what Rose Plaza looked like 105 years ago.  Back then the future condo park on the East River was home to the Mollenhauer Sugar Refining Co.  Of course back then, Schaefer Landing was brewing beer, not neighborhood wars over bike lanes and gentrification.