A group of advocates is suing to block a takeover of Dumbo’s Tobacco Warehouse by a theater troupe that’s planning to turn the vacant site into a $15 million community and performance center. According to the Daily News, their lawsuits allege that state officials pushed for private development of the roofless landmark with a “secret” move to take the site off the Brooklyn Bridge Park map. By doing so, they removed the warehouse from federal protection, clearing the way for officials to approve a private development proposal by the St. Ann’s Warehouse theater company. The plan, which is slated for completion by 2013, has been criticized for not contributing revenue to Brooklyn Bridge Park, which they say needs the cash.
[NYDN]