Brooklyn Community Protests Rezoning for Mixed-Use Developments in Gravesend and Bay Ridge

Under the bright lights of Brooklyn's Borough Hall, community members gathered on July 16, 2025, to discuss a significant rezoning proposal that could reshape the Gravesend neighborhood. The meeting focused on a mixed-use development plan that seeks to amend zoning regulations to allow for an eight-story building on a triangular site between Nixon Court and Shore Parkway.

The proposal aims to change the zoning from R5 to R7A, which would increase the allowable floor area ratio (FAR) from 1.5 to 5.01. This change would facilitate the construction of 19 residential units, including six affordable units under the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) program. The ground floor is designed to include local retail space, potentially serving the nearby Coney Island Hospital, which is just across the street.

The development team emphasized that this new proposal addresses concerns raised during a previous application that was withdrawn. They have made adjustments to the building's size, parking provisions, and sustainability features, aiming to enhance the overall community experience. The plan includes seven parking spaces, accessible via a single curb cut, which has been a point of contention among local residents.

However, community feedback has been mixed. Some residents expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about increased traffic, the adequacy of parking, and the potential for the new commercial space to disrupt the neighborhood's character. Mark Murnick, a member of the community board, voiced his discontent, arguing that the project would exacerbate existing traffic issues and that the commercial space could lead to unpredictable uses that might not align with community needs.

As the meeting progressed, testimonies from local residents painted a picture of a community divided. Many voiced fears that the proposed development would not only alter the neighborhood's character but also contribute to rising rents and displacement. Others, however, acknowledged the need for more housing and the potential benefits of a mixed-use development.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of the rezoning, with some community members advocating for a more moderate approach that would better align with the existing neighborhood fabric. The call for a balance between development and community preservation resonated throughout the evening, highlighting the ongoing struggle many neighborhoods face in navigating growth while maintaining their unique identities.

As the meeting concluded, the future of the Gravesend development proposal remained uncertain, with community members eager to see how their voices would influence the decision-making process. The outcome of this rezoning could set a precedent for future developments in Brooklyn, making it a pivotal moment for both the community and city planners.