Gowanus Institute

02/28/2012

02/28/12 - STATEMENT REGARDING NYC BOARD OF STANDARDS & APPEALS' DECISION TO GRANT WHOLE FOODS MARKET A VARIANCE TO DEVELOP A LARGE RETAIL STORE IN GOWANUS BROOKLYN

Gowanus Institute is disappointed by NYC Board of Standards and Appeals’ decision to grant Whole Foods Market the variance to build a large, suburban-style retail food market in an area that has been a haven for well-paying manufacturing jobs protected by New York City’s zoning law and economic policies.

Gowanus Institute maintains that WFM did not meet the five, legally-required findings for a variance to be granted. It is clear that if built, the retail development will indeed forever alter the essential manufacturing character of the Gowanus neighborhood. Additionally, WFM did not establish that an as-of-right manufacturing alternative could not be built. If BSA could so easily determine that manufacturing is not viable at the WFM site, then the standard for a variance must be so low that the developer of any site could carry out similar plans by pursuing the same process--one that not only completely undermines zoning law, but more importantly eliminates the opportunity for the public to participate in decisions about development in their communities.

Gowanus Institute shares the concern of other organizations and of many community members that the practice of granting variances and special permits to build residential buildings, hotels or large retail stores in manufacturing zones without considering the high probability of displacement in its manufacturing districts threatens low-income individuals who need affordable places to live and work and businesses that need the protection manufacturing zones in order to survive.

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02/27/2012

Read today's NY Times article about Gowanus Institute's alternative plan.

A city panel is set to vote on whether to approve a special permit for the grocery chain’s proposed 52,000-square-foot store on a site near the Gowanus Canal.

02/27/2012

Gowanus Center for Industrial & Culinary Innovation

02/14/2012

Brownstoner engages the Whole Foods debate

Crain’s has a story about the opposition to Whole Foods’ plans to build a supermarket at 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue that covers the by-now-familiar criticisms from some in the neighborhood that the store would harm area artists and small businesses. An example: “Some residents and small businesses wo...

02/14/2012

www.gowanusinstitute.org

02/14/2012

Just two weeks to BSA's decision. Please read and sign the petition asking BSA and elected officials to reject Whole Food's variance request.

Keep Gowanus Manufacturing Whole Foods Market is proposing to build regional, suburban-style mega-market in a thriving manufacturing district on...

02/14/2012

Read Shane Kavanaugh article in Crains New York. The takeaway: A manufacturing complex built as-of-right on that M2 zoned property without a variance would yield as much as 3 times more higher paying jobs in locally-owned small businesses than Whole Foods proposes. Whole Foods could best serve South Brooklyn neighborhoods and the planet by locating at an exit off the BQE or Belt Parkway where other regional big box retailers are rather than in the heart of a thriving industrial neighborhood where it would serve as a detriment to the future of manufacturing activity in the surrounding area.

Chain's long push for a store in the Brooklyn area nears a crucial vote.

02/01/2012

Screening the Battle for Brooklyn

01/30/2012

Whole Foods Design could alter landmarked building..

01/25/2012

Whole Foods decision delayed! Katia Kelly comments on the testimony and outcome of yesterday's BSA hearing on the Whole Foods variance application.

Our Morocco event planner can design special events like wedding, family reunion, or group travel for any occasion.

10/31/2011