Fighting for Affordability at Greenpoint's 'Godzilla' Tower

A rapidly-intensifying battle over a swanky new high-rise development proposed for a piece of public land on the Greenpoint waterfront could end up being the first test of a new housing appeals board next month, if the developer can't convince the City Council that it's offering New Yorkers a good deal. The 600-foot-tall Monitor Point development has been in the works since 2021, when Gotham Organization won a contract from the MTA to relocate its subway deep-cleaning HQ at 40 Quay Street to another location—in exchange for a lease on the idyllic waterfront site to build luxury towers. (It must also make a permanent home for the Greenpoint Monitor Museum). Now, the project is barreling toward City approval, with the City Council set to vote on Gotham Organization's zoning modification requests for the project on June 25. On Wednesday, dozens of Greenpoint residents appeared in front of the City Council's Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises to voice their opposition to Monitor Point. "Building another residential tower the size of Godzilla not only compromises the ecology of the inlet, but will continue the downward trend of the open space enjoyed by all the residents that live in the area," said Jonathan Jackson, a 25-year Greenpoint resident and public school substitute teacher—one of 90 people who signed up to testify at a hearing that stretched five hours. More here. submitted by /u/jessyagressy [link] [comments]