The Columbia Street Waterfront District – a tiny, isolated Brooklyn neighborhood struggling to tap into its potential – is about to get a lot more crowded.
The city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development is partnering with developer L&M Equity Participants to bring 152 apartments to Columbia Street, from Congress Street two blocks south to Baltic Street, officials said.
Some residents say the project could be just the boost the neighborhood needs, while others are concerned it could disrupt the area’s unique character by towering over nearby three- and four-story structures.
“I just hope this isn’t ugly and overwhelming,” said Kristine Morfogen, a 16-year resident. “This is a beautiful, special neighborhood, and people live here for that reason.”
Most of the buildings will be six to eight stories. About 10 units will be one-family townhouses.
Roughly 40 of the new units will be affordable for low- and middle-income families. The rest will be market rate.
The Columbia Street Waterfront District is often confused with Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens or Red Hook. It is bordered to the east by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, to the west by docks off New York Bay, to the north by Atlantic Avenue and to the south by the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel.
HPD spokesman Seth Donlin said the project is positive for the area because it will create much-needed affordable housing and replace two derelict industrial buildings.
L&M did not return phone messages.