Bedford-Union Armory Plan Clears Major Hurdle Despite Protest

CROWN HEIGHTS, NY — A controversial plan to redevelop the Bedford-Union Armory in Crown Heights got a critical vote of approval on Monday, moving the massive development one step closer to breaking ground.

The City Planning Commission voted on Monday to approve the plan, which would redevelop the vacant 138,000-square-foot armory on Bedford Avenue between Union and President streets. The plan, proposed by the developers BFC Partners and supported by the city's Economic Development Corporation, would transform the abandoned building into private residential buildings and community space.

The plan has spurred intense community backlash and protests from neighborhood residents who say that because the development would be on city-owned land, it should generate more affordable housing.

Council Member Laurie Cumbo, who represents Crown Heights in the City Council, withdrew her support for the plan and has remained staunchly opposed to it for months, butting heads with NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, who supports the plan. Other opponents include Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams and the local community board.

Vaughn Armour, an activist with New York Communities for Change, slammed the decision on MOnday.

"It is outrageous that Mayor de Blasio is holding press conferences with Bernie Sanders and brandishing his so-called progressive credentials while his NYPD is arresting community activists for fighting for real affordable housing," Armour, a Crown Heights resident, said in a statement. "De Blasio’s City Planning vote today approved a gentrification plan for Crown Heights with the Bedford Armory as a giveaway for luxury housing. There is nothing progressive about giving public resources to luxury developers who will further gentrify my neighborhood and push long time residents like me out of my home."

Currently, BFC Partners wants to transform the space into community facilities, like a basketball court and a swimming pool, in addition to private residential buildings. Under the current plan, half of the rental apartments and 20 percent of the condominiums would be available below the market-rate.

"As we move to transform the historic Bedford Union Armory into a world-class recreation center and much-needed housing, we will continue to work with Council Member Cumbo and other stakeholders to ensure this project serves the Crown Heights community," said Anthony Hogrebe, NYCEDC Senior Vice President of Public Affairs.

The plan still needs approval by the full City Council before construction can begin.

This post has been updated with additional information.

Image credit: Rendering via BFC Partners