Proceeding with the Continuum Company's proposed development of a 10-story residential building on 462-472 Franklin Ave. faced significant opposition from local residents and organizations, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, who argued that such construction would cast excessive shadows over the garden, impacting its delicate ecosystems and visitor experience.
Ian Bruce Eichner from Continuum stated that the DCP's approval of a reduced building height would ultimately devalue the property, leading to a decision to withdraw the application for the now smaller residential project, potentially indicating a shift in strategy for future developments.
The rezoning debate revealed deep community divisions, with local activists and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden fighting against what they labeled as 'The Fight For Sunlight'—a campaign aimed at preserving the natural light the garden relies on for its plant species and for public enjoyment.
The Department of City Planning acknowledged that while a 10-story building would not be ideal, it was deemed to have a 'partially mitigable impact' on the botanic garden, suggesting a compromise that reflected the ongoing conflict between development interests and community preservation.
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