Focus on: Bushwick

After last month’s visit to Gowanus, this month we visit Bushwick, a neighborhood where rezoning seems near at hand and which is at a critical juncture in its history and development. Located in the northern part of Brooklyn, Bushwick has historically been a diverse working-class neighborhood, home to many longtime residents, rent-regulated walk-ups, as well as local businesses, bodegas and eateries. In recent years the neighborhood has seen an influx of artists and other members of the “creative class” followed by an influx of luxury developments, wealthy residents, and upscale businesses. As the city moves towards a likely rezoning of the neighborhood, stakeholders outlined a framework for responsible growth and meaningful preservation of the existing neighborhood fabric, as well as critical improvements to accommodate new development. Of particular concern are matters of manufacturing retention, population density and accurate assessment of future impacts.