JAN 01, 2025
In a unanimous vote on Thursday, the New York City Council approved the much-anticipated Brooklyn Yards development plan, a transformative project that is set to reshape the Borough Park neighborhood and redefine the way we think about urban development above active rail lines. The ambitious project, led by developers David Tabak and Meyer Lebovits, in collaboration with architecture firm STUDIO V Design + Planning, will create a mixed-use, 14-building complex perched on a narrow platform spanning two blocks above a working section of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks.
The Brooklyn Yards development represents a rare opportunity to build on air rights over active rail lines—an engineering challenge that has historically been fraught with risks. With freight trains rolling just 20 feet below the proposed platform, developers have had to work closely with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to ensure the project doesn't interfere with the current rail operations or the future expansion of the Interborough Express (IBX) line. The IBX, slated to connect Brooklyn and Queens, will eventually run along the LIRR tracks beneath the development.
However, overcoming these challenges is not the only feat. The design of the platform and buildings has been carefully crafted to meet both the needs of the local community and the demands of a city in need of affordable housing. Instead of towering skyscrapers, the development will feature a series of smaller buildings—ranging from four-story townhouses to a nine-story mixed-use structure—designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding residential character of Borough Park.
The project, which spans two blocks between 14th and 16th avenues and 59th and 61st streets, will create 267 residential units, including 81 affordable apartments under New York City's Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program. The development aims to cater to Borough Park's large Orthodox Jewish community, offering larger three- and four-bedroom units—something that is often in short supply in new developments. Balconies, limited elevators, and spacious layouts reflect the needs and preferences of the local residents.
The design incorporates the "classic Brooklyn walkup" concept, with stoop gardens, staircases, and fully accessible ground-floor units. The smaller scale of the buildings—along with the varied textures and colors—helps to ensure the project fits naturally into the neighborhood, which has long been a concern in the face of large-scale developments in more established areas.
A key feature of the development will be a private, landscaped pedestrian pathway that connects the three tax lots. This "green walkway" will be designed in the style of traditional 17th- and 18th-century mews and will serve as a quiet, open space for residents and visitors to enjoy. The pathway will link to public streets via gated entrances and include raised planters, seating areas, and gardens. It’s a thoughtful design element that aims to enhance the pedestrian experience and build a greater sense of community.
While the site’s transit-oriented nature could make parking seem less critical, developers have responded to community requests by increasing the number of parking spots from an original 40 to 80. This decision demonstrates the developers’ commitment to meeting the needs of residents, even in an area that benefits from close proximity to mass transit.
Additionally, a public park will be built at the New Utrecht Avenue end of the development, complete with movable café tables, chairs, and a playground for children. The park, along with the proposed public pathways, will help ensure the development integrates well with the broader neighborhood, offering green space and recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Brooklyn Yards project is its responsiveness to the needs of the local community. During the public review process, the development team worked closely with local residents and community boards to incorporate feedback. For example, the original plan called for a taller, 10-story building, which was later reduced to nine stories to address concerns about the scale of the project.
The decision to increase the number of parking spots from 40 to 80 was also a direct response to community input, reflecting the developers' commitment to creating a development that is not just transit-oriented but also accessible and practical for residents. Moreover, the inclusion of larger apartments—especially those with three or more bedrooms—is a direct answer to a long-standing demand for family-friendly housing in the area.
Local community leaders have praised the development, particularly for its focus on larger family apartments. One member of Community Board 12 noted that "three- and four-bedroom apartments are exactly what our community has been asking to be built, and exactly what they’re building."
While the project is exciting for its innovative design and community responsiveness, it is also noteworthy from a financial perspective. The purchase of the air rights for the development site has been a long-term investment. Originally bought by a private developer in 1985, the rights were sold again in 1994 before being acquired by Tabak and Lebovits in 2019 for $4.25 million. In addition to the residential units, the developers will provide a 4,500-square-foot condominium or its master lease to the previous owners of the air rights, LIBR Corp. of Manhattan, as part of the deal.
Brooklyn Yards joins a growing list of transit-oriented developments across the city, including major projects like Hudson Yards in Manhattan. However, unlike some of these large-scale projects, Brooklyn Yards takes a more localized and community-focused approach, emphasizing smaller buildings and thoughtful design rather than monumental towers.
Brooklyn Yards is poised to be a game-changer for Borough Park, offering a mix of affordable and market-rate housing in an area that has long struggled with a lack of larger apartments. The project’s blend of modern design and traditional Brooklyn elements, combined with its emphasis on community engagement and transit access, makes it a standout example of how New York City can build up, rather than out, to meet its housing needs.
As the development moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it influences the future of urban design in New York City—particularly in how we think about housing over rail lines and in transit-rich neighborhoods. With its careful balance of community integration and innovative engineering, Brooklyn Yards could serve as a model for future projects throughout the city and beyond.
Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice.
