The city’s Department of Buildings approved the demolition of the Brooklyn Heights Library building, allowing developer Hudson Companies to move ahead with its plan to build a 134-unit condominium building at the site.
Interior demolition of the building at 280 Cadman Plaza West, now known as 1 Clinton Street, will start next week, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported. The exterior demolition is slated to begin in the last week of March.
Hudson, led by David Kramer, is planning to build 134 units across 36 floors, as well as a smaller library branch and ground-floor retail. There are also plans for two penthouses and amenities such as exercise rooms and a screening room. The developer will also build 114 units of Affordable Housing Across Two Buildings On Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue in Clinton Hill as part of the project.
The DOB approved the plans, filed by Marvel Architects, in December.
The development has been met with vehement opposition from some members of the local community. In 2015, the City Council allowed the company to buy the Brooklyn Heights library’s home for $52 million, despite significant opposition from activists and union workers. Mayor Bill de Blasio has been accused of showing Hudson preferential treatment, because two other bidders made higher offers. The city says the sale of will generate around $40 million for Brooklyn Public Library’s capital repair needs.
Opponents of project said they are worried about the fate of the classic stone friezes on the library facade. A spokesperson for Hudson has previously said the company will remove the reliefs and store them while construction is underway.
Hudson has not closed on the purchase of the site, according the publication, but expects to in the coming weeks. Demolition is expected to proceed regardless of closing status. [Brooklyn Daily Eagle] — Miriam Hall