Hudson Companies’ controversial plan to build a 36-story condominium at the site of the Brooklyn Heights library received approval from the Department of Buildings.
Marvel Architects [TRDataCustom] filed the plans on behalf of the developer, according to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. The designs show a building with 134 units across 36 floors, as well as a smaller library branch and ground floor retail. There are also plans for two penthouses, as well as exercise rooms, a screening room and other amenities, according to the paper. The development is at 280 Cadman Plaza West, which is now known as 1 Clinton Street.
Hudson, led by CEO David Kramer, filed plans with the department in January last year.
In late 2015, the City Council gave the go-ahead for the company to buy the Brooklyn Heights library’s home for $52 million, despite significant opposition from community activists and union workers. Mayor Bill de Blasio has been accused of showing Hudson preferential treatment, because two other bidders made higher offers. Hudson has not yet closed on the site, according to the paper.
The city says the sale of rights will generate around $40 million for Brooklyn Public Library’s capital repair needs. As part of the deal, 114 units of affordable housing will be built in Clinton Hill.
Advocates said they are concerned about damage to the classic stone friezes on the library facade, according to the paper. A spokesperson for Hudson said the company will remove the reliefs and store them while construction is underway. [Brooklyn Daily Eagle] — Miriam Hall