City Planning Director Amanda Burden has sent a letter to Carroll Gardens residents pushing for fast action on rezoning the neighborhood that says the department can’t commit to “a precise timeframe” for action. The timetable has previously been stated in terms of several years as many other neighborhoods are in line ahead of Carroll Gardens. In any case, here’s the text of Ms. Burden’s letter:

Thank you for your letter regarding the neighborhood of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Brooklyn is experiencing an incredible resurgence and reaping an unprecedented level of investment, and development. While we welcome growth, this wave also puts pressure on many lower density neighborhoods across the borough currently suffering from out of context development. The Department of City Planning seeks to balance between the
needs for the future growth of the city and preserving the character of these neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn, including Park Slope, South Park Slope, Fort Greene/Clinton Hill, Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge…The Department works closely with communities in arriving at a fine grained block by block zoning proposal addressing the unique context of each neighborhood.

We are aware that members of the community are concerned about the proposed building at 360 Smith Street. As you note, this development is proceeding “as of right” under the current zoning. I appreciate your request for a review of of the current zoning in this area. We agree that such a study makes sense, and are committed to pursuing it, but because of the numerous neighborhood re-zoning efforts we have underway in communities throughout Brooklyn, we are unable to commit to a precise timeframe. Please note that any moratorium, whether temporary or permanent, is required by law to go through the Uniform Land Use Public Review Process, as well as an environmental review.

Very sincerely,
Amanda H. Burden, Director
Department of City Planning

Much more to come.