Medical Office Building Proposed in Brooklyn

[Kerry]

Probably for the demolition.

[Steve]

^Could be, which brings a frustration. If they demolish this than build nothing we are left with an empty lot. Have they even pulled permits for the new building?

[thelakelander]

Doubt it. They need to get past the DDRB before pulling permits.

[Kerry]

This something that has always bothered me.  There should be no such thing as a demo permit.  The demo approval should be inherent in the building permit.  Don't tear anything down until you are ready to build something to replace it.

[brainstormer]

That was quick. No months of press releases and slick renderings for the public to dream about.

No kidding. I sat down with the owner for dinner last night, and this was actually a rather late change to the original plans which were for a different use altogether.

Was the original proposed use something better than a medical office building?

[CCMjax]

^What's wrong with a medical office building?  Or any office building at this location?  It is activity in an area of Brooklyn that has seen better days.

[brainstormer]

^What's wrong with a medical office building?  Or any office building at this location?  It is activity in an area of Brooklyn that has seen better days.

I'm actually okay with the office building. My question was more out of curiosity for the original plan and the reasons behind the change. The office building is definitely better than what is currently there.

[Kay]

Both this project and the Gate gas station will be going before DDRB at 2 p.m. today.  People need to show up if they can.  Maybe Ennis can post location and email addresses of committee members.

These are the first new developments on Park St. other than the apartments. The gas station is much worse than the medical building but even that site needs improvement.  This is the opportunity to get Park St. right or damn it to continue to be an example of what not to do in an urban environment. 

[Steve]

^I would love to but I can't:(

[Captain Zissou]

There's an excavator on site tearing down the two buildings today.  If this doesn't make it through the DDRB, there are going to be some vacant lots for a while.

[CCMjax]

There's an excavator on site tearing down the two buildings today.  If this doesn't make it through the DDRB, there are going to be some vacant lots for a while.

I can't say I'm going to shed any tears over losing those two buildings, even if they do remain empty lots for a while.

[FlaBoy]

I like the doctor's office. It is built for a walkable environment. I think once 5 Points and Brooklyn begin to truly hit their stride many of these lots will end up being built out as apartments (at least I hope).

[Kerry]

As long as they keep building parking lots fronting the streets the area won't hit it's stride.  It is like trying to run with an open parachute on.  If parking lots give way to eventual development then how come it never happens?

[thelakelander]

In this particular spot, it shouldn't be too bad. The parking lot facing Park is only 60' wide and other than the 24' wide entrance, the rest will be hidden from the street by a wall and landscaping. While it's not the ideal urban design, it's nowhere near the amount of asphalt sitting in front of Fresh Market or 220 Riverside. This little office project and the leg of parking off its Park Street entrance won't be the thing that keeps the area from hitting its stride.

[edjax]

So what happened at the meeting with this and Gate?