The Repurposing of the Armory at Bedford and UNION

DDC

From Carmelo's Wikipedia page (guessing he'll address the rec center potential for the community):

Anthony was born in the Red Hook projects in Brooklyn, New York City.^[4] He was born to a black Puerto Rican father and an African-American mother, Mary Anthony.^[5] His father, after whom he is named, died of cancer when Anthony was two years old.^[6] When Anthony turned eight, his family moved to Baltimore, where he honed not only his athletic skills, but his survival skills. Kenny Minor, one of Anthony's childhood friends, said, "from drugs, to killings, to anything you can name that goes on in the roughest parts of town, we've seen and witnessed hands on. Those are the things that teach you toughness and keep you mentally focused on your goals." Sports would serve as an important diversion from the violence and drug dealing that were pervasive in the housing projects a few blocks from the homes of Anthony and his friends.^[7]

whynot_31

Now we are talking:

"The project, at the site of the former Bedford-Union Armory, is being developed by Brooklyn-based BFC Partners and Slate Property Group, along with the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Bedford Courts LLC, representatives announced on Wednesday."

http://therealdeal.com/blog/2015/12/16/slate-bfc-redeveloping-former-crown-heights-armory/

BFC:  http://bfcnyc.com

Slate:   http://www.slatepg.com

As stated above, the firms chosen have the credentials similar to those that are developing the Kingsbridge armory in the Bronx.

crownheightster

BFC is currently responsible for the projects at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn, the Toren, Empire Outlets, Essex Crossing, and 1000 Dean Street in Crown Heights. We've hit the big time. 

Where does CAMBA fit into this? 

whynot_31

That is unclear. but I presume just the drill hall and some social service programming.  

This email from a local neighborhood activist (and friend) provides some additional details:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Finally.html?soid=1112633571666&aid=a9M0OGxY2kY

1.   The mixed income building will be 13 stories.   [Given that the site is already on top of a hill, this will provide the residents of the top floors with great views.   The market rate units will be very attractive]

2.   Some non-profits will have office space and programming.     [CAMBA is likely among these]

3.    They did figure out a way to sell to the land/stables the townhomes will be constructed on.   [I expect they will go for over $2M a piece.]

crownheightster

Press release from EDC -- I think the project might be called "Bedford Courts?"

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1ea59591e8f61f1e32eec4bca&id=2805e42aea&e=599fe4f526

whynot_31

Yes, that is the name of the LLC mentioned by The Real Deal.

Here is CAMBA's line in the press release:   “These spectacular new facilities will enable CAMBA to create new recreational and educational programs to benefit the whole community.”

...there is no mention that, by contracting with CAMBA, the city could pretty easily convert the drill hall into a shelter should legal action by entities like Coalition for the Homeless demand it.

   

franklinandeastern

Any hint of a timeline for this sort of project? Those two soon-to-be new big buildings across Eastern Parkway on Bedford just got a whole lot more attractive to live in. Same for new developments south of Eastern Parkway.

whynot_31

I purport that all of those developments (aka "The Big 16") are being constructed with this one and each other, in mind:

http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/44634/links-to-the-big-16-developments-in-western-crown-heights

The armory is just piece in a rapidly evolving puzzle.    My thought is that majority of the Big 16 will be completed by 2020, and that the economic effects are already being felt.

mac1

whynot_31, I find it utterly implausible that these developers would undertake a massive, multi-billion dollar project, if there was any chance it would be converted it into a homeless shelter.  That's just never going to happen.

whynot_31

This development has many components, and I believe only the drill hall remains at risk of becoming a shelter.

No one wants it to happen.   It would be legally forced upon the city, which would then have CAMBA convert the drill hall.   In my view, the city has likely selected CAMBA to allow for this contingency.

I assume the developers are aware of the risk, and have deemed it acceptable.   

I'll go so far to say that even the Coalition for the Homeless does not WANT to use the drill hall as a shelter;  they would much rather the city ensure the legally established Right to Shelter by developing smaller shelters and/or permanent supportive housing.

I am describing a "last resort", but one that I believe the city creating a contingency for.  

 Photo is press conference:  https://twitter.com/NYCEDC/status/677493048360747008   

mac1

this article has some mock-ups:

http://gothamist.com/2015/12/17/bedford-union_armory.php

whynot_31

they are good enough that we should save our readers a click:

A few floors will be added to the stables to make the townhomes;   They are going to fetch some serious $. And, here are the specs on the mid rise:

whynot_31

And, here is what is known as "the money shot".   It allows EDC to state that the politicians bless the project, much like parents bless the wedding of their daughter.

whynot_31

Here's other work completed by the architectural firm chosen, Marvel:  http://marvelarchitects.com/new-york-yimby-bedford-union-armory-in-crown-heights/

dmiami2

This article states that the town houses on President will be condos.   Medgar Evers will occupy the non-profit space (which doesn't make sense to me)... and that there will be 100,000 sqft of commercial space along Bedford and President...  I think that is a big plus for the project.  This immediate area could use more commercial IMO.

http://newyorkyimby.com/2015/12/13-stories-of-apartments-townhouses-and-rec-center-planned-for-bedford-union-armory-in-crown-heights.html

whynot_31

Let's pick it apart:

"The facility will feature a pool, basketball courts, and an indoor turf field, as well as a 500-seat auditorium and office space for local non-profit organizations. Medgar Evers College, which is located a block south on Bedford Avenue, will occupy of the non-profit space. CAMBA, a non-profit affordable housing developer and social services group based in Flatbush, will run the new rec center."

