Greenpoint's waterfront is on high alert as a new 600-foot-tall apartment complex, Monitor Point, comes before the local community board for approval. The massive project, developed by Gotham Organization, promises to deliver 1,150 units of housing, including 460 affordable apartments, but residents are torn over its impact on affordability and the environment.
Critics argue that while the developer's revised plan includes more affordable options, it still doesn't address the community's pressing need for genuine affordable housing. They point to a proposed 200-unit complex with all rent-controlled units as a welcome respite, but say it's too little, too late. Local leaders, including Councilmember Lincoln Restler, are demanding more commitments on affordability and park completion.
The Monitor Point project is also being felt by the broader community of Greenpoint residents, who have watched two decades pass since a major neighborhood rezoning plan transformed the area. The development comes as the city struggles to address its housing crisis, and opponents see it as a symbol of the system's failure to deliver on promises made for residents.
Developer Bryan Kelly has acknowledged concerns from neighbors and made concessions, including increasing the number of affordable units. However, MTA officials argue that the deal benefits their agency by generating funds needed for capital improvement projects and transit operations.
As the community weighs its options, some point out that the Monitor Point project could be a catalyst for positive change in Greenpoint, unlocking funds for other long-overdue developments like Bushwick Inlet Park. The project's proponents say it will bring much-needed housing to an area with more units built than any other neighborhood over the past 15 years.
The fate of the Monitor Point project hangs in the balance as the community board considers its application on Tuesday evening. With tensions running high, local leaders and residents are pushing for a fair deal that addresses their needs and ensures that the development benefits the entire community.
Critics argue that while the developer's revised plan includes more affordable options, it still doesn't address the community's pressing need for genuine affordable housing. They point to a proposed 200-unit complex with all rent-controlled units as a welcome respite, but say it's too little, too late. Local leaders, including Councilmember Lincoln Restler, are demanding more commitments on affordability and park completion.
The Monitor Point project is also being felt by the broader community of Greenpoint residents, who have watched two decades pass since a major neighborhood rezoning plan transformed the area. The development comes as the city struggles to address its housing crisis, and opponents see it as a symbol of the system's failure to deliver on promises made for residents.
Developer Bryan Kelly has acknowledged concerns from neighbors and made concessions, including increasing the number of affordable units. However, MTA officials argue that the deal benefits their agency by generating funds needed for capital improvement projects and transit operations.
As the community weighs its options, some point out that the Monitor Point project could be a catalyst for positive change in Greenpoint, unlocking funds for other long-overdue developments like Bushwick Inlet Park. The project's proponents say it will bring much-needed housing to an area with more units built than any other neighborhood over the past 15 years.
The fate of the Monitor Point project hangs in the balance as the community board considers its application on Tuesday evening. With tensions running high, local leaders and residents are pushing for a fair deal that addresses their needs and ensures that the development benefits the entire community.
I'm so divided about this new apartment complex 
on Greenpoint's waterfront. On one hand, 460 affordable apartments is a huge step forward 
! We desperately need more options for low-income families and artists 
. But at the same time, I worry that we're not doing enough to address the root issues of gentrification 
.
That's like a breath of fresh air 
! And it's not too late for the developer to make some real changes 
. I'm hoping our community board makes a fair decision that benefits everyone 
.
. Fingers crossed it's the former! 
, and if it brings in more affordable units than nothing, who's complaining? local leaders are being super dramatic about this... councilmember restler and all that jazz. it's just a building, folks! and btw, 200-unit complex with all rent-controlled units is a bit excessive - what's next, rent-free housing for everyone? 
. And yeah, the affordable apartments sound great but like, what about the ones that are gonna be super expensive? How's that gonna help the people who need it most? It feels like a band-aid solution to me. I mean, I get where they wanna make some cash for those transit projects 
, but can’t we find a way to balance that with actual affordability? We're already seeing gentrification in Greenpoint and it's gonna be a nightmare if people can't even afford to live here anymore 
.
.
. It's all about finding a balance between progress and people power 
.
. The developers just keep saying they're doing us a favor by adding more affordable units, but it's like, not good enough 
. Instead, they're all too busy arguing over who gets to decide what happens in our neighborhood 
.
. We need affordable housing, not just some fancy new buildings with a bunch of empty promises 
.
We need more than just token gestures from developers.
. The Monitor Point project should be a catalyst for change, not just more of the same old thing 
I think this whole thing is super complex. On one hand, 1,150 new units of housing is some big numbers right? But on the other hand, 460 affordable apartments is still like, a drop in the bucket for someone who's been trying to find an apartment they can afford for years 
.
The city needs a total overhaul when it comes to housing policies, but maybe this project is a step in the right direction?... or is that just wishful thinking? 
. We're already dealing with pollution and whatnot from all the development in Greenpoint, so adding a huge new building doesn't exactly sound like a win for our air quality or park space.