A controversial plan to build two residential high rises to help finance the operations of Brooklyn Bridge Park cleared a major hurdle Tuesday — but some residents and park advocates are vowing to go to court. Our Michael Herzenberg has the story.
200 people watched the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation Board of Directors give the go ahead, allowing a developer to build condos and apartments on Pier 6 in the park. The vote was 12-4.
RAL Developers and Oliver's Realty plan a 28-story tower with 126 market-rate condos and a 14 story building with 140 units, 100 of them for families with low or moderate incomes.
The city has been trying for a decade to build housing here, beginning with Mayor Michael Bloomberg — only to be delayed by lawsuits.
After taking office, Mayor Bill de Blasio pushed through changes to create subsidized housing, one of his signature issues.
Board members say the project is needed to pay for the park's long-term upkeep.
The deal will net $104 million up front and $11 million a year during the 93-year lease.
Opponents promise to sue, saying this project provides more money than needed.
Another controversy surrounding the project is that one of the developers, RAL Development Services, gave $10,000 to the mayor's non-profit organization shortly after it was selected for the project. City Hall says RAL was chosen because its proposal was better financially.
Barring threatened legal action, developers hope to break ground next spring.