Howe’s Brooklyn: The sharp outer edges of Bridge/Park conflict
Bitter conflict and passionate feelings were clear at the community meeting to air grievances against development at the fringes of Brooklyn Bridge Park. At one sharp outer edge, those who built and manage the park feel it is a unique development, a pro bono publico project that, unlike so many other public works, was created with a self-funding element that demands flexibility in the structure.
At the other sharp edge is an opposing force of neighborhood sentiment in Brooklyn Heights, demanding that no developmental or funding project can ride rough-shod over basic concerns of the residential community.
“They’ve put the cart before the horse,” said one longtime resident who attended the meeting Tuesday night. “No matter how grand and celebrated this park plan may be as a crown jewel, it serves what is essentially a transient crowd of visitors. Planning for impact on long-term neighbors, who are solicited for money to support park activities, has been short-sighted.”