Bensonhurst BJ’s Gets Green Light From City Council

Our sister site Bensonhurst Bean has updated its story on Brooklyn Bay Center, a planned Thor Equities development at 1752 Shore Parkway that will have BJ’s as its primary tenant.

The development has received approval from the City Council, following positive recommendations from Community Board 11 and the Brooklyn Borough President. Though the project may be moving forward, there remain some lingering complications that Bensonhurst Bean was first to report on, including concerns about increased automobile traffic, as well as a decrease in foot traffic in the area’s main streets.

But the approval is still welcome news for local leaders, who continue to tout the 250 unionized construction jobs the development will bring, in addition to the retail positions once it opens – not to mention the renovation of a currently dilapidated waterfront space, opening it up to the public.

To meet concerns about the traffic, Bensonhurst Bean reports, Assemblyman Peter Abbate is trying to nab state funding for traffic mitigation. Possible measures include relocating the Belt Parkway’s Bay Parkway exit east of its current location.

No word yet on Markowitz’s demand that Thor include a “destination restaurant” as a tenant on the property. We’re betting there won’t be one.