The 85 Jay St. mega project known as Front & York is now a reality in our community of Dumbo. The 135,000 sq. footprint former parking lot previously owned by the Jehovah’s Witnesses has already impacted our neighborhood in the areas of dust, labor issues, parking, traffic, and safety for cyclists. An Impending transportation issue of serious concern also looms upon the horizon as a large percentage of residents from the over 770 condos/apartments will most likely be joining existing Dumbo strap hangers on the York Street F train platform. This station is already experiencing major overcrowding and safety problems resulting from exploding demographics and the unfortunate reality of a subway station with only one exit.
Back in 2004, the Jehovah’s Witnesses also known as the Watchtower became interested in developing the steel gated, private parking lot. At that time, the land was zoned exclusively for manufacturing. Incompatible with the Watchtower’s plans for a mixed use residential and community facilities project, the Watchtower applied to the Department of City Planning for an upzoning review. As a result of their religious status, the department granted them generous zoning modifications. They were granted a dispensation which allowed them to build higher density residential units on the site as well as community facilities which included medical and administrative offices.
As a self contained community that rarely patronizes community businesses and pays little in taxes it is questionable as to why they were granted such generous zoning upgrades. In 2004 Dumbo’s identity was that of an industrial/artist’s enclave. Upon approval of the upzoning, the Watchtower pledged to renovate Bridge Park II located on Jay Street. As an additional concession they also pledged to upgrade the York Street F train station as stated by former Councilman David Yassky. It was a handshake deal.
An Impending transportation issue of serious concern also looms upon the horizon as a large percentage of residents from the over 770 condos/apartments will most likely be joining existing Dumbo strap hangers on the York Street F train platform.
When the Watchtower’s plan of 4 identical towers was presented to the community board, the board’s main concern was the height of the towers. The towers were proposed at 22 floors each. In order to compromise with the community the plans were revised to build higher towers on the Jay Street side and lower towers on the Bridge Street side. This compatibility factor was based on the fact that the 100 Jay condo building with 33 stories had already existed and therefore the higher towers would be a better fit on that side of the neighborhood.
In 2014 the Watchtower made the decision to scrap their plans for 85 Jay. The property along with the right to build was sold for $345,000,000 to a threesome which included Kushner, CIM Group and LIVWRK. Dumboites have since been relieved to learn that Kushner has since sold his share in the project as “He does not reflect the values of this neighborhood” commented a long time resident who wished to remain anonymous.
At that point the issue of the park renovation was revisited. A condition of the sale was contingent on the Watchtower making good on its pledge to renovate the park. Unfortunately they had to be prodded and persuaded to make good on a promise to a neighborhood where they had resided for decades. The renovation should start in Spring 2020. The pledge to upgrade the subway station was apparently neither addressed or transferred to the new developers.
It seems quite detrimental to our neighborhoods that plans approved in 2004 can be legally sold 10 years later with the right to build without a review of the initial project by the Department of City Planning
It seems quite detrimental to our neighborhoods that plans approved in 2004 can be legally sold 10 years later with the right to build without a review of the initial project by the Department of City Planning. Dumbo, a flourishing and expanding neighborhood has changed dramatically over the last 10 years and this new mega project with over 770 apartments will unquestionably put a major stress on the transportation infrastructure which is already pushed over its limits and poses a safety hazard to both residents and commuters Thanks to the Dumbo BID and Delson or Sherman Architects there are two neighborhood petitions circling throughout Dumbo appealing to the MTA to recognize the safety issues and to request inclusion in their 2020 plan to renovate the subway system. The local architecture firm Delson or Sherman has also proposed plans for a second entrance which is desperately needed. With only one entrance and an increase in strap hanger ridership the station is a potential death trap. It is terrifying to think what could happen in an emergency.
In 2004 transportation concerns were a non issue. The resident Jehovah Witnesses would not have been commuting to work. They would have been employed by the Watchtower itself and remained within the community during working hours. Traffic concerns would have also been alleviated since their cars would only be in use in the evening when they traveled to events and prayer services outside of Dumbo.The project allowed for ample parking spaces within the development.
I would suggest that any potential buyer at 85 Jay check out the York Street subway situation before making such an expensive purchase. While they will be enjoying the luxury amenities of elegant swimming pools, wine rooms, the Lifetime Wellness Club, and Gaggenau appliances, their F train commute will undoubtedly cause them stress and discomfort. If you have a stroller, you might want to prepare to walk to the Borough Hall station where there is an elevator, unless moms, dads or babysitters enjoy shlepping up and down 72 stairs and climbing/descending a steep ramp. As an alternative there is always the A train or a 12 block walk to the 2 or 3. I suppose one can always call a Lyft or Uber. If old school you can still dial Eastern Car Service at 718-499-6263 and if you are lucky, they will dispatch Segundo or Luis. It’s a great way to practice your Spanish.
When asked to comment about the York Street station and if they had any plans financially or otherwise to help alleviate the overcrowding and safety concerns a representative of Front and York responded as follows:
“We also want what is best for the neighborhood. We are in dialogue with the DUMBO BID, as well as other local stakeholders and elected officials, and remain interested in engaging with the community to discuss ways to push the City/MTA to make upgrades to their infrastructure.” – Front & York Spokesperson
Josh
February 10, 2020 at 6:59 pmI’ve been watching the construction of this monster from my window across the street since it was a hole in the ground. Regardless of what it will do to the neighborhood, it’s been interesting to watch their process as they slowly blot out the sun from my 9th floor view.
Jyro
February 10, 2020 at 7:01 pmI work across the street from this construction and am pretty worried about how crowded the subway entrance will become with this new structure. Hopefully there will at least be some good new restaurants at Front & York. We could use them.
Santo
February 12, 2020 at 12:09 amI’ve worked in Dumbo for 12 yrs, & love being here. But this addition to the neighborhood is worrisome, at best. The infrastructure of the area can barely support the number of residents, commuters, & tourists that are here daily.
Lehman Weichselbaum
May 27, 2020 at 9:27 pmSpeaking as a DumboDirect insider, there will be more news to come. Guaranteed.
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