Dozens testify against development that would throw part of Brooklyn Botanic Garden into shade

BOROUGH HALL — At a three-hour ULURP hearing at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Tuesday, dozens of Brooklyn Botanic Garden supporters, volunteers and staff spoke passionately against a proposal that pits a 14-story, mostly-luxury rental tower at 970 Franklin Ave. against the beloved and internationally-recognized Garden.

To be located just east of BBG in Crown Heights, the proposed tower would cast shadows for part of the day on greenhouses filled with rare and endangered orchids, tropical and desert plants and bonsai. 

Several union members spoke in favor of the project, which would be union-built and financed by the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust. 

Audience members noted, however, that the union members left the hearing after speaking, leaving the remaining hours dominated by opponents. 

Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who represents the area, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso have stated they will not approve any project that harms the Garden, but neither attended the hearing.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s representatives Brit Byrd, senior planner, and Spencer Williams, director of Land Use and Topography, kept a tight rein on clapping or noise, leading audience members to shake their hands in the air instead of applauding memorable statements. 

But by the third hour of the hearing, some attendees broke protocol and called out, “We’re watching you, Reynoso,” noting loudly that the borough president was not in attendance. 

The site is currently zoned for up to seven stories (R6A); the developer Continuum, headed by Bruce Eichner, seeks a rezoning to R8A, which would allow up to 14 stories plus bulkheads.

Last-minute design change would slope building

On June 24, Brooklyn Community Board 9…