The Repurposing of the Armory at Bedford and UNION

whynot_31

Can I lend you a thin veil? 

crownheightster

Haha.

mugofmead111

whynot_31 said:

This project is subject to ULURP.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/ap/step5_rules.shtml

Those who hate it will get to voice their objections, while those in power are forced to act like they are listening.

Ha!

Ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

At least this project will actually reach ULURP before the land study!

whynot_31

I think it is too early to be sure of that.

    

BTW, some want the project to include lots of genuinely affordable housing, AND be built with union labor:   http://ourtimepress.com/?p=17345

A unicorn that lays golden eggs!

whynot_31

Bedford Courts now has a website and additional public meetings:

I believe this meeting will be facilitated by Kweighbaye Kotee

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kweighbaye-kotee-8628a73b

It seems Slate knows what it is doing....

whynot_31

I've registered for this event and will update this thread tonight if there is anything interesting.

whynot_31

CAMBA will routinely sublease the rec spaces to local nonprofits and orgs.

The developers need ULURP to grant R7X zoning; The site is presently R6.

In addition, the ability to sell the townhouse portion would need to be granted by the ULURP process, the EDC presently does not have said authority.

Construction could start Mid 2017 and finish by 2010. Once complete, the space will be configured in such a way that events as large as those presently held (concerts, Satmar gathering) won't be possible.

Residents fear that the rec facility and the additional housing will make getting a parking spot even harder than it is now. "Only" 110 parking spots will be created for 330 apartments and the rec users. R7X zoning would allow said ratio.

Residents were not swayed by the development's proximity to public transportation.

Several members of CB9 were in attendance.

whynot_31

Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge armory in the Bronx struggles: http://therealdeal.com/2016/02/19/deadline-approaches-for-kingsbridge-armory-developer-to-show-city-it-has-158m/

whynot_31

For MWBE businesses...

whynot_31

Wear down your opposition with meetings, and money.

whynot_31

CAMBA's present array of programming:   http://www.camba.org/Documents/ProgDirectory-2014-Rev.pdf

A mtg was held tonight as well:

photo:  

https://twitter.com/loveofbrooklyn/status/714943682210881537

Mechanical_Whispers

Drilling has been going on since Thursday of last week on the Union side of the armory.

whynot_31

The redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory continues to provide an illustration of how this could be YEARS before it comes to fruition.

http://therealdeal.com/2016/04/14/kingsbridge-armory-developers-reject-citys-compromise-offer/

Mechanical_Whispers

You think it'll be years? They were drilling soil samples below the sidewalk for a solid 4 days. And now there is a little yellow box with a wire across the road on Union (surveying traffic?). And even yesterday there was a guy standing near the box with a microphone on a tripod. At least I think it was a microphone. He came several times throughout the day. Maybe checking noise levels? Seems to be a lot of activity on the Union side of the Armory this week.

whynot_31

Even if they have a smooth approval via ULURP, construction is not supposed to be done until 2020.

Another meeting was held today: 

  https://twitter.com/CuminAvocado/status/723136449059667968  

prodigalson

crownheightster said:

I propose another use for the Bedford Union Armory -- a Longsword Training Facility! How "brooklyn" would that be?

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/16/sports/for-longsword-a-comeback-ages-in-the-making.html

VERY  Brooklyn!

whynot_31

whynot_31

The present pitch:

Bedford Courts, LLC is inviting local community organizations and residents to an informational meeting focused on opportunities for neighborhood community-based organizations. We want to meet with providers to explore a range of programs and recreational services for the Bedford-Union Armory. In addition, participants will meet the leadership and learn more about CAMBA, the recreational facility and community event space operator.

CAMBA is a Brooklyn-based non-profit organization with a proven track record of providing holistic programs throughout Brooklyn. Since 1977, CAMBA has responded to community needs by offering integrated services and programs targeting economic development, education and youth development, family support, health, housing, and legal services. Each year, CAMBA serves more than 45,000 individuals and families, including 10,000 Brooklyn youth. CAMBA currently operates six community centers and will soon add six more.

CAMBA is committed to collaborating with the local community and encourages feedback regarding the programs that will be offered at The Bedford-Union Armory.

Not only is this event an opportunity to discuss development and program plans for the Armory, but more importantly it's an opportunity to share ideas about the types of programs that would benefit the Crown Heights community.

If your organization provides programming, or you are interested in joining the conversation, we strongly urge you to attend this meeting. Be sure to bring business cards to exchange with CAMBA staff to ensure you stay connected.

To RSVP, please click below or email [email protected] and include “Community Organizations Meeting” in the subject line.

yesbrooklyn

Any highlights from the meeting those who went?

whynot_31

A friend that occasionally attends these perceives them as mostly being a way to take away the "they never met with us" card from the local activist types.

whynot_31

The DOB seems to have determined that the entity requesting permits for the site was not legally eligible to.

As a result, work must stop, and an entity with legal possession of the site must re-request the permits.

yesbrooklyn

Didn't realize that they had officially started anything.  Aren't they waiting for ULURP or something of the sort?  

whynot_31

Parts of the project require ULURP, but other parts do not.

...the part that involves selling the portion along President St and then building townhomes, involves ULURP.

Mechanical_Whispers

yesbrooklyn said:

Didn't realize that they had officially started anything.  Aren't they waiting for ULURP or something of the sort?  

Like I posted before, there was extensive ground testing being done weeks ago on the Union side. Today, there is a lot of jackhammering going on inside. No idea if that's anything, or just some work being done for an event or something.

whynot_31

They have to wait until the complete ULURP to before they can make any major changes to the site.

Slate will be doing that work.

This site continues to be one of the sites I believe will make a large impact on western Crown Heights:  http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/47007/the-big-18-developments-the-whynot-31-wont-stop-talking-about?new=1

whynot_31

The new site is said to include a pool.    In light of the recent controversy about women's only hours in Williamsburg, I wonder if Crown Heights' Lubavitch would seek to rent the pool for periods of time.

By doing so, could they host a weekly "private event" at the pool that would spare them the controversy that came from a public pool "granting" special hours?

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/avital-chizhik-goldschmidt-swim-peace-women-article-1.2660358

crownheightster

I bet Slate wishes, wishes, wishes for fishes that the Armory was across the street in CB 8's territory. I can't wait for the circus of the ULURP application. 

whynot_31

In light of the forces in play, I view the ULURP process as being something the Slate reps will have to sit through, but stand no chance of "losing".

So, I expect the show and the outcome to be much Atlantic Yards.

The ever shrinking MTOPP will play the role of Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn.

whynot_31

EDC's redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory continues to flounder:  http://therealdeal.com/2016/06/14/judge-offers-solution-to-kingsbridge-armory-squabble/

homeowner

whynot_31 said:

The new site is said to include a pool.    In light of the recent controversy about women's only hours in Williamsburg, I wonder if Crown Heights' Lubavitch would seek to rent the pool for periods of time.

By doing so, could they host a weekly "private event" at the pool that would spare them the controversy that came from a public pool "granting" special hours?

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/avital-chizhik-goldschmidt-swim-peace-women-article-1.2660358

Probably not. Don't they still have women's only hours at St John's Rec center? When last I used that pool (several years ago) those days/hours were mostly Hasidic women.