Making Sense of the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning Story (Substack)

Making Sense of the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning Story (link)

The New York Times wrongly posited a NIMBY backlash, missing the Community Board's affordability gain, and downplayed reasons for skepticism. But yes, it was Council Member Hudson's call.

From the article:

Why should I write about a New York Times series on the “affordability crisis,” which included two articles chronicling 962 Pacific Street, an empty lot that might have delivered a new 150-unit building with affordable housing in Crown Heights?

Because 1) yes, it’s Atlantic Yards-adjacent, in a few ways; 2) the Times got some key things wrong; and 3) such coverage furthers the simple “build more homes” narrative. As the only reporter to steadily cover 962 Pacific, I know the story of this failed rezoning is far more complicated—and strange—than presented.

Notably, Brooklyn Community Board 8 didn’t offer knee-jerk opposition, but successfully negotiated more affordable housing than landowner Nadine Oelsner initially proposed and some CB 8 leaders, as well as Oelsner’s nonprofit housing partner, were willing to accept.

From version of developer’s presentation with 38 affordable units

For the rest of this long article, click here.