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CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Williamsburg-Greenpoint Rezoning has complicated legacy 20 years later
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the historic Williamsburg and Greenpoint rezoning that changed the northern Brooklyn waterfront forever. The area's industrial waterfront gave way to a vision of parks and high-rise developments after the historic vote in 2005. Twenty years later, after a first-of-its-kind rezoning, the landscape has drastically transformed and carries a complicated legacy. "You look at a place like North Brooklyn, which has had a lot of increased green space since the rezoning, but the amount of residents has also increased dramatically," said Katie Denny Horowitz, executive director of the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance. The North Brooklyn Parks Alliance was founded in 2003 to advocate for access to green space. The community was promised more than 50 new acres of parks as part of the rezoning of 175 blocks along the Williamsburg and Greenpoint waterfront. While parts of Bushwick Inlet Park now provide much-enjoyed recreation, the promised 27-acre promenade remains unfinished. "As of right now about a third of the total acreage has been completed. We're super excited that a third parcel at the northernmost tip around the Bushwick Inlet itself, that should be open quite soon, as early as this September. And that's going to be the third parcel to be completed in over 20 years," Horowitz said. Former New York City Councilmember Diana Reyna, who represented parts of Williamsburg from 2002-2013 and grew up in the neighborhood, recalled the stark conditions before the rezoning. "None of this existed. This was desolate, prostitution, crime, gangs, drugs," she said. She also remembers a tight-knit and resilient community, including many, like her own family, who were displaced as rents began to soar. "I would have fought to get the affordable homeownership. There's nothing like owning your home. The reason why my family left Williamsburg, we were living in a three family home, privately owned. The landlords sold, went to Puerto Rico to retire, and the new landlord left us to dry for seven years in and out of court without heat and hot water," Reyna recalled. The 2020 census showed a 41% population increase in Williamsburg over the past decade. Rent increases and displacement came with it. David Yassky, the former Councilmember for Williamsburg and Greenpoint, said housing instability predated the rezoning. "People who had lived there 20, 30 years were already getting priced out. And it was obvious that was going to continue. So to me, the rezoning was an opportunity to open up that waterfront and provide some affordable housing that would allow people in the neighborhood, some, to stay," Yassky said. Asked whether the rezoning was ultimately a net benefit, their responses were mixed. "There's no question in my mind the rezoning was a net benefit for the area. For the people who were living there in 2005, it was still a net benefit, but it was more mixed because, you know, the rise in prices had an impact," said Yassky. "I would say it was a net zero," countered Reyna. "Unfortunately, I would say it's too early to say even though we're 20 years in. A lot of the plans have yet to be realized," said Horowitz. Data shows Kings County had the most land rezoned in the city over the last 25 years, with more than 550 blocks affected. Local leaders say lessons from North Brooklyn, like the importance of advocating for affordable housing and public green space, have informed more recent rezonings in neighborhoods like Gowanus and East New York. Have a story idea or tip in Brooklyn? Email Hannah by CLICKING HERE.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Anthony Albanese's message to Australia as he returns from China
Anthony Albanese had an observation for viewers back home as he concluded a successful six-day tour of China. 'China isn't just Beijing or Shanghai, any more than Australia is Sydney or Melbourne,' he told reporters. As the prime minister flies out on Friday, he does so from a regional city many Australians have never heard of. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and the gateway to China's west, is nonetheless home to 21 million people and a burgeoning hub of high-tech medical research, finance, fashion and culture. Like the rest of China, Chengdu has been transformed beyond recognition since Mr Albanese's first visit to the country in the 1990s, as Deng Xiaoping's economic liberalisation tapped its potential to become a global superpower. That transformation has not been lost on the prime minister, who in his second official leaders' visit to China, summed it up as a nation that 'sees itself as confident going forward'. 'I'm an urban policy nerd,' he said. 