State Sen. Dan Squadron took in more than $65,000 from supporters of a residential development at Brooklyn Bridge Park — after he struck a deal that enabled housing at the site.
Squadron, a Democrat who’s running for public advocate, promised during his 2008 Senate campaign to fight all housing in the park, but his 2011 deal with the Bloomberg administration allows for some residential development there, albeit less than originally planned at the site.
He has received cash from members of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and Brooklyn Bridge Development Corp., which support housing in the park as it undergoes renovation.
“Apparently, if the money comes from the right ZIP code, with the right connections, Squadron is just your average old-school pol,” said a source familiar with the deal.
Housing plans were under way when Squadron got involved in negotiations for the massive park renovation.
City Councilman Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn) said Squadron actually negotiated to reduce the size of one housing development and delay others for future administrations, which could opt to build something else entirely.
“Daniel fought very hard and skillfully to substantially reduce housing in the park, hopefully prevent it at Pier 6 altogether,” said Lander, who is involved with the park’s renovation.