Overall, the article is very general. There are no quotes from local residents. The article plainly said “the Gowanus Canal project prompted an outcry from neighborhood opponents, who just discovered the ruling this week.” A quote from a resident would have brought some life to the story; first hand experience is far more exciting to read and allows readers to have a clear understanding of the situation.
Current Site
The banks of Gowanus Canal
The only quote used was taken from the Carroll Gardens blog, “Pardon Me for Asking”, which reported the first approval of Toll Brother’s plan. It said, “ the decisions are forgone conclusions and exercise in futility if one opposes a development”. This article does not have any first hand reporting; it gives the link to the blog instead:
http://pardonmeforasking.blogspot.com/2009/02/apparently-city-planning-commission.html
The story could not cover all perspectives of the building plan. The Department of City Planning did not get back to The Brooklyn Paper on Monday in time for the deadline.
Good media criticism here, Esther. The story clearly needed additional sources
considering how crowded many areas are becoming and considering that a lot of industrial areas once started as affordable housing i wouldn’t be surprised if it became a success later on.
I like your use of numbers in the lead paragraph, very percise and informative. Also, in the lead, I like your use of foreshadowing in the final sentence. If quotes would’ve been available, the transition would’ve been smooth.