The controversial plan to sell off the Sunset Park Library property to a non-profit developer with political ties to the de Blasio Administration, and redevelop it into a state-of-the-art larger library with affordable housing on the upper six floors appeared to take another step towards approval.
That after Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna this week convened an open hearing on the project as per the city City’s Uniform Land Use Procedure (ULURP).
Under the plan, the Park Slope-based non-profit Fifth Avenue (FAC) will buy the property from the city in a no-bid process for the appraised value and then develop it with one condominium unit going back to the city for the library.
The project calls for the current one-story Sunset Park branch, 5108 4th Avenue, to be demolished and be replaced with an eight-story residential building with 49 designated affordable apartments. The library will occupy the first floor, the below ground level and part of the second floor, increasing its floor space from 12,200 square feet to 21,000 square feet.
While construction is being completed the library will be temporarily housed off site at the old courthouse on 43rd Street and 4th Avenue, which the NYPD currently utilizes for administrative space.
While there was vocal opposition to the project at the hearing, Reyna appeared very supportive of the project, even referring to similar successful projects in her district when she served as a City Councilwoman.
Also, telling was the fact that Adams himself did not convene the hearing as he did in the recent Cadman Plaza Library sale hearing, nor did City Council Member Carlos Menchaca show up or send a representative.
Menchaca’s office said nobody showed because of a scheduling conflict, but did issue a quote from Menchaca to KCP after the fact.
“Community Board 7’s Land Use Committee recently made a thorough examination of the Sunset Park Library project proposed by Brooklyn Public Library and the non-profit affordable housing developer, Fifth Avenue Committee. After extensive public comments that both supported and raised questions about the project, that committee voted in favor of the project,” said Menchaca.
“I’m pleased Borough President Adams has also held a public hearing on the topic. I look forward to his findings. Sunset Park’s current library conditions are unacceptable and we’re facing an affordable housing crisis. A library doubled in size and including 100% non-profit built permanent affordable housing are the best use of our precious library site. I support this project, and will fulfill my responsibility to hold BPL and the builder publicly accountable to the people of Sunset Park for the benefits and protections that have been promised,” he added.
Adams Spokesperson Stefan Ringel said Adams is grateful for Reyna’s continued role as presider over Brooklyn Borough Hall’s ULURP hearings, utilizing the expertise in land use affairs that she garnered from 12 years serving in the New York City Council.
“Borough President Adams will release his recommendations on this application in the coming weeks, taking in dialogue with local stakeholders and community activists,” said Ringel.
FAC has a good track record in developing affordable housing around the borough, although it should be noted that its’ name was derived from holding back gentrification from the Fifth Avenue corridor of Park Slope, where its offices were originally located. As Fifth Avenue has become extremely gentrified, the non-profit has abandoned the corridor and has moved its office in a swanky new building just west of Fourth Avenue.
Ties between FAC and de Blasio date back to his City Council days when he represented Park Slope, and he appointed FAC Executive Director Michelle de la Uz to the City’s Planning Board, which will vote on the library sale. De la Uz is recusing herself from the upcoming vote.
Additionally, City Council Member Brad Lander, who supports the project, was a co-founder of FAC.
That said, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) officials strongly believe it a great project on merit, that will better serve the Sunset Park community and the BPL’s financial ability to maintain its 65 branches borough wide.
“The new Sunset Park Library would be nearly twice as large as the current branch, with modern technology, inspiring spaces for programs and events, and the same incredible staff that has been serving the neighborhood for many years,” said David Woloch, BPL Executive Vice President for External Affairs.
If green lighted, the new library is slated to open in 2020.
