A proposed 13-story development along Empire Boulevard has sparked a debate between Brooklyn residents and real estate developers over affordability and quality of life. During a public hearing, Community Board 9 chair Fred Baptiste opposed the project, citing concerns about the lack of affordable housing. "I want to be very clear: There is nothing about this project that has even shown to be affordable," Baptiste told Gothamist. Under the current plan, less than a third of the units would be affordable according to the city’s standards.
Concerns have also been raised about the building casting shadows on recreational areas used by schoolchildren, particularly in winter. Eli Gewirtz, an attorney representing the developer, Bridges Development Group, said, "We understand that there are some shadow impacts in the winter. But given the totality of what we're bringing to the site, we think that the benefits significantly outweigh the minimum shadow impact that's going to be just in the winter and in the morning hours," in a statement obtained by Gothamist. Community members like activist Alicia Boyd have expressed concerns, questioning why children's welfare isn't prioritized over development.
New York City is facing a housing crisis, highlighted by the newly formed Charter Revision Commission. This panel, appointed by Mayor Eric Adams, aims to propose changes to housing and development rules. "Housing proposals and land use measures, and the negotiations that come with them, are complex and critical to ensuring our city remains affordable," Adams said, according to The New York Times. Richard R. Buery Jr., chair of the commission and a former deputy mayor, suggested that the commission could help "unleash housing supply" and make policy changes to facilitate more affordable housing.
With low vacancy rates and displacement affecting lower and middle-income residents, public input is crucial for the commission. New Yorkers are encouraged to attend public hearings, submit online comments, and engage with the commission on housing development. "Have some trust that your time and energy is worth it," Buery told The New York Times.
