Bay Center Gets City Council’s Approval

Joe Sitt’s proposed Bay Center got another green light last Thursday, when the City Council voted to approve the project.

Bensonhurst Bean had written about the the development – slated for 1752 Shore Parkway – in June, including concerns about increased automobile traffic, as well as a decrease in foot traffic on our area’s main streets, which lay further inland.

According to Sitt, the shopping center – whose main retail space would be occupied by a BJ’s Wholesale Club – will include a 2.4 acre waterfront esplanade, as well as provide around 250 high paying temporary construction jobs, plus more permanent, albeit less lucrative, retail positions once it opens .

From real estate website GlobeSt.com:

“We are thrilled,” says Joseph J. Sitt, CEO of Thor Equities, who expects construction to begin by the end of the year. “This significant development along the Brooklyn waterfront will immediately create much needed well-paying jobs and provide low-cast goods to residents currently struggling in a tough economy,” he adds, noting that the company will launch a local hiring initiative for residents of the community. It is expected to create 250 unionized trade, construction and planning jobs.

In an acknowledgement of concerns over increased congestion on Bay Parkway and on the currently two-lane Shore Parkway, Assemblyman Peter Abbate is currently trying to secure state funding for traffic mitigation. Possible steps to calm car traffic include relocating the Belt Parkway’s Bay Parkway exit east of its current location.

State Assemblyman Peter Abbate represents Assembly District 49, which includes Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights

City Councilman Domenic Recchia represents Council District 47, which includes Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Gravesend, as well as part of Bensonhurst. He also serves as Chairman of the City Council’s Finance Committee.