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June 18, 2012
Landscape architects' organization says Atlantic Yards parking lot ignores sustainability; calls for increased greenery, better use of stormwater, programming when space is unused
Atlantic Yards Report
Forest City Ratner's plan to not meet Department of City Planning standards for the surface parking lot associated with the Barclays Center--thanks, according to the developer, to a state override of zoning*--has generated extensive criticism, not only from Atlantic Yards Watch, but more recently from a leading professional organization, which warns of "higher-than-average temperatures in the neighborhood as a result of the heat island effect."
In a letter sent 6/12/12 to Kenneth Adams, President/CEO, Empire State Development Corporation, the state agency overseeing the project, the New York Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (NYASLA) commented that the parking should be more sustainable, adding "vegetation, shade, a minimized carbon footprint, stormwater management and pervious parking surface materials."
"Such an approach is more respectful of the quality of life of adjacent residents and businesses," wrote NYASLA President Denisha Williams and Past-President, Policy Committee Tricia Martin.
*The letter notes that the exemption from city guidelines is because of the lot's status as a temporary lot--but it could last for more than a decade.
NoLandGrab: The next time Forest City Ratner is "respectful of the quality of life of adjacent residents and businesses" will be the first time Forest City Ratner is respectful of the quality of life of adjacent residents and businesses.
Posted by eric at June 18, 2012 10:52 AM