The stunning hype for 550 Vanderbilt: the missing "park" (and school and senior center). the "peaceful space," and the loophole
After writing about the recent sales at the 550 Vanderbilt condo, I took a look again at the building website, and was stunned by the misleading and outright dishonest information provided.
Most prominent, as I wrote in October 2020, is the citation of Pacific Park--the future green space at the project--as if it already exists, rather than requires a full buildout before completion, and that likely will take until 2035. (So, yes, I'm repeating myself, but it needs to be repeated.)
The condo building's page describing Pacific Park states, "A brand new park in the heart of Brooklyn with unparalleled services and amenities at your doorstep."
The park doesn't exist.
Your backyard
Down the page, it claims that the park is "YOUR BACKYARD."
"Pacific Park is more than a place; it’s a community, in the best sense of the word. With 8- acres of inviting green space, generous lawns for picnics and sunbathing, a dog run, athletic spaces and more, outdoor living is at your doorstep."
It's more than a place, it's a fantasy. There's no "8 acres of green space." There's fractional green/paved space next to 550 Vanderbilt and 535 Carlton, both encroached on by construction of the B12/B13 towers.
Once those are done, by mid-2023, the green space between those four towers will be somewhat increased, but only after six towers over the railyard are completed--especially the last three (B8/B9/B10)--will demapped Pacific Street between Carlton and Vanderbilt avenues be turned into green space.
The new institutions?
Beyond that, copy on the page claims that a new middle-school, day care, and senior center are available, but they're not. The school is due in 2025 (!), but the others don't have a deadline.
Yes, there's new retail, but hardly "tons." And, just to repeat, "the center" of the project does not contain a "brand new park."
Here's the copy:
With an innovative new middle school, day care, senior center and tons of new retail which serve your every shopping and recreational needs, Pacific Park is the backdrop to where you can raise your family, send your kids to day care, visit your doctor, shop, play, entertain — all within a block of your doorstep.
Living at Pacific Park, you’re in close proximity to Brooklyn’s major shopping corridors and surrounded by some of the hottest restaurants and most lively hotspots in the world. At the center is a brand new park designed by landscape architect Thomas Balsley.
About the views
Spectacular vistas from each home reveal a vibrant landscape that remains familiar, even as it delights and surprises each day. You’ll take in views of the Manhattan skyline, Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and historic Brooklyn. Sit back and watch the seasons change as the story of Brooklyn unfolds below.
About the amenities
The page on amenities claims the courtyard offers "PEACEFUL SPACE." The copy:
Opening onto Pacific Park’s generous green space, this serene courtyard, connected to the rear of the building’s lobby, offers a quiet place to relax. Enjoy the thoughtful design of this beautiful setting anytime you need a quiet moment.
There's ongoing construction next door! It's anything but serene.
The page marked Legal reminds us that "complete offering terms are in an offering plan," that photos and images "are artist renderings for illustrative purposes only," and views shown "are approximate and may depict views from various elevations."
Empire State Development chose to named "Atlantic Yards" to "Pacific Park." I'm constantly amazed that NYC Economic Development Corporation renamed "Willoughby Square Park" to "Abolitionist Place Park," and then made a big deal that they couldn't use the word park so they renamed it again, this time to "Abolitionist Place," which is doubly confusing because it's on Duffield Street which is co-named "Abolitionist Place."
ReplyDeleteClearly, words no longer have meaning.