Williamsburg, NY – Rose Plaza Developers May Have Second Chance With BP Markowitz

Williamsburg, NY – Developers of the proposed Williamsburg waterfront mixed-use project known as Rose Plaza on the River will be submitting additions or changes to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz within the week.

The team of developers and architects who appeared at the public hearing last week were told by Markowitz that he had many objections, the same as those brought forth by Community Board 1 the week before, when the project was voted down in a 31-8 vote.

“They are my appointees. I appointed them, you do understand, right?” Markowitz asked, referring to CB 1 board members.

There will be no further face-to-face meetings between the developers and Markowitz, however, according to Mark Zustovich, press secretary.

“The developers stated at the ULURP hearing they would be presenting — in writing — a response to the concerns expressed by the borough president.,” he told the Eagle following the meeting, adding, “Markowitz will give consideration to their written comments.”

The objections included, among other things, an inadequate amount of affordable housing (only 20 percent when 33 percent was preferred), a poor mix of unit sizes (favoring small units), a lack of public accessibility and an inadequate amount of open space.

As previously reported, the 816,000-square-foot development will include 801 residential units, 30,000 square feet of retail space and parking for 496 vehicles in three towers — of 18, 25 and 29 stories — plus several low-rise buildings along Kent Avenue (where the retail space will be located).

There are also plans for a waterfront restaurant and outdoor cafe at the esplanade with access by the public.

At the Borough Hall hearing, architect Susan Wright of Gruzen Samton Architects, said the breakdown of units is 5 percent studios, 5 percent three-bedrooms, and 45 percent each of one- and two-bedroom units. There were opposite responses to the proposed mix of units.with one group objecting, calling for many more three- and even four-bedroom apartments to accommodate large families; and the other in favor of more smaller units to accommodate the area’s young couples who are just starting out.

The developers said they were reviewing the unit mix and will include any revisions in their written comments. They also assured Markowitz of public access to the waterfront at all hours and said they had agreed to give over total control of the open space to the city’s Parks Department and will fund that effort. As for the affordable housing element, they said the costs of cleanup of the industrial land and the costs of restoring the bulkhead prohibit them from having more affordable units.

One of the developers noted that CB 1 had supported the bulk, design and density of the project. “We were surprised they didn’t vote to approve it with modifications,” he said.

After Markowitz reviews the additional written material from developers Abraham and Isack Rosenberg, he will issue his formal recommendation, as required by the ULURP process, according to Zustovich.