NEW YORK | Brooklyn Bridge Park

[Obey]

I think it is fine the way it is but I guess it wouldn't hurt to build it.

[ardecila]

I honestly don't see what's wrong with the pyramid. It's only a small entrance pavilion, not the Great Pyramid of Cheops. It smacks of Postmodernism, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

An ancient object made with modern materials placed inside a semi-ancient warehouse ruin? Intellectually, it's really cool.

[NYguy]

http://brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/..._11_26_bk.html

St. Ann’s Warehouse to restore Tobacco Warehouse






By Andy Campbell
November 18, 2010

The St. Ann’s Warehouse theater company — the world-renowned troupe based in Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO for 21 years — will take over and renovate the vacant Tobacco Warehouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park, converting it into a $15-million mixed-use performance hall and plaza, officials announced on Wednesday amid charges that the selection process was corrupt.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park board of directors green-lighted the troupe’s proposal — in an non-transparent process that was heavily criticized — to restore and build the crumbling 19th-century site into a self-sustaining community center that will host cultural events and performances year-round starting in 2013.

The choice of St. Ann’s Warehouse — popular with fans of cutting-edge theater and frequent performer Lou Reed — was not a surprise, given the company’s fundraising efforts and current location in a squat building on Water Street across from the Tobacco Warehouse. St. Ann’s execs said that they had already raised one third of its $15 million.

But Artistic Director Susan Feldman said the win would not just be a victory for theater-goers.

“There’s going to be so much more access — for us and the park-goers,” said the company’s Artistic Director, Susan Feldman, after the news came from City Hall in Manhattan. “We feel like we have a real chance to save this shell of a building and serve cultural needs of the community.”

The initial design features an open-air plaza, an enormous roofed performance space that takes up the majority of the indoor section, another multi-use show room and space for subtenants that will change throughout the year. It’s a big change for the 1870s-era Tobacco Warehouse, which is currently a roofless, slowly decaying open space that’s used for little more than wedding receptions and the occasional celebrity event.

On Wednesday, the excitement over St. Ann’s new home was unanimous. But the Brooklyn Bridge Park board meeting had become heated when community members and several elected officials decried the proceedings as scripted and lacking any of the transparency that park officials had promised.

Last month, state Sen. Daniel Squadron (D–Brooklyn Heights), Assemblywoman Joan Millman (D–Boerum Hill), Borough President Markowitz and a slew of other electeds demanded that Regina Myer, president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park development company, reveal the names of companies seeking the big renovation contract for public review. Myer ignored that call, revealing the bidders in a secret meeting on Monday, less than 48 hours before the board vote.

Opponents pointed to that move as evidence that Myer’s self-proclaimed dedication to public openness was a myth. Many were also critical of Myer’s apparent refusal to consider the warehouse as a funding source for the park’s $15-million annual maintenance budget — a strategy that could reduce the need for controversial housing inside the park development’s footprint.

“[When the park opened] last year, we thought it was the beginning of a new era of transparency — that illusion has been shattered today,” Paul Nelson, Millman’s appointee to the park’s board of directors, told Myer. “Of course everyone loves what you do. But we’re giving away a property for free that will give no revenue to the park. It’s being tragically wasted.”

That said, only three board members voted against the proposal.

When we asked Myer about the controversy, she said simply, “I think this has been a very transparent process. We’ve been very open with the community.”

[NYguy]

http://www.thelmagazine.com/TheMeasu...ousel-pavilion

Work Begins on Dumbo's Jean Nouvel-Designed Carousel Pavilion



by Benjamin Sutton
Nov 16, 2010

Finally, now that the design by Pritzker-winning, Foucault-resembling architect Jean Nouvel has been revealed, space has been allocated, and trees have been felled, Brownstoner confirms with the groundworks photo above (taken on Friday) that construction has begun on a new pavilion in Empire Ferry State Park for Jane's Carousel, the vintage roundabout salvaged from Youngstown, Ohio, in 1984 by local real estate heavyweights the Walentases, and currently housed nearby on Water Street. Still no word on when the thing will actually start spinning.

http://www.brownstoner.com/brownston...carousel_3.php

[NYguy]

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/...l_a_la_fl.html

Brooklyn Bridge Park applies for permit to open up its own floating pool a la Floating Pool Lady



BY Erin Durkin and Jake Pearson
January 4th 2011

Brooklyn Bridge Park could finally get its own floating pool.

