Developers Propose Affordable Housing Project In Bed-Stuy

BED-STUY, NY — Developers on Oct. 30 presented plans for two mixed-use buildings to bring 154 affordable units in Bed-Stuy which would require rezoning.

Owners Omni New York LLC, who acquired the Medgar Evers Apartments in 2010, are looking to build two 10-story buildings on Marcus Garvey Boulevard at the corners of Quincy and Monroe Streets.

But doing so would require city officials to green-light zoning changes including a height of 115 feet — exceeding the existing 95-foot height limit. City officials would also need to allow developers to build over the nine-story limit.

In an Oct. 30 presentation to the city's Planning department, city Planner Jesse Hirakawa said the developers will not change or renovate the existing rent-regulated apartments.

The new developments would total 140,000 square feet in size, with the first floor serving as commercial and community space. Developers also plan to revamp all public spaces and landscaping in around the buildings, including enlarging the sidewalk along Marcus Garvey Boulevard.

Omni already has a number of residential properties in Brooklyn, including the Berry Street Apartments on South 9th Street and Betty Shabazz Apartments on Gates Avenue.