Developers presented a new proposal for the Pacific Park project in Brooklyn on Tuesday, outlining changes that would increase the total number of housing units and modify the overall layout of the long-delayed development.
At a public workshop, representatives from Cirrus Real Estate Partners and LCOR, who now lead the project, introduced a plan for seven remaining sites. The new vision includes constructing taller but fewer towers, aiming for 9,000 housing units across the entire development—up from the previously approved 6,430 units. This plan involves five towers instead of six on sites that require building platforms over active train tracks between Pacific Street and Atlantic Avenue. Density originally allocated to a sixth tower (B8) at Carlton and Atlantic avenues would be redistributed to other locations, while B8 would become green space.
The project, formerly known as Atlantic Yards and first proposed more than twenty years ago, would cover 9.6 million square feet compared to the prior plan’s 8 million. Average building heights would rise to 550 feet from an earlier average of 350 feet.
These proposals are not final. Any changes will need amendments to the state’s general project plan—a process separate from these workshops and outside New York City’s standard land use procedures.
Community members and elected officials have expressed ongoing concerns about how Pacific Park has been managed over its two-decade history. “We’re here tonight to present a feasible plan, not the final plan,” said Anthony Tortora of LCOR during the workshop.
According to developers, shifting residential density away from B8—an area with logistical challenges—would speed up construction by focusing efforts on areas where it is easier to build. Joseph McDonnell of Cirrus Real Estate Partners stated: “This is a very constrained site. We’re not here to sugarcoat it,” adding that their goal is “to achieve more affordability and more open space.”
McDonnell further explained that their approach centers on delivering affordable housing sooner and providing contiguous open spaces for residents at various income levels: “I think what separates us is the thought around restraint.”
Another part of the proposal involves transferring development rights from a public plaza near Barclays Center (originally intended for an office tower designed by Frank Gehry) to site 5 across Flatbush Avenue. This location currently houses retail stores and was recently converted into a youth basketball training facility—the same venue where Tuesday’s workshop took place. The planned towers at site 5 could reach up to 775 feet tall, exceeding previous approvals but still within earlier contemplated limits.
The affordable units in this revised proposal are expected to target moderate- and middle-income tenants with rents capped at levels affordable for those earning up to 130 percent of area median income (AMI). Previously approved plans covered tenants earning between 40 percent and 160 percent AMI.
Despite delays since its announcement in 2003 due to legal disputes, financial difficulties among past developers—including Forest City Ratner and Greenland USA—and changing market conditions, nine buildings have been completed so far as part of Pacific Park. More than 3,200 apartments have already been built.
Cirrus Real Estate Partners and LCOR acquired control over seven remaining sites through a foreclosure auction last month after Greenland USA defaulted on nearly $350 million in loans connected with these properties. Other partners in this joint venture include Greenland itself (in a non-managing role), U.S. Immigration Fund, and Fortress Investment Group.
Empire State Development (ESD), which oversees Pacific Park for New York State, hosted Tuesday’s event—the first in a series of four community workshops—to gather feedback about future plans for these sites.
During discussions at one table in the workshop, attendees voiced support for “truly affordable housing,” increased oversight of the project, and timely completion of construction.
Technical issues briefly interrupted proceedings when ESD’s microphone failed; staff obtained a replacement from P.C. Richard & Son next door before continuing presentations.
Several local elected officials attended Tuesday’s meeting—including Assembly member Jo Anne Simon; Council member Shahana Hanif; and Senator Jabari Brisport—as did union representatives whose pension funds are helping finance Pacific Park under agreements reached last year between Cirrus Real Estate Partners, New York City officials, and labor unions.
Hanif called the meeting a “fresh start” but raised concerns about penalties related to missed deadlines for completing affordable apartments under existing agreements with previous developers like Greenland USA. A clause required delivery of all affordable units by May 2025 or payment of monthly fines per unfinished unit; however, when Greenland missed this deadline ESD opted not to enforce penalties due to potential litigation risks. Instead, Cirrus agreed that its team will contribute $12 million toward an affordable housing fund payable in installments; ESD maintains authority to impose penalties if future milestones are unmet.
“They sort of got away with it,” Hanif said regarding waived fines but emphasized her expectation that accountability measures be enforced going forward: “I think it is going to be important if things mess up, that the penalties that are in place… really do get implemented and are adhered to by the developer management team.”
