Waterfront views : defining a new planning process for Brooklyn's post-industrial waterfronts

Abstract

The study of waterfront planning largely focuses on the physical reconnection of the post-industrial, downtown waterfront with the spatial fabric of the city. Attention is given to the need for clarity of regulations, strong leadership, and citizen support. Little focus is given to less visible, residential neighborhood waterfronts, and the importance of understanding and incorporating the neighborhood perspective into the planning process. In this study, the post-industrial waterfront neighborhoods of Greenpoint and Red Hook, Brooklyn are the focus. Ways in which the histories of the neighborhoods, the experiences of their residents and the pressure of outside development interests interact with the city's approach to planning the waterfront are explored. An attempt is made to understand how this dynamic might better inform the way waterfront planning is approached. At the core of this new approach is the recognition that planning for today's waterfront is a complex and contentious process. The neighborhood waterfront setting requires a planning and implementation process that bridges various city-agencies and links to planning activity at the neighborhood level.