Ideas and hurdles ahead at Crown Heights Armory Forum
A community forum concerning redevelopment of the Crown Heights Armory Tuesday evening brought forth numerous ideas from local residents, as well as a petition of demands that developers would be forced to meet in exchange for permission to take control of the area. Based on an explanation from officials as to the process going forward, there will be significant hurdles to ensure such community interests are heeded.
The Armory, at Bedford and Union Streets, has been targeted for a transformation for several years. Proposals have included everything from a Chelsea Market-style Bazaar, fitness facility, sports arena, and childrens’ center. Originally under state control, it was recently placed under the city’s jurisdiction and a Request For Proposals (RFP) was issued to developers interested in the site.
“Can we trust the developers?” asked Richard Hurley, a local lawyer who led the meeting of the Crown Heights Community Council. “These are the same people too often taking our homes. They have to understand the distrust we have. They have to understand they need to earn our trust.”
Though many RFP submissions are kept secret, Hurley believed there are about six submissions now pending. He mentioned one in particular –a joint proposal of the Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights and Steiner Studios–that he favors.