'As you drove from the tennis centre to here yesterday afternoon, it struck me that there was more innovative architecture than in any city I have been to around the world.' Even from a vantage point atop Mr Albanese's high-rise hotel in central Chengdu, it's impossible to see an end to the skyscrapers stretching far off into the distance. China is a country that knows how to build. In less than three decades, it has built more kilometres of high-speed rail than exists in the rest of the world. Naturally, China has an approach to development and community consultation that simply would not fly in the low-rise inner suburbs of Sydney or Melbourne. Flying over the outskirts of major Chinese cities, farmland is seen directly abutting grids of high-rise apartment blocks. But what it demonstrates is the sheer unfettered capacity of the Chinese economy, something members of Mr Albanese's front bench - converted to the supply-side progressive agenda - would like to capture to solve Australia's own housing and energy challenges. And there is still so much latent potential in the nation of 1.4 billion citizens. Economic growth has slowed and there are concerns that, with its ageing population and a looming middle-income trap, China may soon reach its peak. But it's still on track to reach its GDP target of five per cent growth this year. That would mean about another $1.4 trillion added to its economy - the equivalent of adding half of Australia to the Chinese economy in just one year. The prime minister's itinerary has included retracing the steps of Gough Whitlam on the Great Wall of China, attending a tennis tournament and visiting a panda research centre in the southwestern city of Chengdu. Back home, the optics of visiting popular tourist sites attracted sniping from the Opposition. Coalition frontbencher James Paterson suggested the prime minister was enjoying himself too much. 'I do wonder whether a Gough Whitlam history tour on the Great Wall of China, whether a visit to Chengdu to pose with some pandas, and whether a hit of tennis is strictly necessary as part of a six-day visit to China, when there is so much else at stake in our other international relationships around the world,' he told Sky News on Thursday. 'And frankly, I have to say that some of this is starting to look a little bit indulgent.' Mr Albanese has himself been eager to draw links between his tour and those of former Labor prime ministers Whitlam and Bob Hawke, who also visited the giant pandas in 1986. What those and his visits achieved was building respect between Australia and China, which would in turn result in better economic and diplomatic outcomes, the PM said. 'Those pictures go to 27 million people, potentially, in Australia. They go to over a billion people in China,' Mr Albanese told reporters in Chengdu. 'And those billion people represent people who are increasingly rising up the income ladder and are potential tourists and therefore job creators in Australia. 'If James Patterson doesn't understand that, then he doesn't understand much. 'The Great Wall of China symbolises the extraordinary history and culture here in China, and showing a bit of respect to people never cost anything. You know what it does, it gives you a reward.' Mr Albanese's trip has been shorter on concrete outcomes than in previous years, when his resumption of dialogue with China saw $20 billion worth of Chinese trade sanctions lifted from Australian exports. But the welcome has been warmer and coverage from Chinese state media more effusive than at any time since before the breakdown in Sino-Australian relations in 2020. A few agreements to boost trade and tourism links have been reached. But the increased dialogue and co-operation in areas from green steel to medical technology were part of a gradual improvement in relations that would advance Australia's national interests, Mr Albanese said. 'You don't go from a position of where we were into absolute agreement on everything. That's not the goal.' Despite the improving mood, China and Australia still have many issues they disagree on. In meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Mr Albanese raised concerns over China not providing advance notice of naval live-fire drills off Australia that forced commercial flights to divert. Meanwhile, Mr Li has voiced his dismay over Australia's stringent restrictions on foreign investment from China, imploring the Australian government not to treat Chinese firms unfairly. 'We have different political systems, but it has been constructive and has been an important step in the developing of our relationship,' Mr Albanese said.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi's Diriyah awards $1.53bln contract to Chinese contractor
