Bedford Union Armory

The Bedford Union Armory is a historic National Guard armory building located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It is a brick and stone castle-like structure built in 1903.[1]

It is currently vacant with plans to redevelop it but not without controversy. The current plan is supported by City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo, former New York State Assemblyman Walter Mosley, and New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony.

Proposed redevelopment

The Armory was proposed for redevelopment in 2015 as a 500,000-square-foot mixed-use development in a joint venture between the state EDC and several companies. The plan promises 350 housing units, half of them "affordable housing." There will also be a 45,000 square-foot multi-sport recreational facility, developed with the assistance of Carmelo Anthony and his foundation, office and commercial space, and a community space.[1]

At the December 2015 announcement of the redevelopment, Walter Mosley said "We understand that we still have a long way to go. Understand that there are concerns that this community have brought to my attention and we need to ensure that we listen to them with a compassionate ear. Because ultimately, they're the ones who are going to have to deal with the ultimate outcome of this project."[1]

By 2016 it was being redeveloped by BFC Partners via a lengthy public review process, despite community opposition. Cumbo said "Let's just continue to negotiate, see what the final outcome is, and if it's satisfactory," claiming adjustments could be made along the way.[2] This followed many more months of push back from residents and activists.[3] The new plan passed six months later and kept attracted protesters with Jonathan Westin of Communities for Change saying "The entire process was fixed from the beginning so the Mayor could push through a deal to one of his favored developers.... Plainly and simply: this is planned gentrification, driven by the gentrification mayor and rubber-stamped by Laurie Cumbo."[4]

See also

References
  1. Kearns, Patrick, "Housing, Athletic Complex Coming to Bedford Armory," Brooklyn Downtown Star, December 24, 2015, p.27
  2. "Community Opposition Slows Approval Process For Controversial Crown Heights Armory Project". Gothamist. 31 January 2017. Archived from the original on 21 June 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  3. "Councilmember Cumbo, officials, come out against Bedford-Union Armory project". 19 May 2017.
  4. Durkin, Erin. "City Council strikes deal to approve Brooklyn's Bedford Union Armory project". nydailynews.com. Retrieved Apr 29, 2019.
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