Brooklyn bookworms critical of Hudson Cos. condo project

Developer's planned 36-story tower includes a new Brooklyn Heights public library

Rendering of 280 Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn Heights (credit: Marvel Architects) (inset: David Kramer)
Rendering of 280 Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn Heights (credit: Marvel Architects) (inset: David Kramer)

Brooklyn’s Community Board 2 postponed a vote this week on the Hudson Cos.’ acquisition of the Brooklyn Heights Library – the site of a proposed mixed-use condo development that will house a new public library at its base – after hours of public testimony over the contentious plan.

The community board debated plans for the site, at 280 Cadman Plaza West, on Wednesday night before a divided crowd that lined the perimeter of the room and extended out the door, Curbed reported. While voting to 6-4 at the end of the evening to approve the application, the board pushed a formal tally to Monday despite time restrictions imposed by the city’s land use review process.

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The Brooklyn Public Library wants to sell the Brooklyn Heights branch to upgrade the space as part of Hudson’s proposed 36-story condo development, but opponents are concerned the library will be shrunk by a third of its current size and worry the deal sets a precedent for funding public spaces with luxury buildings, according to the website.

Hudson won a $52 million bid to build on the property last year that included commitments to a new library at the development and 114 affordable units built at separate sites in Clinton Hill. If the deal goes through, the condo tower will somewhat resemble Manhattan’s iconic, wedge-shaped Flatiron Building. [Curbed]Rey Mashayekhi