Dyker downzone moves ahead

By Matthew Lysiak
The Brooklyn Paper

A city plan to block over-development in low-rise Dyker Heights moved another step closer to reality this week as a local civic association backed the proposal.

More than 100 residents showed up at Monday night’s meeting of the Dyker Heights Civic Association — which then voted to support a City Planning Commission bid to limit high-rise development in the 160 blocks between 62nd and 86th streets.

Community Board 10 will consider the matter on Monday, April 16, as part of the proposal’s public-review process.

There’s little doubt how the board will vote, given how strongly local pols support the Bloomberg Administration proposal.

“This rezoning plan will help protect the unique character of the neighborhood for future generations,” said Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Bay Ridge). “I am hopeful this plan will move quickly through the public review process.”

Dyker Heights is just the latest neighborhood to demand that the city protect its character by changing the zoning to block high-rise construction. Park Slope, Carroll Gardens and Fort Greene have also completed or are working on similar zoning changes.

But opponents say that downzoning results in less housing — which is critically needed as Brooklyn grows. Housing advocates say the high cost of real estate is pricing many people out of their neighborhood. Downzoning, they say, limits housing opportunities for both lower- and middle-class residents.

Community Board 10’s public hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday, April 16, at the Knights of Columbus (1305 86th St. between 13th and 14th avenues), 7:15 pm. Call (718) 745-6827 for information.