Development

I'm extremely pleased that the majority of the complex was saved. My mother taught here years ago when it was a Catholic elementary school. They only used part of the building at that time. It's a shame they didn't save the oldest part of the building, though. And I think that converting it into housing was the best use possible, and people have been advocating for that for a long time. BUT... NO ONE living in that neighborhood can afford the "affordable" units, or the market rate ones, which aren't much more monthly rent. They are just creating an oasis of wealth within a desert of those who have much less. That's hardly good city planning. On top of that, could they make those units less boring? OK, they saved some of the window details, but otherwise, they seem to be nothing but cheap looking generic sheetrock boxes with the inevitable open plan. I'm pretty sure the original Victorian classrooms had architectural details that could have been re-used - some wainscoting, floors, casework. I'm grateful they didn't tear the entire thing down, but it should have been landmarked ages ago, as well as on the National Register. I'm praying that the Catholic Church doesn't decide one day to sell off St. John the Baptist Church. That building is a masterpiece and an important part of Bedford Stuyvesant and Brooklyn's religious history.

I live in a row house in Brooklyn. Across the street is an apartment building taller than the surrounding houses. And you know what? It’s fine. No problems. These people are crazy.

One of the worst decisions LPC ever made. I'm glad there is money for the restoration of the former Home for the Aged. I'm very happy about that. But I'm angry that it was done this way, and that such a behemoth oversized building was built in back of the Home, totally obscuring the rear of the complex, and overshadowing this very unique 19th century building. You have to laugh when reading that some of this is "affordable housing." Talk about Orwellian double-speak. Not only are these apartments super expensive - they are tiny. If I was spending megabucks per month, I'd want to be able to spin around in the room without hitting the wall. I don't care how many dishwashers or exercise machines they put in it, they just aren't worth it.

This was heartbreaking to watch.