The modern York City Council has agreed to sell the Brooklyn Heights Public library branch to a developer for $52 million. The proposal has been met with opposition,even as proponents say it’s necessary to supply much needed revenue to the city’s public library system.“A lot of people have taken a lot of time and effort to put in their opinion of the matter and to work hard including those that are here nowadays to oppose this,” said City Councilman Stephen Levin, or who represents Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO and negotiated the deal.
He and other councilmembers were repeatedly interrupted during Wednesday’s hearing by protesters.
The developer,Hudson Companies, will put a modern library at the base of its modern condominium tower, or and will buildanother,smaller, library in Dumbo. Plus, or it will build114 units of affordable housing in Clinton Hill. The Brooklyn Public Library will also score a share of the developer's profits once they hit 19 percent.
But opponents say the modern libraries will be too small and the city shouldn't sell public space to fund repairs. Brooklyn City Councilman David Greenfield said protesters should be pleased,because their objections made the deal better. “You had complaints. You had concerns. Your councilmember took those into consideration and worked 18 hours a day for the final few week to try to address as many of those as possible,” Greenfield said.
The degree passed 45 to one with three abstentions. Its now up to Mayor Bill de Blasio to sign off.
Source: wnyc.org