Brooklyn Borough President Hearing

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March 20th

• 100-Unit mixed-use

• Self storage

You saved: 1h 23m

7120 New Utrecht Ave

Bensonhurst | 0.42 Acres | 100 Units

While the developer of 7120 Utrecht Ave opted for a generous 25-foot setback to maintain distance from the D train, as well as a commitment to incorporate local businesses in the ground floor retail, various community members expressed opposition to the project.

Public sentiment revealed apprehension over the potential impact on the community's quality of life, existing population density, and displacement of current businesses. Primary concerns revolved around the neighborhood's capacity to accommodate the influx of new residents.

The Coalition of Community Residents shared their opposition to the development for a multitude of reasons, such as the potential impact on the residential character of the neighborhood and the shadow effects on the surrounding area. One individual even questioned the mixed-use nature of the project.

Shortly after acquiring the site, the owner was approached by Hasidic Yeshiva operators from Borough Park about the possibility of developing the site for their use due to the lack of space in Borough Park. Bensonhurst was considered a suitable location given its proximity to Borough Park.

Upon presenting the idea of a school to local community leaders, the developer found that the leaders were more concerned with the urgent need for additional housing. The proposed nine-story building would feature 11,600 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor, with 100 residential units on the upper floors, including 70 market rate and 30 affordable units.

The following questions were directed to the project team:

1. Are any design changes being contemplated in response to Community Board 11's feedback? Do the shadow impacts in the Environmental Assessment Statement still apply to the current project proposal?

2. What are the accessibility requirements for the project's zoning? Have discussions taken place with the Department of City Planning and the MTA regarding these stipulations?

3. Is there a designated area for trash containerization or compaction within the development?

4. What is the planned use for the ground floor commercial space, and have any potential tenants been identified?

Application

Kings Highway Self Storage

East Flatbush | 1.69 Acres

Several speakers testified against the application, including representatives from the Business Outreach Center Network (Bach Network) and Council Member Farah Lewis of the 45th District. They argued that self-storage facilities consume scarce land slated for industrial and manufacturing uses, create almost no jobs, and exaggerate the rising costs of industrial real estate.

They also expressed concerns about the impact on the neighborhood, including shading and towering over residential properties, potential impacts of the subterranean seller with the excavation as close as 10.6 inches above the water table in some areas, and the over saturation of self-storage developments in the area. The speakers urged the Borough President to prioritize job-generating uses in industrial zones and reject the special permit application for the self-storage facility.

Application

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