Park Slope was downzoned in 2003. Doesn this already protect us against inappropriate development?
Downzoning was an important first step toward ensuring that buildings will be scaled to the context of the existing neighborhood. Zoning, however, has no bearing on a building’s appearance. Further, the 2003 downzoning permits new buildings (and building additions) on 5th and 7th Avenues to rise to 70 feet, compared to just 50 foot on side streets. This change has already promoted new development on 5th Avenue, where chain stores have replaced locally-owned businesses. Finally, zoning laws can be overridden by determined politicians (as has been seen in the Atlantic Yards project) and are always open to change and interpretation. Only landmark designation will ensure that any new development takes advantage of materials and design appropriate to the character of the neighborhood.
