Bill De Blasio Still Confident Bedford-Union Armory Plan Will Be Approved

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is still confident that a controversial city development plan at a Crown Heights armory will go through despite nearly united opposition from community groups and elected officials.

Community Board 9 last month voted down the plan to turn the Bedford-Union Armory into a rec center, office space and condominiums. And Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo have both said they will vote against the plan.

De Blasio, though, said Wednesday that he thinks they'll keep an "open mind" and could change their positions if the project changes enough.

"I think the opposition is based on real concern that we’re seeing all over this city about the potential for displacement, rising costs," de Blasio said at a press conference Wednesday. "I think we have to do a better job of explaining to people what the benefits are for the community, and we’re going to continue to push the developer to make the project as good as it can be for the community."

SEE ALSO: Bedford-Union Armory Project Begins City Review: What You Need To Know

Earlier this week, activists swarmed a public hearing at Borough Hall about the project, shutting it down.

Adams will give a recommendation on the project before it goes to the city council. As the local councilmember on the project, Cumbo will cast an influential vote. If de Blasio decides to approve the project anyway, the city council could still override that decision.

Those opposed, including Adams and Cumbo, say they aren't satisfied with the luxury condos slated for the location and the number of affordable units included in the rental portion. But developer BFC Partners and the city's Economic Development Corporation say that component is necessary to fund the community center and affordable housing.

De Blasio compared the project to an armory development in his neighborhood of Park Slope.

"A lot of people said in Crown Heights when they saw the Park Slope Armory get done which is an amazing recreation center for the community, they said why is that not happening in our community too," de Blasio said. "And so literally this is a fulfillment of, I think, a vision of equality to say Crown Heights a world-class recreation center too."

De Blasio said there are still negotiations happening that could change the plans for the armory — and change the votes of Cumbo and Adams.

"Those are ongoing discussions. I respect their position but I also believe that if that project continues to evolve that they’ll keep an open mind," he said.

"So, ultimately it’s something that could do a lot of good for the community. Right now that armory is doing no good for the community and I’d like to see it be something good."