Brooklyn Borough President Supports Rezoning of Arrow Linen Site, with Conditions
Proposal to Build 13-Story Towers Gains Support
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has expressed his support for the proposal to rezone the Arrow Linen site in Park Slope, but with certain conditions. The proposal, put forward by Arrow Linen, seeks to build two 13-story apartment towers on the commercial site at 467 Prospect Avenue.
Reynoso’s Recommendations
Reynoso’s recommendation to the City Planning Commission suggests that the developer increase the number of affordable units beyond the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) requirements. He has given the developer three options to increase affordability:
- Set aside 30-40% of the units in the new development as permanently affordable
- Construct the project in two phases, with one building including market-rate and MIH units, and the other being 100% affordable and constructed with city financing
- Build both buildings using NYCHA Section 8 vouchers
Community Concerns
The proposal has been met with resistance from a large segment of the Park Slope and Windsor Terrace community, who are opposed to the proposed 13-story towers. They argue that the development is out of character with the surrounding residential area and will not meet the affordability needs of those most in need of housing. The community group Housing Not Highrises has lobbied for a development that would be shorter at seven to nine stories, 100% affordable, and potentially have more apartments than Arrow Linen’s plan.
Reynoso’s Decision
Reynoso’s decision acknowledges the concerns of the community, but states that the developer’s proposal is the best option for the site. He notes that the area has seen little new housing development in the past decade, with many units being converted or consolidated. He also argues that the new housing will ease demand and not displace existing residents, citing city data that shows a low risk of displacement for Windsor Terrace residents.
Conclusion
Reynoso’s support for the proposal comes with conditions that aim to increase the number of affordable units and ensure that the development is beneficial for the community. The proposal will now go before the City Planning Commission for a hearing and vote, before moving to the City Council and eventually the mayor’s desk.
FAQs
Q: What is the current proposal for the Arrow Linen site?
A: The current proposal is for two 13-story apartment towers, with at least 244 apartments, of which 25% will be affordable to households earning 60% of the Area Median Income.
Q: What are the concerns of the community?
A: The community is concerned that the development is too tall and will not meet the affordability needs of those most in need of housing. They are also worried about the impact on existing residents and the area’s character.
Q: What are the conditions set by Borough President Reynoso?
A: The conditions include increasing the number of affordable units, with options to set aside 30-40% of the units as permanently affordable, construct the project in two phases, or build both buildings using NYCHA Section 8 vouchers.
Q: What is the next step for the proposal?
A: The proposal will go before the City Planning Commission for a hearing and vote, before moving to the City Council and eventually the mayor’s desk.