Saudi's Diriyah Company has awarded a contract worth 5.75 billion Saudi riyals ($1.53 billion) to China Harbour Engineering Company for the construction works of the arena block, which includes Diriyah Arena, three mixed-use office buildings, and a parking facility. The arena has a gross floor area (GFA) of nearly 74,000 square metres (sqm) and is designed as a flexible and scalable venue to accommodate events such as concerts, sporting events, esports competitions, exhibitions, and live shows. The arena, designed by US architecture firm HKS, has a capacity of 20,000 spectators. Additionally, the work scope encompasses building three mixed-use office plots spanning an area of 114,000 sqm and developing over 4,000 parking spaces within the district. In December 2024, Diriyah awarded a SAR 758.5 million contract to China Harbour Engineering Company for bulk excavation works. On Monday, Diriyah had awarded a $600 million construction contract to Italian contractor Webuild for Diriyah Square. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Diriyah mega urban development is expected to contribute SAR 70 billion directly to Saudi Arabia's GDP, according to past statements. (Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Bloomberg
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Tokyo Is Missing Blade Runner Where It Needs It Most
From Lost in Translation to the Japanese-inspired aesthetics of Blade Runner, Tokyo's image overseas has long been one of skyscrapers jutting into the sky. But it's easy to forget that it was only recently that the capital developed vertically. In September 1964, ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games, American skylines had long been dominated by decades-old landmarks such as the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. But the tallest structure in Tokyo was the nine-story National Diet Building, erected in 1936 after a 55-year design period 1.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Muscat Municipality announces the winners, concluding the ‘Design Competition 2025'
HE Al-Humaidi: The competition marks a qualitative leap in Muscat's urban development journey Muscat – Muscat Municipality today announced the winners of the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 during the competition's closing ceremony, held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Kamil Fahad Mahmood Al-Said, Secretary General in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, along with several dignitaries, officials, and a distinguished group of engineering experts and consultants from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. The German firm KSP Engel, known for its work on cultural and institutional buildings, was awarded first place in this edition of the competition, which was launched to design a landmark multi-use building in the Wilayat of Bausher. Second place went to Bisan Mohammadi Architects (BMA) from North Macedonia, while third place was awarded to Xavier De Geyter Architects (XDGA) from Belgium. In his opening remarks, H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Humaidi stated: 'This competition represents an important milestone in Muscat's urban development journey. It is inspiring to see how these design proposals embody innovation and sustainability while preserving our rich cultural heritage. We are shaping Muscat's future in line with our identity and values, which are at the heart of our development strategy.' He further explained that the results of the competition will play a key role in driving urban development in Muscat, ensuring that modernisation aligns with the preservation of Omani architectural identity. The two-day closing event, organised by Muscat Municipality on 7 and 8 July 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Muscat, generated strong momentum and engagement. Day one featured live presentations by the five finalist teams before the jury and attendees. These were: Bisan Mohammadi Architects (BMA) – North Macedonia Paolo Vimercati Urban Projects and Architectural Designs (POV) – United Kingdom Samyn and Partners for Sustainable Architecture – Belgium Xavier De Geyter Architects (XDGA) – Belgium KSP Engel – Germany Each firm presented comprehensive designs that creatively blended modern innovation with elements of Omani culture, tailored for a prominent civic landmark. The competition's jury was chaired by Don Murphy, founder and partner at VMX Architects, and comprised a distinguished panel of Omani and international consultants and engineers. The jury adopted clear values and criteria to ensure the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the evaluation process, with a focus on sustainability and cultural alignment. Murphy commended the participants' efforts during the winner announcement, noting that each submission brought a unique vision to enrich Muscat's urban landscape and community life. Launched earlier this year, the competition was initiated by Muscat Municipality to design a multi-use civic landmark in the Wilayat of Bausher. It attracted top architectural firms from around the world, inviting innovative concepts for a sustainable, iconic building that reflects Omani identity while meeting the needs of modern civic life. The winning project will be built on an 8,000-square-metre plot near Oman Avenues Mall, offering a striking architectural presence that blends heritage with the aspirations of a modern city.
