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The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is considering a redevelopment plan for its Sunset Park branch which would create a larger library and 55 affordable apartments including one for a live-in superintendent.
The one story building would be redeveloped to include eight stories. Under the proposal, the building would have 18 studios, 11 one-bedroom, 14 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom apartments, all below market rate, with studios as low as $525 per month. The plan is being sponsored by the non-profit, Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC), which would also develop and own the apartments.
The plan is still in its preliminary stages and would increase the library from 12,000 to 17,000 square feet and modernize its facilities with state of the art technology, an optimized layout for program rooms and meeting space, new heating and cooling systems, and the continued operation of the Workforce I Center for jobseekers. BPL has budgeted $8 million for these upgrades as the library is one of the busiest in the system in terms of circulation and attendance rates.
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As the plan stands, FAC would develop the site for $24.8 million and build the library core and shell at no cost to BPL. The group plans to primarily use State Low Income Housing Tax Credits to fund the project, guaranteeing the units will remain affordable for a minimum of 50 years.
After construction, which would take at least two years, the city would take back the library under its ownership and FAC would own the rest of the building. During construction, BPL would move the Sunset Park branch to a temporary space located as close as possible to its current location at 51st Street and 4th Avenue.
At a community meeting held at the library on November 3rd, critics of the plan insisted they would not support it unless the library included a second floor given the extensive needs of the community.
Share your ideas for an expanded and redeveloped library with truly affordable housing on Monday, December 1st, from 6:30 to 8pm at the Sunset Park Recreational Center at 7th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets. (Source: Nikhito Venugopa, DANinfo.com)
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Illegal clothing bins were kicked to the curb after City Council legislation toughened regulations. The bill calls for fines of $250 for first-time violations for bins illicitly placed on public property. The fines will double to $500 for repeat violations. The bill will also allow the city to immediately remove any bins placed on sidewalks or city property, rather than giving owners a 30-day notice. Bins placed on private property will need to be registered with the city. City Council hopes to curb illegal placement of bins which soared 350% in fiscal year 2014. (Source: Yoav Gonen, New York Post)
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Li-Lac Chocolates, Manhattan's oldest chocolate house opened Brooklyn's newest chocolate factory on November 17th. Guests of honor included Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Council Member Carols Menchaca, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Wendy Goldstein, President & CEO of Lutheran Healthcare, and Andrew Kimball, CEO, Industry City. The factory and a retail store is located at 68 35th Street in Sunset Park Brooklyn. To order online, visit li-lacchocolates.com. A public opening was held on Saturday, November 22 and more than 1000 people turned out to welcome them to the community.
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Manhattan Bound Ferry Docked
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Diligently fought by Council Member Vincent Gentile, the service that carried commuters from the Rockaways and Sunset Park to Manhattan for more than a year, was docked on October 31st. "I'm saddened by the mayor's decision," said Gentile stressing that the mayor has heard the concerns of Gentile's constituents and that the mayor has agreed that the concept of a "coordinated commuter ferry system in the city is viable and on his priority list." (Source: Meaghan McGoldrick, Home Reporter)
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Save the Date
12/1 - Sunset Park Library/Affordable Housing Forum. Share your ideas for an expanded library with affordable housing. Sunset Park Rec Center, 6:30-8pm
12/4 - Annual Tree Lighting at OLPH Basilica. Free Santa pictures and goody bags, 3-5pm. Live entertainment, 4-6pm. Tree lighting at 6pm
12/5 - Smokin' Word Drum comes to Brooklyn for the 2014 International Coquito Masters featuring Machete Movement & Friends. Hosted by UPROSE. 166A 22nd Street. Free 6pm
12/6 - Holiday Swing Dance at the Sunset Park Rec Center. 30-minute dance lesson at 5pm. Dancing, performances and snacks. 5-8pm.
12/6 - Fundraiser to benefit Camp AmeriKids which enhances the lives of youth living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell disease. $10 donation. Karaoke, food, drink tickets raffles and 50/50. Irish Haven, 8pm-1am.
12/7 - Children's Chorus of Bay Ridge. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 7420 4th Avenue, $10 donation. 3pm. For more info: www.artonthecorner.org/schedule-of-events.html
12/9 - 72nd Precinct Community Affairs Meeting, Marien Center, 4520 4th Ave, 7:30pm
12/14 - Bella Voce Singers. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 7420 4th Avenue, $10 donation. 3pm.
12/17 - Community Board Meeting, 43rd &4th, Entrance on 43rd St, 6:30pm
12/20-23 - Sunset Park BID 5th Avenue Trolley. Catch the trolley at all B63 bus stops beginning at 52nd in front of McDonalds, 1-5pm
1st and 2nd Mondays of the Month - Neighbors Helping Neighbors, advocates for tenants, tenants rights and affordable housing, accepts walk-in visits at their offices at 462 36th Street. 10am-4pm.
Wednesdays and the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the Month - Green-Wood Cemetery's historic Trolley Tour, $15 for non-members, $10 for members, 1-3pm
Sundays - Live music at the Irish Haven, 8-11pm
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