A planned 72-story high-rise in Downtown Brooklyn is gaining some vocal support from prospective neighbors, including the Fort Greene Park Conservancy.
The conservancy had earlier expressed concern that shadows from the residential skyscraper, eyed for 395 Flatbush Ave. Extension, would affect the park.
But the group’s executive director, Rosamond Fletcher, told a public hearing earlier this week that the focus is now on “mitigating” the impacts of the tower. She referenced the city’s pressing need for housing.
“Housing is great,” Fletcher said in an interview with Gothamist. “We know the city needs it.”
The developers, Rabina and Park Tower Group, said the tower would include 1,263 housing units, of which 325 would be permanently affordable for residents earning an average of 60% of the area median income, or $87,480 for a family of three.
The project would feature a 4,745-square-foot open plaza along Fulton Street and enhanced subway entrances. Sidewalks along Flatbush would be widened from 12 feet to 18.5 feet.
Area residents who spoke at a public hearing held by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso voiced support for the project,
Tiara Williams, a local resident, said the development would help clean up the area, including the corner of Flatbush and Fulton avenues, near Long Island University.
“My sister went to LIU, so that one corner right there is just horrible – people selling CDs, trying to sell you drugs, people sleeping there,” Williams said. “ Revitalizing that corner can make it safer for the people that are going to LIU.”
But Fletcher, while expressing overall support for the project, said the high-rise would generate far more park traffic, putting a strain on the green space. Fletcher said the conservancy had asked the developers for $300,000 in annual support to mitigate wear and tear, and hoped to create an overall fund of $3 million by turning to other developers in the area.
“Our major concern is about the fact that the park does not have unlimited capacity and resources,” said Fletcher, adding that she remained concerned about shadows cast by the tower upon the park. “They're not insignificant.”
James Yolles, a spokesperson for the project, did not address whether the developers would match Fletcher’s request, but said in a statement that they were working with local residents and the conservancy.
"With vacancy rates across New York City at record lows, the creation of new housing is more critical than ever,” Yolles said. “We are committed to designing a project in line with the community's needs, and 395 Flatbush will provide more permanently affordable apartments than any single project in Community Board 2 over the last decade.”
