ICYMI: NYC Trots Out Bid For Prospect Park's Kensington Stables

WINDSOR TERRACE, BROOKLYN — The city is ponying up for Kensington Stables in a late bid that could keep Prospect Park's only horse stable in city hands and maintain it for public use.

The stable's owner, Walker Blankinship, initially put the property up for auction back in February, after his father had racked up unpaid tax bills that his son couldn't pay off. Blankinship had said a developer could come in and build luxury condominiums on top of the stable, a fixture on the corner of Caton Place and 8th Street since 1930.

The bankruptcy sale was called off, though, after City Councilman Brad Lander forcefully came out in favor of "the preservation of a horse stable" at the location.

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Now, the city is jockeying to take it over for good.

The Economic Development Corp. has come forward with a bid of its own for the property, the agent managing the sale told Patch, saying that arm of the city would hand over operations to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

City Councilman Brad Lander said he's re-allocated more than $1 million toward buying and renovating the stable. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams' office has also re-directed $500,000 to help purchase the stable, money that was allocated by a previous administration for stable upkeep.

"We want Kensington Stables to stay open in this 'neigh'-borhood for years to come," Adams told Patch via a spokesman in an emailed statement. "They are a treasured part of our past, present, and hopefully our future."

"I'm thrilled to be working together with the Parks Department, EDC, Borough President Adams, the Prospect Park Alliance, Gallop NYC, Walker, and so many neighbors," Lander old Patch via a spokeswoman in an emailed statement. "My office has re-allocated over $1 million in capital funding toward the potential purchase and renovation of the stables. We've got a strong team committed to preserving the stables and keeping horses in Prospect Park."

The stable is home to 30 horses and ponies, according to DNA Info, including one that has made an appearance on Saturday Night Live. The stable offers riding lessons, birthday parties and trail rides through Prospect Park.

Adams' spokesman, Stefan Ringel, told Patch the city wants to buy the stable "such that it could be maintained for permanent public use."

The city would still have to beat out the other possible buyers for the property. Marc Yaverbaum, the agent managing the sale, wouldn't give Patch specifics but said "several" other potential buyers are interested.

It's unclear whether the city has the inside track in the bidding process.

"It all depends on what the best deal is for my client," Yaverbaum told Patch. "It all depends on the type of offers that comes in. We’ll see."

Patch has also reached out to the Parks Department, Economic Development Corporation and Lander's office for more information, and we'll update this story if we hear back.

Image: Patch File Photo

Editor's note: This story was originally published on Monday, April 10