Here's How To Participate In The Gowanus Rezoning Public Hearing

BROOKLYN, NY — After a months-long court battle, the city's proposal to rezone Gowanus will face the community in a hybrid outdoor-virtual meeting next week.

The hearing set-up, led by Community Boards 2 and 6, is the result of a court-approved plan to give both remote and in-person access to the review process known as ULURP of the plans after a local lawsuit challenged the use of strictly virtual government meetings during the coronavirus crisis.

It comes six months after city officials first sought to kick off ULURP for the Gowanus Neighborhood Plan, a series of city-led zoning changes to 80 blocks surrounding the Gowanus Canal that have bene in the works for a decade.

The lawsuit — filed by opponents of the rezoning known as Voice of Gowanus and F.R.O.G — sought to delay the review process until fully in-person meetings about it could be held.

Instead, Judge Katherine Levine decided the city would be allowed to proceed with ULURP should they meet certain parameters for ensuring both an outdoor, in-person and virtual portion of the hearing.

The hearing plan includes an in-person location at the astroturf area in Washington Park, also known as J. J. Byrne Park, and several options for tuning in remotely through Zoom, by phone or on livestream.

Residents will be required to register should they want to testify during the hearing.

Find full details about how to participate here: