Many Greenpoint residents aren’t thrilled with new waterfront developments in the neighborhood, which they believe have the bare minimum of waterfront seating, pathways and plantings.

Last week, representatives from the Department of City Planning met with local residents to explain the process of waterfront zoning with a presentation organized by Councilmember Stephen Levin (D-Brooklyn Heights-Greenpoint), according to Bklyner.

While the city’s 2005 waterfront rezoning allows for “more design” other than the required bulkhead walls and railings, it doesn’t require it, DCP representatives told the community.

While DCP “strongly encourages” developers to create more waterfront amenities, it has no power to penalize developers who merely adhere to the basics, Bklyner reported.

For example, when Greenpoint Landing at One Blue Slip opened its esplanade to the public this summer, neighbors were “underwhelmed by the sterile, basic design,” Bklyner said.