Witnesses To Sell Standish Arms
According to Brooklyn Heights Blog, the Brooklyn Eagle reported yesterday that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are preparing to sell the 80,000-square-foot Columbia Heights building known as the Standish Arms Hotel. For the last two decades, the Watchtower group has used the limestone and brick structure to house its flock. The decision is reportedly part of a…
According to Brooklyn Heights Blog, the Brooklyn Eagle reported yesterday that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are preparing to sell the 80,000-square-foot Columbia Heights building known as the Standish Arms Hotel. For the last two decades, the Watchtower group has used the limestone and brick structure to house its flock. The decision is reportedly part of a larger reorganization of the property-rich organization’s holdings. All we know is these will be some expensive apartments when a developer’s done with them. How do neighbors feel about the impending change in ownership?
Watchtower to Sell Standish Arms [Brooklyn Heights Blog] GMAP
thay are also selling their property on Willow and orange and another on livingston. i believe they are relocating most of their operations out of Brookyn. It’s become cost-ineffective for them to stay here. I think they are going north near wappingers falls where they have a huge contingency.
undoubtedly the bible publishing is a non-profit endeavor, so no taxes. this is good for the city’s tax base.
thay are also selling their property on Willow and orange. i believe they are relocating most of their operations out of Brookyn. It’s become cost-ineffective for them to stay here. I think they are going north near wappingers falls where they have a huge contingency.
So 10:36, you’re saying churches don’t pay PROPERTY taxes? Even when the building is not a church where people worship, but is an office for their commercial endeavors, i.e. the publishing of their books like in the buildings in Dumbo?
Maybe churches get out of paying these kinds of property taxes. But I wouldn’t assume it, as a layperson and not a tax expert. So why the “duh”? Except to be rude?
I think Brooklyn Heights made its peace with the Witnesses a long time ago, but blocked allowing them to add more residences about 10 (?) years ago. They have been a part of the Heights for many years and are housed in several residences, some of which were hotels in the area. I think that it probably makes sense for them to cash in and I don’t think that the Heights cares very much either way, though I don’t think they will be missed particularly.
I also think that those places would make fantastic condos and that it is a good thing for the neighborhood.
Only downside for this Brooklyn Heights resident will be the influx of cars that will come with new residents. For their numbers, the Witnesses don’t seem to add to the parking hassles in the nabe – guess it’s all their carpooling, their Dumbo parking lot and the 24-hour shuttle buses for church members.
The Witnesses have a thriving business printing bibles and religious books. That’s what they do in those giant factory buildings in Fulton Landing.
They also tithe their members very heavily.
They are loaded and they are thriving in terms of followers. Shows you the upside of forsaking liquor,cards, and fornication.
I wonder where they will house the members moving out of this building. What has happened to their plans to build housing in DUMBO? Their parking lot there is still being used for parking… and there is no evidence of construction starting anytime soon.
Um, churches don’t pay taxes. Duh.