City Uses Eminent Domain To Seize Gravesend Library Building

New York City will acquire the property housing the Gravesend branch of the Brooklyn Public Library at 303 Avenue X, the latest move to own all of the 59 properties where their libraries are located.

The city gained authorization from Kings County Supreme Court in April 2014 to use eminent domain to seize the property, Commercial Observer reports.

The city was paying the building’s owner $15,333 a month for the 9,500 square foot space up until two years ago, when the lease expired. The city has been trying to buy all seven buildings housing Brooklyn branches it does not own since at least last year in an effort to cut long-term expenses. It acquired the McKinley Park branch in December using eminent domain after the landlord turned down an offer of $2.4 million.

The Avenue X location is valued at $1.2 million, but the final price will be determined by a court. The landlord, Joseph Zelik, told the outlet he doesn’t expect to get full value for the property.

“It’s really in their best interest to take these libraries, according to what they told me,” Mr. Zelik said. “If they get it for a third of the price, it’s even better.” The city is processing a “nominal” disbursement to him and he’s hired an attorney to pursue the balance of the property’s value, he added.

After the new acquisition, the Brooklyn Public Library will own 54 out of its 59 branches.

A library spokesperson suggested that renovations are on the way to the branch now that it’s a permanent part of their portfolio.

“Gravesend Library is a popular branch and we have long planned to remain at that location,” the BPL spokeswoman told Commercial Observer. “By purchasing the Gravesend branch, Brooklyn Public Library will be able to invest capital funds in it, bringing it to a state of good repair for the community to enjoy in perpetuity.”