Gowanus Institute

02/28/12 - STATEMENT REGARDING NYC BOARD OF STANDARDS & APPEALS' DECISION TO GRANT WHOLE FOODS MARKET A VARIANCE TO DEVELOP A LARGE RETAIL STORE IN GOWANUS BROOKLYN

Gowanus Institute is disappointed by NYC Board of Standards and Appeals’ decision to grant Whole Foods Market the variance to build a large, suburban-style retail food market in an area that has been a haven for well-paying manufacturing jobs protected by New York City’s zoning law and economic policies.

Gowanus Institute maintains that WFM did not meet the five, legally-required findings for a variance to be granted. It is clear that if built, the retail development will indeed forever alter the essential manufacturing character of the Gowanus neighborhood. Additionally, WFM did not establish that an as-of-right manufacturing alternative could not be built. If BSA could so easily determine that manufacturing is not viable at the WFM site, then the standard for a variance must be so low that the developer of any site could carry out similar plans by pursuing the same process--one that not only completely undermines zoning law, but more importantly eliminates the opportunity for the public to participate in decisions about development in their communities.

Gowanus Institute shares the concern of other organizations and of many community members that the practice of granting variances and special permits to build residential buildings, hotels or large retail stores in manufacturing zones without considering the high probability of displacement in its manufacturing districts threatens low-income individuals who need affordable places to live and work and businesses that need the protection manufacturing zones in order to survive.

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Read today's NY Times article about Gowanus Institute's alternative plan.

Whole Foods Faces Decisive Vote in Brooklyn A city panel is set to vote on whether to approve a special permit for the grocery chain’s proposed 52,000-square-foot store on a site near the Gowanus Canal.

Gowanus Center for Industrial & Culinary Innovation

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www.gowanusinstitute.org

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