City Hall may be willing to set aside a little extra cash for the Bedford-Union Armory project to meet demands for more affordable housing.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday that his administration will work with Crown Heights Councilmember Laurie Cumbo to meet her concerns about the project, Politico reported.
“The plan as it’s written now is a sustainable plan that can actually keep that facility open for the community for the long haul at an affordable level,” the mayor said. “In the end, we’re going to work with the council member to see if there is a way to improve the project that would win her support and be more comfortable for the community.”
Cumbo and other elected officials have voiced opposition to the plan for the armory, arguing that it doesn’t include enough affordable housing. Plans call for 56 condo units, 44 of which will be market-rate and 12 that will be sold to individuals making 120 percent of the area median income (AMI). The plan also includes 330 new apartments: 164 market rate units, 99 for tenants making up to 110 percent of the AMI, 49 for those earning 50 percent of the AMI and the remaining 18 units will be set aside for those earning 40 percent of the AMI.
BFC Partners is leading the development, which would be built entirely on city-owned land.
Cumbo won the democratic primary this week, despite criticism from challenger Ede Fox that she wasn’t vocal enough in her opposition to the project. The city hasn’t yet promised a set amount of money to the redevelopment, and will be negotiating with Cumbo ahead of hearing slated for next week, according to Politico. [Politico] — Kathryn Brenzel