MEC has some institutes and whatnot that do not fit within its traditional CUNY model, but I think it is a stretch to call them non-profits. 

CAMBA is consistently being reported as being the provider for the rec center, which makes it appear as if it broadening its mission to be similar to Children's Aid Society. 

"Out of the 515,000-square-foot-development, the condos will occupy 55,000 square feet, and the new rental building will span 360,000 square feet. The commercial, community and recreation space will fill another 100,000 square feet, mostly fronting Bedford Avenue and part of President Street."

I find it odd that the drill hall is not mentioned, because it makes up the majority of the complex.   

In this photo, the stables and the headhouse are all labeled Headhouse, but they are distinct, and we can see the difference.   I assume whatever retail is coming (coffee shop?   place to buy sweatbands, yoga pants and deodorant?) will occupy the actual headhouse the front corner.

It is unclear to me whether the new lobby/entrance way will be actually on President St.

 

whynot_31

A rumor that Bruce Ratner will be involved: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-Armory-and-Bruce-Ratner.html?soid=1112633571666&aid=4L4qfDejqKM

pheightsresident

Alicia Boyd had a lot to say about this project at tonight's CB9 meeting. 

BrooklynAve

Any other updates about the cb9 meeting??

pheightsresident

The meeting was primarily presentations from various groups. When DOT got up to make their presentation regarding proposed safety changes to a couple of intersections lining Empire Blvd. (apparently, they are still not going to move forward with projects unless the CB gives its input, meaning that the board(s) still have de facto veto authority), there was an uproar from AB and another community member who sits on the transportation committee. This was mainly due to the fact that the speakers/public comment list for this item was short and now closed, despite the fact that many in attendance did not know about the presentation as it wasn't on the agenda (apparently, it was a carryover from the last full board meeting). 

Apart from AB shouting down a few other people (including becoming fairly aggressive with this woman giving the smoke free housing presentation), there were actually moments of loud agreement between AB/MTOPP crowd and many of the orthodox community and board members on several issues, including opposition to the smoke free housing initiative (viewed by some as discriminatory and a potential avenue for landlords to evict poor tenants who, according to AB, smoke to deal with the "stress of being poor") and opposition to the safety improvements. 

whynot_31

pheightsresident said:

Alicia Boyd had a lot to say about this project at tonight's CB9 meeting. 

It isn't surprising, but a lot of the local advocates do not like the armory plans.   Their complaints are the common ones:

- The jobs created won't be union.

- The affordable housing won't be given to the people who truly need and deserve it.

- The recreation facility will be too expensive for the present, low income residents.

- Their favorite contractor was not selected for the job.

- etc. 

whynot_31

whynot_31 said:

A rumor that Bruce Ratner will be involved: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-Armory-and-Bruce-Ratner.html?soid=1112633571666&aid=4L4qfDejqKM

Has now been determined to be unfounded  

yesbrooklyn

@whynot_31 when/where did you get the sense that local advocates didn't like the plans?  Was it at this meeting?  The armory is a clear compromise on both sides.  Some people just don't understand what's good for their own community.

whynot_31

I like the armory plans, but not everyone does.

Hence, the money shot (see above) will be circulated by the EDC throughout the process.  

whynot_31

Specifically, many members of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights (corner of EP and Rogers) are upset because their development corp. was not chosen to develop the site.

The corp has been active in Crown Heights for quite sometime, and now is shrinking due to increased competition.

Here's some background on it: 

"In 1987 Rev. Norman founded the Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights.  Through the Local Development Corporation, Rev. Norman has helped develop more than 800 units of housing for senior citizens and low income families.  The Local Development Corporation has constructed twenty-one buildings in Crown Heights, including David Chavis Apartments, The Albany Residence and St. John’s Apartment."

http://www.myfbcch.org/#!reverendnormanbio/c1f1h

whynot_31

The Carmelo Anthony foundation will be helping to fund the recreation center

suppleknuckles

"town houses owned BY WHO? certainly they won't be people from this community"

quick! lower the giant plastic dome over the community!! let us never again see/hear/speak to those Not From This Community

nellycph

It's all completely speculative at this point, of course, but that does mean there's plenty of time for an organized group of people to influence the process. thanks for share...

whynot_31

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.

crownheightster

EWWW. I may have said this before, but I'd love to get all authoritarian about this and get something built and done within, say, 18 months.