Transfer of Air Rights Sought to Finance Public Housing Improvements in Brooklyn

The rezoning of the neighborhood of Gowanus in Brooklyn is providing opportunities for local politicians to address local needs.

1 minute read

November 10, 2019, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Gowanus Canal

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

Daniel Geiger reports on the evolution of a rezoning plan for the Gowanus neighborhood in Brooklyn, where the local councilmember, Brad lander, is proposing a transfer of air rights to help finance improvements at three local New York City Housing Authority buildings.

"Lander has asked the Dept. of City Planning, the agency drafting the rezoning plan, to include a mechanism that would allow the three complexes, Wyckoff Gardens, Gowanus Houses and Warren Street Houses, to sell air rights into the district, potentially raising tens of millions of dollars or more for the properties, which together have about 1,800 units," according to Geiger.

"Developers in the Gowanus neighborhood would be compelled to purchase air rights from the NYCHA buildings to achieve some portion of the added density granted through the neighborhood rezoning."

The Gowanus rezoning has been in the works for several years, with drafts released in 2018 and 2019. Next up for the rezoning is a seven-month public comment process, expected to begin in December or January.

Friday, November 8, 2019 in Crain's New York Business

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 10, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Converted garage to housing unit in London, UK.

Grand Rapids Mayor Proposes Garage Conversion Plan

The mayor says allowing homeowners to convert garages to dwelling units could alleviate the city’s housing shortage.

30 minutes ago - Fox 17

Curb cut at corner of sidewalk with yellow panel with bumps to indicate wheelchair ramp.

Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility

The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio

Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.

2 hours ago - Bloomberg CityLab