Long-Stalled 22 Caton Place Moves Forward and Goes Green

An unexpected block-wide issue revealed itself and, simultaneously, found a potential, partial resolution for residents living along Caton Place who were among those gathered last night at the International Baptist Church for an update on planned construction at the long-stalled 22 Caton Pl.

In response to statements on excavation for the anticipated 73-unit residential building’s underground parking garage by Hudson Company’s project manager for the site, Alison Novak, one neighbor (pictured above) raised the concern of stormwater runoff collecting in the block’s basements.

The ensuing response from City Councilmember Brad Lander elicited a show of hands for how many of those in attendance facing similar stormwater flooding. Remarkably and to Lander’s surprise, most hands went up.

Community Board 7 district manager Jeremy Laufer chimed in, remarking that the neighborhood resides on the highest elevation of the region. He said that naturally, stormwater runoff would go downhill towards the Gowanus Canal, for instance, for which the EPA recently released their proposal to restore. He noted that his office had received neither sewage nor stormwater complaints from residents in area.

Meanwhile, amid Novak’s listing of the forthcoming planned amenities for the building, it will include a roof terrace complete with plots for residents to take advantage of some rooftop farming in their leisure hours. In short, 22 Caton promises to be green, and green roofs absorb stormwater which could, conceivably, reduce how much flows downward to other properties.

“It’s important to address environmental sustainability in today’s buildings,” said Novak, who also noted that the residential building will bear an Energy Star rating.

A pre-construction survey is slated for February and March. Novak noted that the subsequent excavation will involve removal of three underground tanks — two empty and one full. She said they will “very carefully remove it,” but also said that there is “nothing there that we’re particularly alarmed about.”

After excavation, contractors will be pouring concrete, meaning no endless days of pile driving next door. Residents greeted the news with applause.