Park officials want to build a new floating pool, like the wildly popular barge-borne one that docked in the Brooklyn Heights harbor four summers ago, and last week took the first step by applying for a permit with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

"It was popular. It drew visitors from all over Brooklyn, the city, and 12 foreign countries," said state Sen. Daniel Squadron (D-Brooklyn Heights).

"Having recreation that makes this park the citywide star that it can be is very important, and having a floating pool in the harbor would help the park reach its potential."

The city's only floating pool - called the Floating Pool Lady - has been stationed in the Bronx after its Brooklyn debut at Pier 2 near the Fulton Ferry Landing during the summer of 2007.

Park officials are hoping to construct a permanent pool atop the East River on the north side of Pier 5 near Atlantic Ave., but haven't yet raised the $5-10 million it would cost.

"It is a lot of money, but [for] a $350 million park to have a pool is an important amenity for a small fraction of the cost," Squadron said.

Critics have long complained that the well-manicured waterfront park lacks enough recreation - and a floating pool could add a new dimension.

Officials agreed to explore floating pool concept as part of an agreement made earlier this year to turn over the park from state to city control, said park spokeswoman Ellen Ryan.

"Brooklyn Bridge Park hosted a floating pool in the summer of 2007 to great success," said Ryan. "Brooklyn Bridge Park looks forward to working with elected officials and DEC to make this amenity a reality."

Floating pools have existed in the city since as early as 1817. By 1890, 4 million people a year used 15 public floating pools.

http://www.brownstoner.com/brownston...bbp_applie.php

[Obey]

^^^ I went to that when it was opened. It was pretty cool. Always wondered why they never brought it back.

[sciguy0504]

Very cool idea!

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by Obey

^^^ I went to that when it was opened. It was pretty cool. Always wondered why they never brought it back.

They were supposed to move it around, but I think it's been in the Bronx since it left Brooklyn.

[Obey]

Originally Posted by NYguy

They were supposed to move it around, but I think it's been in the Bronx since it left Brooklyn.

Ah, I see. It's been so long since I've checked on this project but do you or anyone else know what they are working on right now? The park directly under the Brooklyn Bridge?

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by Obey

The park directly under the Brooklyn Bridge?

Could be the Pavilion.

[NYguy]

http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/brookl...dL6gmfJSVjpM8L

Empire Stores park project finally on track

January 12, 2011
By RICH CALDER

After years of failed attempts, a row of historic, 19th Century former coffee warehouses in DUMBO is finally set to become a major revenue source for Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Officials overseeing the 85-acre city park plan announced last night that they expect to begin soliciting bids from developers for the Empire Stores warehouses along Water Street in March and to choose a winner by year’s end.

The Empire Stores project is expected to bring 325,000-square feet of retail and commercial space to the park.

Under the proposed $16.1 million maintenance budget for a built-out park, Empire Stores would generate $1,075,000 of the annual revenues needed.

Much of the rest of the budget would be paid for with high-rise condos complexes, although the city is studying alternatives to building new apartments in the park.

During a meeting at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights, Regina Myer, president of the city's Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corp., told members of the park’s Community Advisory Council it would up to the developer tapped to decide which type of tenants to bring to Empire Stores.

Some CAC members recommended soliciting tenants providing educational and cultural programming.

DUMBO developer David Walentas had held the rights to the Empire Stores dating back to the 1980s. But in 2002, the Empire State Development Corp., when it was overseeing the park plan, tapped rival developer Shaya Boymelgreen to develop it into a shopping mall modeled after the Chelsea Market.

But in 2005, ESDC took the site back after Boymelgreen let it deteriorate while concentrating on other developments. The ESDC then considered bringing a performing arts venue to the site, but that idea stalled in late 2007 after the buildings were declared unsafe and major renovation work became necessary.

During the CAC meeting, things got heated late when members were split over language in the new bylaws they were being asked to adopt by the city. At one point, Cobble Hill activist Judi Francis, a member, said she felt powerless and that the CAC resembled a "Kangaroo Court." Her motion to table a vote on the bylaws was narrowly rejected 11-10 with six absentees (Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Executive Director Nancy Webster -- who has long been at odds with Francis -- had the honor of casting the deciding vote).

