Board OKs Hudson Cos.’ library redevelopment plan

A Brooklyn community board  granted its approval on Wednesday to the Hudson Cos.’ proposal to redevelop the Brooklyn Heights library branch and include housing.

Under the plan, Hudson Companies would purchase public land for $52 million. The developer would construct a new library building with market-rate housing on top, and also build 114 units of affordable housing in Clinton Hill as part of the deal, the New York Times reported.

Of the $52 million it receives from the sale, the city will put $40 million toward repairs at other library branches in need of repairs.

Across all Brooklyn Public Library branches, there are about $300 million in capital needs. Linda E. Johnson, Brooklyn Public Library president, said the sale should “make a dent” in that amount. The plan has been opposed by some who consider the city selling its libraries to be an affront to the community.

The next step would be for the plan to pass through the office of the borough president, as it makes its way toward the City Planning Commission. [NYT] — Tess Hofmann