July 01, 2025
Last week, some of the biggest names in New York City real estate gathered in Downtown Brooklyn for the 11th Annual “Only Brooklyn Real Estate Conference.”
Hosted by TerraCRG and backed by key sponsors like Fried Frank, the event brought together developers, investors, civic leaders, and change-makers for one clear purpose: to talk about Brooklyn — where it’s headed and how real estate is going to shape that journey.
TerraCRG CEO Dan Marks summed it up best: “Anytime we can bring several hundred people together to talk about Brooklyn, it’s a special day.” And with panelists and speakers diving into multifamily development, public-private partnerships, commercial growth, and the housing crisis, it was clear this wasn’t just another industry mixer — it was a pulse check on the borough’s future.
The Housing Shift Is Real
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso opened with a bold message: “The ethos of housing is changing.” He backed that up with news about the recently approved Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan, which will bring 4,600 new homes — nearly half of them affordable — to Central Brooklyn.
For developers and investors in the room, it was a clear signal: community-driven development and affordability are no longer optional — they’re part of the blueprint.
DUMBO’s Resurgence & the Bigger Picture
Jed Walentas of Two Trees Management talked about the retail revival happening in DUMBO and the importance of intentional, community-aligned development. Meanwhile, NYCEDC COO Melissa Roman Burch used her keynote to outline the infrastructure and inclusive development plans driving Brooklyn’s economic transformation.
One theme that echoed through the day: long-term vision. Whether it’s RFP-led projects or public-private developments, Brooklyn isn’t building for now — it’s building for decades ahead.
Brooklyn as NYC’s Economic Engine
If you thought Manhattan was still the epicenter of New York’s economy, think again. Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce CEO Randy Peers called the borough an “economic powerhouse,” pointing to its lead role in the city’s post-pandemic growth.
Panels focused on multifamily investments, rezoning efforts, and new infrastructure highlighted how much capital and attention is shifting across the East River.
Cohen’s Crystal Ball
Closing the day, TerraCRG founder Ofer Cohen said what many of us in the room were thinking: the future of Brooklyn real estate will be all about transformative housing projects that reflect the culture and needs of individual neighborhoods.
Cohen noted that legislation out of Albany continues to complicate development, but he believes that with open dialogue and alignment between stakeholders, Brooklyn is heading toward a development boom in areas that once seemed untouchable.
From Fort Greene to East New York, Bushwick to Bay Ridge — there’s no doubt Brooklyn is at the center of New York’s next chapter in real estate.
Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice.
