To the editor,
In a recent letter in this newspaper, (“Trim Two Trees plan,” Feb. 2), the chairman of the Urban Design Committee for the Brooklyn Chapter of the American Institute of Architects called our revised Dock Street proposal a “well thought out solution.” While we are grateful that the AIA thinks highly of elements of our project — including aspects of its contextual design, affordable housing, a new public middle school, a “green” building, parking and neighborhood-oriented retail — we want The Brooklyn Paper’s readers to understand our approach to the design issues raised in that letter.
The Brooklyn AIA recommended that the site be given a zoning identical to the adjacent property. It is important to recognize that such zoning would not affect the size of the building we could build. It would, however, prevent us from moving the bulk of the building’s tower away from the Brooklyn Bridge. After hearing the concerns of the community, we have completely revised a previous version of the plan and reoriented the building to increase its physical distance from the bridge and minimize view obstructions. While it is true that the new plan results in slightly more overall height, the portion of the building closest to the bridge is much lower and the taller portion is turned so that far less of the bridge view is obstructed.
The Brooklyn AIA also recommended that the building include setbacks at the south end of the tower closest to bridge. Such setbacks would not have a significant positive impact on the view from the bridge and would result in a non-contextual design for the surrounding neighborhood.
The Dock Street building design is driven in large part by the need to be respectful of, and responsive to, the very strong architectural character of DUMBO as embodied by the Gair Buildings — all of which rise to their full height without setback. Dock Street is a modern interpretation of these historic buildings, and as such, we feel that the setbacks that are required per zoning are inappropriate here.
We firmly believe that our design philosophy, in conjunction with the panoply of community benefits the new Dock Street project offer, makes the new Dock Street proposal significantly stronger than before.
Jed Walentas, DUMBO
The writer is a principal at Two Trees Management
She’s not Lyons
To the editor,
As an avid reader of The Brooklyn Paper, I would like to offer my congratulations on your well-deserved “Editor of the Year” award (“Editor of the Year!” Jan. 12) as well as my sympathies about Gersh Kuntzman’s broken ankle/search for a better orthopedist (“My ankle is having an affair,” Feb. 2).
I have a similar story about Dr. Tom Lyons that occurred four years ago.
My elderly aunt broke her ankle and was scheduled for surgery at Lutheran Medical Center by a one of the prominent doctors in Bay Ridge.
About one hour before the scheduled surgery, my sister and I were informed by a nurse, not by the surgeon, mind you, that he would not be available to do the surgery. After I strongly insisted on speaking with the “replacement” surgeon, a very unassuming young man approached us and identified himself as Dr. Tom Lyons.
We spoke for a few minutes, trying to find out a little about his background. He then finally and very humbly informed us that he was the chief of the Orthopedic Trauma Unit at Lutheran Medical Center, explained the procedure he was about to perform, and reassured us that he didn’t expect a problem.
Needless to say, we felt relieved and appreciated the fact that not only was the chief of the trauma unit operating on our aunt, but that he took the time to explain the procedure in simple terms and with respect. The operation was a success and my aunt was on her feet again.
I have since recommended Dr. Lyons to many people.
And one more thing: I wish Gersh a speedy recovery so that he can make the trip to Ponte Vedra Beach to pick up his award on Feb. 21. Louise Sahadi, Bay Ridge
Editor’s note: Kuntzman did, indeed, make the trip to Ponte Vedra Beach. You can see his acceptance speech at BrooklynPaper.com.
Taking its ‘Toll’
I know you’ll be providing full coverage of the Toll Brothers just-unveiled plan for 626 units along the Gowanus Canal between Carroll and Second streets, but in the meantime, I want you to know that many, many nearby blocks will be affected by such density.
There will be hundreds more units in the Gowanus area. Is anyone planning for where these people will shop/eat/send their kids to school/ride the train/park their cars/or even walk?
Please wake me from this nightmare! How can our tiny neighborhood sustain this kind of insane development?
Triada Samaras, Gowanus
The writer is co-founder of Carroll Gardens Coalition to Respectfully Develop.
Editor’s note: A story on the Toll Brothers plan appears this week on page 3.