The bylaws were then adopted 14-7, but only after certain language was removed so the 27-member board could someday add additional seats on the CAC.

[NYguy]

http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2011/0...rks_pier_6.php

Dinner Dreams to Become Reality at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6



Wednesday, January 19, 2011, by Pete Davies

Brooklyn chefs who dream of serving visitors in Brooklyn Bridge Park still have time to pursue their waterfront fantasy over on Pier 6 at Atlantic Avenue. The folks in charge are looking for a restaurant operator "to complement the Park's ambiance and aesthetic and surrounding area while providing a convenient service to the public." The full RFP (warning: PDF) includes images of what's in store, showing a chunk of concrete clad in wood and stone. But it will take lots of work to turn this foodie dream into a restaurant reality.

Only 'respectful' boozing will be allowed.

The commitment covers a 12-year lease, and requires the restaurateur to build-out, operate and maintain the waterfront facility. Inducements for concessionaires are the 6,000 park visitors who pass by on any weekend day, plus the slew of potential customers at the pricey 430-unit One Brooklyn Bridge Park condo overlooking the site.

What the restaurant will offer should "incorporate ethnically diverse and/or healthy food choices." On-premise alcohol consumption, of the "respectful" sort, will be allowed. The deadline for submissions is January 25, but we suspect the River Café folks are already in a tizzy.

Plans in miniature for Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park.



The box as built on Pier 6.



Where it's at.







http://a856-internet.nyc.gov/nycvend...cessionRFP.pdf

[Roadcruiser1]

‘Tobacco’ woes! Suit says state lied to feds to privatize Park warehouse

By Andy Campbell

State parks officials lied to their federal counterparts in order to turn the landmarked Tobacco Warehouse into a privatized development project without any public oversight, a bombshell lawsuit alleges — and on Tuesday, a federal judge ordered the National Park Service to court for an expedited hearing in the case.

Last week, Brooklyn Heights groups sued the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, claiming that the agency worked with Brooklyn Bridge Park officials to rezone the warehouse so that it was no longer part of the federally protected parkland of Empire–Fulton Ferry State Park. The Civil War-era relic was handed over in November to the St. Ann’s Warehouse theater company, which has a $15-million plan for a performance hall and plaza.

The action was filed by members of the Brooklyn Heights and Fulton Ferry Landing associations and the New York Landmarks Conservancy to stop the transfer of the Tobacco Warehouse to St. Ann’s Warehouse. Federal Judge Eric Vitaliano agreed with the plaintiffs on the need to act quickly, ordering a hearing for next Thursday.

The state allegedly launched a covert plan in 2009 to remove the Tobacco Warehouse from the park completely — all it needed to do was tell its counterpart, the National Park Service, that nobody used the site and that it was better suited as a private amenity even though the warehouse actually has a long history of community support, funding and repair.

In turn, the National Park Service — which oversees all re-designation of state parkland — skirted its review duties by approving the state’s proposal without questioning what it was being told, the suit alleges.

In reclassifying the warehouse as non-parkland, “[the state] was pursuing a secret agenda on behalf of private, commercial interests,” the suit charges.

Foes of the deal were miffed by the alleged “subterfuge.”

“The Tobacco Warehouse is a big part of [the park’s] potential, and a unique community amenity — the process for determining its use must adhere to these principles,” said state Sen. Daniel Squadron (D–Brooklyn Heights), who slammed the park’s transparency last year. “If true, the issues being raised today are disturbing and call the process into further question; they must be dealt with swiftly.”

Both state and park officials didn’t return calls by press time.

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories...bk.html?comm=1

[Obey]

http://archrecord.construction.com/p...ridge_park.asp

Interesting story from Architectural Record

[NYguy]

http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/brookl...RgXmvlmmqvFuoO

300-square-foot bike-rental concession coming to B'klyn Bridge Park

February 11, 2011
By RICH CALDER

Get set for a biking bonanza at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

In a move aimed at attracting more tourists to the waterfront park, the city this spring is bringing a 300-square-foot bike-rental concession to the park’s Old Fulton Street entrance by Pier 1 and Fulton Ferry Landing.

The city’s Brooklyn Bridge Park Corp. today began soliciting bids from companies interested in renting adult bikes, children bikes and tandem bikes to the public.

