JOINT STATEMENT BY SENATOR HAMILTON & ASSEMBLYWOMAN DIANA C. RICHARDSON ON
BEDFORD UNION ARMORY 


 
James Patchett
President & CEO
New York City Economic Development Corporation
110 William Street
New York, NY 10038
 
Re: Application Number: 20170416 ZMK, 20170417 ZRK, 20170418 ZSK, 20170419 ZSK
Dear President Patchett:
 
From the outset, we have analyzed the proposed Bedford Union Armory development through the lens of upholding our community's value which encompasses our belief that no one in the community should be marginalized or displaced, our belief that we must preserve true affordability, and our belief that public land is precious, and must be used for a public purpose. We intend to bring those same values to bear, as we analyze this project moving forward.
In addition, we lift up the impassioned advocacy of colleagues, community groups, friends, and neighbors who pushed for changes to this development. Countless neighborhood residents participated in community meetings, forums, and town halls, voicing their concerns and adding their insights to this discussion. Due to those participants who have remained engaged in this process which entail groups like the Crown Heights Tenants Union, New York Communities for Change, and many more, we are able to take steps closer to realizing our shared vision for the Bedford Union Armory. In lieu of this, we request further assurances regarding affordability and the precise terms surrounding the recreation center.
With regard to housing, while we express our appreciation for drawing nearer to the 100% affordable housing perspective we set forth, the most recent proposal does not meet that goal. It is evident that the development does not fully meet the needs New Yorker's face, given the current housing crisis which embodies a perspective that is especially salient given the record levels of homelessness and displacement. Furthermore, we will continue to organize with the community to include more affordability, meet neighborhood needs, and get the best deal possible.


 
Initial Proposal (2016)
New Proposal (2017)
 
Income, Family of Three
Units
Percentage of Units
Units
Percentage of Units
30% AMI Rental
$25,770
-
-
50
13%
40% AMI Rental
$34,360
18
5%
24
6%
50% AMI Rental
$42,950
49
13%
24
6%
60% AMI Rental
$51,540
-
-
152
38%
110% AMI Rental 
$94,490
99
25%
-
-
120% AMI Condo
$103,080
12
3%
-
-
Market Rate Rental 
Market
164
42%
149
37%
Market Rate Condo
Market
48
12%
-
-
Total
 
390
100%
399
100%
 

When considering the recreation center, we have voiced our support for a facility that partners with neighborhood groups and meets our community's needs; a positive resource for our community's youth and collaboration with community nonprofits are welcome. Moving forward, we request firm, binding commitments on inclusivity. The positive work of a recreation center would be undermined if neighborhood residents were priced out of programs and activities. Hidden costs and fees, represent a barrier to full participation of every member of our community in the planned recreation center, and we want to be sure that an inclusive outlook is set forth and guaranteed, in writing, in advance.
Inclusion also encompasses the need for union labor. Unions play a critical role, engaging with our community, offering apprenticeships and training programs, and ensuring workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
The Bedford Union Armory development represents a spectacular opportunity for our community. We want to be sure that our community's needs are reflected in the project. Ideals like equity and inclusion must be touchstones for our decision making, and we will continue to voice the central place these values hold in the consideration of this proposal.





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Assemblymember Diana C. Richardson (D, WFP - 43rd AD), represents the 43rd Assembly District, which covers Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Wingate and East Flatbush. She currently serves on the Committee on Banking, the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions;  the Committee of Children and Families; the Committee on Mental Health and the Committee on Small Business.  Assembly woman Richardson also serves as the Chairwoman of the Sub Committee on Foster Care. She was first elected to office in 2015.