Despite the rain yesterday evening, a couple hundred folks lined up in Brooklyn Borough Hall to voice their opinions on the controversial 80 Flatbush Towers. It’s been a heated subject among residents of Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.
Although Borough President Eric Adams didn’t stay for the whole hearing due to prior commitments, he did vow to watch the entire recorded event. The next step for this hot-button development is the full Community Board 2’s vote scheduled for May 9th. Already Community Board 2’s Land-Use Committee has voted against 80 Flatbush Towers.
Here Are the Facts:
The proposal for 80 Flatbush Towers is a mixed-use development of five buildings that includes two new public schools, 200 (permanent) affordable housing units and 700 market-rate housing units, 15,000 square feet of cultural space, 40,000 square feet of retail space, and 200,00 square feet of offices.
The development for 80 Flatbush would include a 74-story building and a 38-story tower, built in two phases.
Spot zoning changes would be required for this high-density development. Zoning changes include C6-2 to C6-9 with permits bulk, parking transit, MIH, and ground floor use.
Among Those Against It:
- Well, Community Board 2’s Land-Use committee for starters.
- Public Advocate Letitia James
- State Senator Velmanette Montegomery
- Assembly member Walter Mosley
- Society for Clinton Hill Rights
- The Rockwell Place Bears Community Garden as the shadows of the towers will hurt the vegetation growing in the garden. According to the Environmental Impact Statement, the development will leave the garden with less than 4 hours of daylight.
- Municipal Art Society
- Boerum Hill Association
- Fort Green Association
Among Those For It:
- New York City’s Department of Education, whose Educational Construction Fund (the financing and development vehicle of DOE) would be involved in this project
- Downtown Brooklyn Partnership
- Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
- Transportation Alternatives
- The Arab American Family Support Center
- New York City Building Congress
It’s not too late to email your comments to the Borough President. Send them to [email protected]
“Although Borough President Eric Adams didn’t stay for the whole hearing due to prior commitments…”
LOL