Williamsburg Might Be Getting A New Waterfront Park: Report

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN — Domino Park could have a new neighbor, but likely a very different one.

Local developer Two Trees has started holding meetings about what to build in a new waterfront park it is planning for three lots on River Street, Brownstoner reported.

The new parkland, created on three former industrial sites owned by Con Edison that line the water between Grand Street and North 3rd Street, would be part of the developers' plan to connect the Brooklyn Navy Yard all the way to Newtown Creek with waterfront green space.

“We believe there is an amazing opportunity to build another world-class, sustainable waterfront park," the meeting invitation said, according to an attendee who spoke with Brownstoner. “As an integral component of the site’s redevelopment, this new park would connect existing parks and take a giant step towards creating a contiguous waterfront park that extends from the Navy Yard to Newtown Creek.”

Residents apparently told Two Trees that they want the new park to be a contrast to the bustling Domino Park that sits to its south. That park, which Two Trees also created, has become a popular waterfront destination.

“Domino Park is great, but it’s very active,” the resident, who has lived in Williamsburg for 10 years, said. “Maybe we need a park that is more private” — meaning attracting primarily locals — “because we have plenty of people in the area already.”

The three lots Two Trees is considering for the park are 87 River Street, 105 River Street, and a site with no address adjacent to 49 River Street. They are currently owned by Con Edison but will reportedly be shifted to Two Trees in the near future.

The resident told Brownstoner that the developers said the new parks would probably come with some sort of housing, which they noted would require a rezoning of the space. If successful, a rezoning would trigger a requirement for affordable housing under the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program.

More meetings about the park are scheduled for later this month.

To read the full Brownstoner report click here.