The Wall Street Journal reports on a community meeting last night in which residents discussed how the armory at Bedford Avenue and Union Street in Crown Heights might be repurposed in the future: “Potential projects proposed included a Chelsea Market-style development, a recreation center, a senior center and a small-business incubator for food production.” The city is in the process of taking control of the massive armory from the state following the end of a military instillation in the facility this summer. Many locals and neighborhood leaders are in favor of a renovation of the structure into a fitness facility a la the Park Slope Armory’s recent renovation into a track and gym operated by the Y. The question, of course, is whether there will be funding for an overhaul like the one in Park Slope, which cost $16 million and was funded by the mayor’s office, the City Council and the borough president’s office. The story quotes Marty Markowitz as saying “creative ways of financing” might need to be explored for the Bedford Armory, which we assume means “think public-private if you want to see anything ambitious here.”
Armory in Brooklyn Regroups [WSJ]
Meeting About Possible Uses for Crown Heights Armory [Brownstoner] GMAP
Photo via vosizneias.com


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. I’m a new neighbor directly across from the armory on President and Bedford corner. Can anybody help me reach the current caretakers of the building? There is a nasty pond of standing water on the Bedford side that sits feeding mosquitos, rats, fleas etc for 30 days after every rainfall. Since the military unit left the building, it has been getting tagged on all 4 sides and the trash and putrid water have been left on and around the building. Oh, and if you live in the neighborhood then you know a roller skating rink is just NOT a priority here.

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