CB2 approves Brooklyn Heights Library plan and Pier 6 affordable housing, but adds provisions
Emotional meeting draws vocal crowd
At an emotional meeting Wednesday night, Community Board 2 approved, with caveats, the controversial plan to sell and redevelop the site of the Brooklyn Heights Library.
With less fanfare, CB2 also approved a modification allowing affordable housing at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park — but added a provision making it clear that any development must be proven necessary to sustain the park’s finances. (See below.)
On the library issue, the full board voted 25 in favor, 14 opposed, with four abstentions to ratify the committee’s approval of the controversial $52 million sale and development. The meeting was held at St. Francis College, where almost every seat in the auditorium was filled. Many in attendance held signs saying, “Save Our Libraries.”
Discussion among board members was frequently interrupted by shouting and chants of “Not for sale!” and “Liar!” from the audience, a number of whom were members of the advocacy group Citizens Defending Libraries.