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

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — A controversial plan to turn an old armory in Crown Heights into a recreation center, office space and condominiums begins the city's lengthy land-use review process on Tuesday.

The fight between affordable housing advocates and the city and its chosen developer over the plan has thus far played out in contentious public meetings and rallies.

If you haven't been following along, we've put together a primer to get you caught up. And, as always, be sure to sign up for Patch's daily newsletter and free, real-time news alerts to keep up with the latest developments.

Patch will also be streaming the committee meeting (and any extracurricular activities beforehand and afterward) on our Facebook page.

What has been proposed?

The city's Economic Development Corporation issued a request for proposals to develop the vacant, 138,000-square-foot armory on Bedford Avenue between Union and President streets.

The plan the city chose came from BFC Partners. It calls for the armory to be turned into a recreation center, offices and community space, along with a large housing development.

That housing 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 people in the community say this isn't nearly enough affordable housing and will only increase gentrification in Crown Heights. The developer has said it can't afford to subsidize any more housing without help from the city or state.

What is happening now?

The city's "Uniform Land-Use Review Process," known as ULURP, which is required for most major land-use projects.

ULURP includes a review by the local community board, borough president's office and the city planning commission before it goes to before the city council and mayor. You can read more about that process here.

The project was certified for ULURP last month and the first step happens Tuesday at 7 p.m., when Community Board 9's ULURP committee will review the project. If you want to attend, the meeting is scheduled to take place in the Crown Gardens Community Room at 1185 Carroll Street.

Where do community leaders stand?

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo announced that they do not support that project as it stands. In particular, Cumbo's support of the project is critical, since the city council generally defers to the local rep on big projects like this.

Cumbo is up for re-election this year, though it's likely her vote will come after September's Democratic primary. Her challenger has called for the vote to happen before that.

District Leader Geoffrey Davis and the Rev. Daryl Bloodsaw of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights have been two outspoken proponents of the project. They say having a community space will be a boon for young people in the neighborhood.

Image via BFC Partners