The service would run mid-April to mid-October from at least 10 am to 4 pm daily. The winning bidder will get a two-year deal, with the city having an option to extend it three more years.

Ellen Ryan, a park spokeswoman, said the city sees the new service “being a hit with tourists” but also with New Yorkers who don’t own bikes.

Many tourists visit the park by walking over the Brooklyn Bridge or taking a water taxi from Manhattan.

Renters wouldn’t be limited to riding the bikes along the park’s pathways, officials said.

They could explore other parts of the borough, pedal over the Brooklyn Bridge, or even take the bikes by ferry from Pier 6 at Atlantic Avenue over to Governors Island and ride there.

The park last summer added a bicycle and pedestrian pathway that runs 15 blocks from Pier 1 to Pier 6 and serves as an interim link within the 14-mile Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway project.

The path connects to an existing half-mile bike lane that quietly popped up three years ago along the Columbia Street waterfront at DeGraw Street and runs north to
Pier 6.

Ryan said the city plans to extend the park’s bikeway north especially since the Empire Fulton-Ferry section of the park in DUMBO is set to re-open this summer. But the plans are being held up by repair work to the Brooklyn Bridge.

[Obey]

I haven't been down to the park in a while because of the weather and I am one of those New Yorkers who do not have bikes and would love to be able to ride one!

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by Obey

I am one of those New Yorkers who do not have bikes and would love to be able to ride one!

Bike riders in New York are sometimes my sworn enemies, but in the park? Perfect! Get down there and ride (just take it easy if you decide to go over the bridge).


http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories...A+Headlines%29
Feds: We were right about the Tobacco Warehouse



By Natalie O’Neill
February 16, 2011

Federal parks officials say they did nothing wrong when they allowed the state to redraw the map of the Brooklyn waterfront to allow a historic building in a park to be redeveloped into a theater.

The National Parks Service issued the widely expected ruling on Tuesday that it supports its own 2008 decision that paved the way for the state to convert the decaying Tobacco Warehouse in DUMBO into a theater and cultural center inside Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The finding won’t stop the Brooklyn Heights Association — one of three groups that sued stop the renovation — from battling on.

“It should shock anyone committed to good government,” said Jane McGroarty, president of the Brooklyn Heights Association.

The federal ruling — and the outrage over it — stems from an extremely arcane bit of map-redrawing. In 2009, the state penned new park boundary lines that reclassified the warehouse as sitting on non-parkland, thus allowing private entities to take over what was once federally protected public land.

Sure enough, in November, the world-renowned theater troupe St. Ann’s Warehouse was given development rights to convert the crumbling and roofless building into a $15-million mixed-use performance hall and plaza.

Opponents, including the Brooklyn Heights and Fulton Ferry Landing associations and the New York Landmarks Conservancy then sued, saying that the “state was pursuing a personal agenda on behalf of private commercial interests.”

The lawsuit claims two things: The state lied to feds about the location of the building so that it would no longer part of the federally protected parkland of Empire–Fulton Ferry State Park — and that the National Parks Service skirted its review duties by not questioning a state assertion that nobody used the site even though it actually has a long history of community support, funding and repair.

The Park Service finding was hailed by supporters of the St. Ann’s project.

Brooklyn Bridge Park President Regina Myer called the ruling a step towards “a world-class performance space” that “will greatly benefit Brooklyn Bridge Park and the surrounding communities.”

Park officials said that they issued the Feb. 14 finding based on information — some of it new — about land boundaries, the condition of the building and use of federal grant money in the park.

But opponents said that the feds simply buckled to pressure from state and city authorities who were intent on giving the site to St. Ann’s, and needed a secretly redrawn map.

“It’s clear that the National Park Service — an agency charged with protecting our public parkland — has reneged on this duty and has yielded to political pressure from City Hall,” said McGroarty. “We will litigate vigorously so that these ‘back room’ deals do not rob the public of what is rightfully theirs.”

[Obey]

'Decaying' I think is a strong word

[Dominic]

Hi All,
85 acre for a park is too much.
Nyguy great pictures. Could you or anyone who went there will post the recent pictures of the park and floating pool.
What is the depth of pool and is there of kids also?

[Obey]

^^^ Everything you said was wrong, weird, or creepy. The floating pool isn't even there yet and how is 85 acres too much?