BIG victory in our quest to stop Dock St.

Dear Members, Neighbors, Supporters and Brooklyn Bridge Fans,

Our efforts to defeat Dock St. reached a crescendo this week in the final stretch leading up to the City Council Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee public hearing. On Thursday, May 21st, the last public hearing in the ULURP process was held at City Hall in what was a very well-attended event for both sides: Read NY1 article: DUMBO Tower reaches final Hurdle.
DNA and the opponents of Dock St. shined despite a bus-in campaign conducted by the developer which included an entire second grade class, whose intention was to pull on the hear strings of those in attendance. Despite this orchestrated plan, we believe we scored a BIG victory in our quest to stop Dock St.

  •  37 members of the public spoke against the project
  •  15 others submitted public testimony in writing
  •  Ken Burns, renowned cinematographer, appeared at the hearing
  •  A statement by renowned author and historian David McCullough was read
  •  A statement by the descendant of the Roebling family, Kriss Roebling was read
  •  Representatives from the National Trust, Municipal Art Society, Historic Districts Council, and the Landmarks Conservancy were there to register opposition

Councilman David Yassky was brilliant as was Councilman Bill di Blasio, both registering strong testimony in opposition. Tony Avella, chair of the committee, also registered his opposition to the project. The highlight however was Councilman Eric Gioia’s questioning of the School Construction Authority representative on the damaging emails revealed in the FOIL: Read NYPost article

Additional Coverage:

Brooklyn Eagle: Proposed DUMBO Middle School Dominates Public Hearing

Brooklyn Heights Blog: Dock Street Drama

Brooklyn Paper: Council Panel Troubled By Dock Street Project

The press outreach in the week leading up to the hearing was tremendous. Ken Burns led this media effort, appearing on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" on Thursday and on NBC Chuck Scarborough’s news cast on Monday. DNA was also interviewed and appeared on FOX 5 evening news on Tuesday. We expect print stories by the Daily News and the Associated Press to be released next week. Ana Ortiz, star of the ABC hit show “Ugly Betty,” also joined the chorus of opposition to Dock St.: Read NYPost article: B'Klyn Protest Getting 'Ugly'

The last public hearing is over but our fight must continue until the full City Council vote on June 10th. Before that date, we urge you to email ALL 51 members of City Council and express your opposition to Dock St. A generic email that can be sent to all members would suffice. Download sample letters

Honorable Mayor Michael Bloomberg
City Hall
New York NY 10007
Tel: 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside NYC)
Fax: 212-312-0700
e-mail Michael Bloomberg

Honorable Council Speaker Christine Quinn
City Hall
New York NY 10007
Tel: 212-788-7210
Fax: 212-788-7207
e-mail Christine Quinn (click contact Speaker Quinn)

Honorable David Yassky
New York City Councilmember,
114 Court Street, 2nd floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: 212-788-7348
Fax: 718-643-6620
e-mail: yasskydockst@gmail.com

Honorable Melinda R. Katz
Chair, Land Use Committee
New York City Council
25o Broadway, 17th floor
New York, NY 10007
Fax: 212-788-7052
e-mail: katz@council.nyc.ny.us

Honorable Tony Avella
Chair, Zoning Sub-committee
New York City Council
250 Broadway, 17th floor
New York, NY 10007
Fax: 212-442-1563
e-mail: avella@council.nyc.ny.us

Another way to help is through your generous contributions. DNA has relied solely on membership dues and donations to fight this long, arduous and expensive fight. Among the things your donations have been used for is to print literature and posters, make copies, create renderings of the proposed building, print postcards, pay for postage and more. Let’s face it, things cost money and we remain determined to fight for what is right. Your previous commitment and financial contributions have made a substantial impact. Now we have about 2 more weeks of intense confrontation for Dock St. Your contributions are 100% tax deductible as we are 501c3 organization. Minimum suggested donation is $100.00 but feel free to donate any amount.

To contribute via Pay Pal please go to www.dumbo-dna.org or send checks to DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance, 45 Washington Street, PO Box 123, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Thank you.


All the Best,

Gus Sheha
President
DNA