Brooklyn Prez Will Give Recommendation On Controversial Armory Project Soon

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is expected to make an announcement on a controversial, city-backed plan to redevelop a Crown Heights armory this week.

While Adams' voice is only a recommendation in the city's lengthy land-use review process, a formal "no" would add to the chorus of voices in the community who oppose the project.

Adams, along with City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo, who would cast an influential vote when the project goes before the city council if she is re-elected, have said they will not support the plan as it is currently drawn up.

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A spokesman for Adams said his decision "will be coming soon" and didn't provide any further details.

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

The project calls for the overhaul of the vacant armory, on the corner of Bedford Avenue and Union Street, as well as its sale to a developer. The city selected BFC Partners' plan to turn the armory into a community rec center, office space and luxury condo tower.

The housing portion includes 330 rental units and 56 townhouse-style condos. Of those rental units, about half will go for market-level prices, 30 percent will be available to families making less than 110 percent of the "area median income" ($85,437 per year for a family of three), 15 percent for families making under 50 percent ($38,835) and 5 percent for families making under 40 percent ($31,068).

Some residents say that is a nonstarter in a neighborhood that is facing rapid gentrification and say they will accept nothing less than 100 percent affordable housing. Others have called for the land to be placed in a community land trust.

Community Board 9 nearly unanimously voted against the project.

Supporters of the plan, though, say the new armory will provide valuable community space in a neighborhood lacking it. And BFC Partners has said it is providing as much affordable housing as is financially feasible.

Rev. Dr. Daryl G. Bloodsaw of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights on Monday delivered nearly 400 signatures of "local stakeholders" to Adam's office urging him to support the development.

(Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)