Revised Rezoning Proposal for 962-972 Franklin Avenue

CROWN HEIGHTS — The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) celebrated the revisions to the proposed rezoning of 962–972 Franklin Avenue, a site located near the garden and Jackie Robinson Playground in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The new proposal, which will be voted on by the New York City Council Land Use Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, ensures that the development will preserve vital sunlight for BBG’s plant collections, addressing a key concern for the garden’s survival.

The original development plan for a 14-story, 475-unit mixed-use building was met with strong opposition from community members and institutions, particularly due to its potential to cast damaging shadows over the BBG’s sunlight-sensitive plants and nearby open spaces. Following over six years of discussion and advocacy, the revised plan includes a significant modification: the proposed building’s slope has been reduced from 15 degrees to 10 degrees, with the structure planned to rise to nine stories along its western side near the Garden and ten stories along the eastern side facing Franklin Avenue. This adjustment will allow much-needed sunlight to reach critical areas of the garden, including its plant nursery, while still enabling the development of affordable housing. This adjustment will allow much-needed sunlight to reach critical areas of the garden, including its plant nursery, while still enabling the development of affordable housing.

Adrian Benepe, President & CEO of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, expressed gratitude to the community and local officials for their efforts to protect the garden, stating, “After more than six years of discussion, debate, and vigorous public advocacy, the threat of permanent loss of sunlight for our living museum of plants is over. We are deeply grateful to our elected officials for their steadfast support and diligent work to craft a plan that ensures the sunlight that plants need to survive, protects the Garden from permanent damage, and enables affordable workforce housing.”

The revised proposal calls for the construction of 355 residential units, with 30% of them designated as affordable. The development will also include 103,000 square feet of commercial space and a 2,500-square-foot primary care facility operated by NYC Health + Hospitals. These modifications were made possible through collaboration with the Department of City Planning, the Department of Parks & Recreation, and other stakeholders, including Council Member Crystal Hudson, who played a pivotal role in the negotiations.

The original massing had raised concerns from both the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and local residents, who feared that the shadows would impact the garden’s ability to grow and thrive, particularly in its conservatories, which require year-round sunlight. In response, the revised plan has included changes to mitigate these issues while still offering essential housing and services to the community.

The revised zoning proposal for 962-972 Franklin Avenue marks a critical step in the ongoing development of Crown Heights, where a series of rezonings have sought to address the growing demand for affordable housing. The modified plan is part of a broader effort to ensure that new developments do not undermine the city’s public assets, such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Jackie Robinson Playground, while still accommodating necessary growth.

Once approved, the development will contribute to the city’s affordable housing stock and provide community services, marking a significant victory for both environmental advocates and housing proponents.