→ Develop a survey (address, lot structures)
→ Gather on-site observations
→ Photograph the lots
→ Identify ownership
→ Determine zoning laws
→ Speak with residents and local businesses
→ Host neighborhood meetings
→ Build power and support
→ Determine community priorities
→ Define potential vacant lot uses
→ Host workshops Take Action!
→ Speak with local representatives
→ Organize with neighbors
This map visualizes the nearly 150 vacant lots in Sunset Park (as of December 2024). The orange rectangles show where vacant, or undeveloped, lots exist in Sunset Park. Vacant lots are valuable assets for advancing housing justice and resisting displacement caused by gentrification. These underutilized spaces can be transformed into cooperative housing or community resources that reflect the needs and vision of local residents. By mapping and surveying vacant lots, the community can identify opportunities for equitable redevelopment, ensuring these spaces serve current residents rather than outside developers. Understanding the ownership, zoning, and history of these lots creates opportunity for residents to advocate for their use in creating cooperatively owned space. Activating vacant lots strengthens Sunset Park’s
ownership.
This is a process for identifying and organizing to repurpose the use of vacant space in Sunset Park. By mapping, surveying, and researching ownership, the neighborhood can build power and imagine new collective land ownership opportunities using this process.
→ Identify vacant lots
→ Map vacant lots
Vacant lot (see map)
837 64th St
Other vacant lots
143 Windsor Pl;
Today, the parking lot at 837 64th Street, adjacent to the Fei Long Shopping Center, spans a total of 58,000 square feet. Constructed in 1960, with records of private ownership dating back to 1980, the lot occupies a central location within Sunset Park’s Chinese community. Despite its long-standing presence, according to ACRIS, the parking lot operates without a license, meaning it lacks the necessary permits required by local authorities to legally function as a parking space. Given its status and the pressing need for affordable housing in this area of Sunset Park, imagine a future where this parking lot is transformed into a Community Land Trust (CLT). Through the use of eminent domain—a legal process that allows the government to acquire private property for public use—this site could take on an entirely new role, taking back the land to create affordable housing for the community. In this future, who would live here? What might the building look like? How could it reflect and enhance the cultural and social fabric of Sunset Park? Share your thoughts with a fellow walker and explore the possibilities for this space.
NYC Speed
https://speed.cityofnewyork.us/ NYC Speed allows users to zoning, land use, tax liens, property ownership, building permits, and other real estate records
ZoLa
https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/
New York City's Zoning & Land Use Map (ZoLa) is a tool to discover land zoning, ownership, and property.
Google Maps
https://www.google.com/maps
Useful for investigating vacant lots and using street view to gain initial insight into the lot’s condition.