Brooklyn borough prez knocks back Bedford-Union Armory plan

In another blow to the proposed redevelopment of the Bedford-Union Armory in Crown Heights, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has refused to back the project unless major changes are enacted

Adams released his recommendation on Friday. Developer BFC Partners  is joining with CAMBA, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit, with a plan to turn the vacant 138,000-square-foot site into a mixed-use facility that includes affordable housing, market-rate condos and recreational facilities.

However, Adams said he has a problem with the fact the current plans will see 58 condominiums built on a part of the development that the city is selling to BFC. He won’t support a project that is not fully owned by the city, according to DNAinfo.

“We must ultimately come together and find the right balance that is the ideal solution for the future of Crown Heights,” he said in a statement.

Although it is backed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, the project has been met with strong opposition from community members and local officials. In June, City Council member Laurie Cumbo said she will not support the project because she thinks it needs more affordable housing.

Adams’ recommendation is part of a Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, and is only advisory. The City Council and mayor alone have the power to approve or reject the plan.

A spokesperson for BFC told DNAinfo that the developer is still committed to “providing a new affordable recreation center, affordable office space for non-profits and affordable housing for the Crown Heights community.” [DNAinfo] — Miriam Hall