Lightstone Group says it will proceed with Gowanus Canal development

November 15, 2012 By Linda Collins Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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In response to a request by City Councilmember Brad Lander to withdraw its application to build a residential development along the Gowanus Canal, developer The Lightstone Group said it planned to move forward with its project.

“We are fully committed to the development of our Gowanus Canal project and will move forward to build a high-quality, environmentally-sound residential complex,” said Ethan Geto, a spokesperson for the firm, in an email message Wednesday.

Lander had noted that the proposed Lightstone development was in an area that was evacuated for Hurricane Sandy, and the canal overflowed, flooding nearby residences and businesses.

But Lightstone believes that will not happen once its project is built.

“Based on the information we have reviewed, we believe that had the Lightstone project been built and occupied during Hurricane Sandy none of the residential or parking areas would have experienced flooding,” said Geto.

Lander was hoping the firm would step back and work with the community to “formulate guidelines for waterfront development and create a future for the Gowanus Canal area that turns the destruction our city has seen over the last two weeks into a thoughtful, sustainable, longterm plan for our future.”

However, Lightstone, noting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expressed support of the project’s environmental plans — a copy of which was forwarded to the Eagle, said, “As with any development project in its early stages, design and technology considerations are continually reviewed and evaluated.

“We have world-class architects and engineers working on this project and we will continue to bring the most current, sophisticated and thoughtful ideas to bear as we refine the project.”

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