Mon Sep 23 21:23:58 UTC 2024: ## Controversial High-Rise Project Approved Despite Concerns for Brooklyn Botanic Garden

**New York, NY** – A controversial high-rise project that raised concerns for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has been approved by the City Planning Commission. Despite opposition from garden advocates, the commission voted 9-3 to approve Continuum’s revised plan for a 10-story residential building at 962-70 Franklin Ave.

The development, originally proposed as a 14-story building, was met with criticism over its potential to cast shadows on the sensitive plant collections at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. While the revised plan lowered the building’s height and reduced the number of units, concerns remain regarding the impact of shadows on delicate plants like tropical orchids and desert species.

“The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is sacred, and this one-of-a-kind community resource deserves one-of-a-kind consideration,” stated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “This proposal fails to meet that standard.”

However, the Department of City Planning (DCP) argued that the revised plan included measures to mitigate shadow impacts, such as added lighting and structural upgrades for both the garden and nearby Jackie Robinson Playground.

“With today’s action, we are charting a path forward that balances the need for new housing with critical protections for a treasured community space,” said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden acknowledged the developer’s efforts to address their concerns but emphasized the need for further modifications to prevent severe shadow impacts on their most vulnerable collections.

Despite the approval, the project faces further scrutiny. City Planning Commissioner Leah Goodridge, one of the dissenting votes, criticized the “affordability” of the proposed housing, noting the high price tag for market-rate units.

The project will now move to the City Council for a final vote. While the council has historically given weight to Planning Commission recommendations, the contentious nature of this project suggests a potential for further debate.

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