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Williamsburg's Pfizer-replacing megaproject needs more affordable housing, says borough president

As the Rabsky Group’s plan to bring an eight-building development to the former Pfizer sites in Williamsburg moves forward through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is now weighing in with his recommendations, and they don’t bode so well for the developer.

As plans stand right now, Rabsky intends to bring eight new buildings to the Broadway Triangle area with 1,146 apartments, 287 of which will be affordable units. In addition, the megaproject will also create 65,000 square feet of retail, half an acre of public open space, and 405 parking spots.

In his recommendations, Adams has stressed on a greater degree of affordability, 21,300 square feet of additional affordable housing to be precise, and disapproved the project as it stands right now. Instead he has given a set of guidelines that the developers might adopt in order for this project to be beneficial to the entire community.

“Considering these land use applications have been about more than one site or project, it represents a chance to evaluate the direction of development in Williamsburg and ensure that we are creating opportunities for everyone to afford to raise healthy children and families in this neighborhood,” Adams said in a statement. “Any rezoning that the City grants must affirm the standard of diverse, not segregated, opportunity.”

In addition, Adams has specified that the additional affordable housing be offered at an average rent of 60 percent of the area median income. He furthermore requested that the developer clarify the different bedroom types within the affordable units, and give the greatest preference to one-bedroom apartments.

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NYCurbed