Former Heights Precinct Will Not Go Condo
A developer that wanted to transform Brooklyn Heights’ former 86th Precinct HQ into a residential building is abandoning its extremely unpopular plans, according to an article in the Brooklyn Eagle. Regal Investments, a partnership between Bill Punch and Maurice Laboz, says objections from both the city and community members helped kill the Poplar Street conversion….
A developer that wanted to transform Brooklyn Heights’ former 86th Precinct HQ into a residential building is abandoning its extremely unpopular plans, according to an article in the Brooklyn Eagle. Regal Investments, a partnership between Bill Punch and Maurice Laboz, says objections from both the city and community members helped kill the Poplar Street conversion. LPC and DOB restrictions coupled with a lack of cooperation/enthusiasm from neighbors and the Brooklyn Heights Association made the ownership seek other development options such as net leasing the entire building, said Punch. A nearby school, P.S. 8, and several nonprofits have expressed interest in renting the space. Can anyone tell us what was so objectionable about the plan? Are there renderings of the proposal anywhere?
Developer Abandons Conversion Plans For 86th Precinct [Brooklyn Eagle] GMAP
Oh, 11:38/12:07, trust me, I have the first, second and then some clues about the Brooklyn Heights Association, both in general and specifically with regard to this issue. Talk with the group all the time. BHA does not win its every battle, but it does make-or-break projects on a regular basis. Their fingerprints are all over this issue. It’s okay; you don’t have to believe me.
11:58
I repeat, you do not have the first clue.
Why don’t you join the BHA and talk to the folks who volunteer their time in order to educate yourself about their role in the community?
The BHA is a well-established neighborhood organization. It is not a government agency and runs soley on charitable contributions and funds raised at the annual house tour.
The post at 11:28 does not say “the BHA has total control over all the real estate in the community and can dictate their exact requirements to private property owners.” But anyone who doesn’t think the organization wields a lot of influence is, as 11:38 puts it, “without the first clue.” Oh, wait, I was responding to 11:38….
Any-who, I am waiting for this to blow up in the BHA’s face. Watch as their meddling doesn’t get additional space for PS8 and the opportunity for a residential conversion is lost to a less desirable community facility use.
“Word is that the BHA wanted community center type of use and that the building was leased to a group for developmentally challenged people (not sure if it’s children or adults).”
I forgot that the BHA has total control over all the real estate in the community and can dictate their exact requirements to private property owners.
Whoever thinks this is without the first clue.
This building would be perfect for many uses including educational, residential, or institutional. It is on a wonderful street in Brooklyn Heights. You really have to work at making this not work but Mr. Laboz was up to the task.
Word is that the BHA wanted community center type of use and that the building was leased to a group for developmentally challenged people (not sure if it’s children or adults).
This would make a perfect annex for PS8. The space is desperately needed!
I live in Brooklyn Heights and the neighborhood is a bore. Not the good kind of bore. Northern BH is a culturual wasteland. Can’t wait to move to Downtown Brooklyn.
Q: “Can anyone tell us what was so objectionable about the plan?”
A: I have been told that the conversion cannot be done as of right because it will not conform to rear yard requirements. If this isn’t a text-book example of a (Zoning Resolution section) “74-711 application,” then I do not know what is.
I agree with 10:38’s opinion that, “It should be an easy project given the location and the attractiveness of the old building.”