Community Board 2 Approves 29-Story Development At 809 Atlantic Avenue

CLINTON HILL – Brooklyn Community Board 2 approved the 29-story development planned for 809 Atlantic Avenue (between Vanderbilt & Clinton Avenues) during a full board meeting last Wednesday, November 14. CB2 voted 31 in favor and 7 opposed to the project with two conditions—that the developer cap the Area Median Income (AMI) of the affordable units at 60% as opposed to the proposed 80%, and that a loading zone be created for the property’s future commercial tenants.

Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, 809 Atlantic Avenue includes two connected mixed-use buildings—one four stories and the other 29-stories—with ground floor retail, offices, and approximately 286 apartments, 55 of which will be reserved for affordable housing, according to Brooklyn Paper. The project would span Atlantic Avenue and around the corner of Vanderbilt where it abuts the rear of the landmarked Church of St. Luke & St. Matthew (at 519 Vanderbilt Ave). The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission also approved the project earlier this year. The developer of the project, Hope Street Capital, has committed to restoring the deteriorating church if the firm’s rezoning request for the site is approved through the city’s ULURP process.

The rezoning would increase the site’s Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 4.6 to 9, with the Church of St. Luke & St. Matthew transferring approximately 70,000 square feet of air rights to Hope Street Capital for the tower in exchange for $4.5 million worth of restoration work. The new development will feature more than 202,000 square feet for residences, 34,000 square feet in commercial/retail space, and nearly 1,700 square feet in common space.

809 Atlantic Avenue will replace the popular watering hole Hot Bird at 546 Clinton Avenue. The bar is slated to close on December 8, according to Eater.

Based on a 2013 NYC DOT street parking study, the developer has also requested a special permit which would not require parking on the site, according to CB2 Acting Chair Irene Janner. Some board members voiced concerns about where residents of the new building will park noting an existing lack of parking in the neighborhood. The five-year-old DOT study, covering a half-mile radius around the Barclays Center, suggests otherwise. 809 Atlantic Avenue lies at the edge of the study area, said Janner, adding that since the study was conducted, several new buildings have risen bringing new drivers and cars into the neighborhood.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will hold a hearing on 809 Atlantic Avenue at 6pm on Tuesday, November 27.