Park Slope garage conversion into luxe rentals fuels backlash

Plans to convert a 260-car garage near the Park Slope Food Co-op into a mixed-use development with 28 luxury rental units have some area residents in an uproar.

The development at 798-804 Union Street would ultimately include 7,000 square feet of ground floor retail in addition to the luxury digs. But neighbors and members of the food co-op, located only steps away, are concerned about the loss of parking space and increased traffic. To pursue the planned conversion, the property’s owner Lewis Meltzer will have to secure a city zoning variance to convert the 85-year-old structure into a retail space. He will present his plans to Community Board 6 tonight.

According to Meltzer, who has owned the property for 33 years, the plans will actually reduce traffic congestion in the area.

“You won’t have cars going in and out of a garage all day, so obviously there will be less traffic,” he told the New York Daily News. “I know some people are upset, but this will be a tremendous addition to the neighborhood.” [NYDN] — Julie Strickland