C.R.O.W.N. Coalition to Revitalize Our Waterfront Now!

Coalition to Revitalize Our Waterfront Now!

Big Box IKEA = Bad IDEA for Brooklyn

On October 12th, the Economic Development Corp (EDC) discussed it's plan for the waterfront, including some zoning changes. EDC is including some residential development north of Hamilton Avenue but none in Red Hook. Housing is important in order for our community to support more commercial development and more residents will mean better city services. More commercial development means jobs for people in Red Hook. If you were unable to attend or make verbal comments on Thursday, add your comments by writing to:
Ms. Meenakshi Varandani, Asst V.P., Planning Division
N.Y.C. Economic Development Corporation
110 Williams Street
New York, N.Y. 10038
or faxing Ms. Varandani 212-312-3989 or emailing Ms. Varandani Comments must be in by 5PM October 26.

	OVER 7,000 CARS A DAY Brian Ketcham calls it in the Brooklyn Papers Only Giant Stadium generates more traffic in New Jersey than Ikea. 50,000 cars per week heading to Ikea in Brooklyn will mean more congestion and pollution, longer commuting times, more dangers to pedestrians, increased road and sewer problems and longer emergency response times. Read: IKEA in Brooklyn? A Whole Lotta Parking by Tri-State Transportation Campaign
	BIG BOX IS BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT It's a Swedish fish out of water. Big box stores belong on a highway, not on your waterfront. Read Clearing the Air by the Surface Transportation Policy Project
	WON'T IKEA BRING JOBS TO THE AREA? Big box stores attract more big box stores. This will drive out "Mom & Pops" and turn the Brooklyn waterfront into a strip mall. Download our fact sheet flyer to print and distribute
	PUBLIC OPINION IS TURNING AGAINST IKEA An Ikea in Red Hook? by Amy Eddings (WNYC, September 3, 2003) Big-Boxed In on the Waterfront by Carter Craft (Gotham Gazette, February 2003)