Controversial Bedford Union Armory Project Unanimously Rejected By Community Board

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — A controversial plan to turn the Bedford Union Armory into apartments and a recreation center was unanimously voted down at a heated community board meeting Monday.

Members of Community Board 9's Land Use Committee heard more than 50 people before voting to reject the proposal. Scroll down to watch Patch's livestream of the hearing.

The speakers took the stage to speak in favor of or against developer BFC Partners plans that would see the armory turned into 330 apartments, 56 luxury condominiums and a recreation center.

Residents in favor of the project said the recreation center would benefit the community by providing a space for children and young adults.

But those opposed cited BFC's use of non-unionized workers and the gentrification of the neighborhood.

The committee raised concerns over the need for more affordable housing and less luxury apartments built on public land. They also reiterated that they had requested the project to be revamped to include more affordable housing and less for-profit condos, but were presented with the same plans as before.

"We continue to work with the administration on providing the affordability," said BFC spokesman John Valladares.

"We have not come to an agreement with the administration. We're confident that we'll reach an agreement during the (Uniform Land Use Reform Procedure) process."

"Do you have anything that we can see and start to understand your purpose and the money that you have allocated?" board member Greg Darby asked.

"Right now, I'm hearing a lot of rhetoric and double-talk. We need facts, numbers – actual numbers... – as close as you can get them and, as a community, maybe we'll fall in line, if we know that you can get something out that will be beneficial for the community."

The vote comes as the first step in the approval process. A ULURP, which is an in-depth public review of the project, requires that it has the backing of the city council and the mayor before it proceeds. Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo, who represents the area, had previously said that she will not approve the project in its current form.

The Land Use Committee will present its vote to the full community board next week.

Watch Patch's livestream of the public hearing below.

Lead image/video by Ali Kucukgocmen