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City Cuts $11 Million From Brooklyn Bridge Park, Fancy Condos Ahoy!
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 14, 2011
Modified Jun 14, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 14, 2011
Modified Jun 14, 2011
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Barely a year after opening to glowing reviews (it's all in the restrooms) the city has cut $11 million in funding to our favorite place to eat Grimaldi's. If pols don't agree on whether or not to build luxury condos to finance its annual $16 million maintenance fees, the remainder of the $44 million that the city has promised may be in jeopardy as well! Brooklyn Heights state senator Daniel Squadron tells the Daily News that, "This funding cut and the results of this report call the city's commitment to completing the park into question."
A Bay-Area consulting firm presented the city with options other than blighting the park with schmancy condos, but they would raise a maximum of $7 million a year, nowhere near enough to keep the park running. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy even admits that "some residual housing is needed on the site." And spokesman for the Parks Department reiterates Bloomberg's commitment to the park, but "to responsibly allocate those capital funds, however, a plan must be in place to ensure the maintenance of these investments for future generations." It's a win-win—as long as BBP installs a well-manicured 'groveling annex' directly below the condos so parkgoers can gather any spare change or champagne falling out the windows.
Tagged
bloomberg
brooklyn bridge park
budget
budget shortfalls
mayor bloomberg
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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