Developers Plan To Begin Controversial Brooklyn Bridge Park Development In July, Organizers Say

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Developers have filed a request to begin building two high-rise towers in Brooklyn Bridge Park this summer, regardless of an impending court ruling on whether or not the buildings should be allowed, community organizers announced Monday.

The developers for Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation — the nonprofit responsible for the park’s maintenance and upkeep — plan to begin construction on Pier 6 on or after July 19, the Brooklyn Heights Association, a local community group, said in a statement.

Project developers RAL Development Services and Oliver’s Realty Group informed BHA attorneys that they intended to start building at Pier 6 three weeks before the July 19 construction date, as required by a stipulation both organizations agreed to in 2016, BHA officials said in a statement.

BHA responded on Sunday by filing a motion with New York Supreme Civil Court judge Lucy Billings to demand a temporary restraining order against the developers, according to the BHA statement.

BBPC and BHA have both presented arguments to Billings regarding the future of the pier — the corporation said it needs to develop Pier 6 to finance future park maintenance, but BHA argued any income the towers would generate would be superfluous and their residents would overcrowd an already bustling neighborhood and park.

Billings, who will rule on whether or not the development can be built, is expected to hear final arguments on July 19, the Brooklyn Eagle reported.

A Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation spokesman told Patch in a statement, "The proposed development at Pier 6 will provide essential long-term funding for the park, as well as needed affordable housing and union construction jobs."

The spokesman added, "We look forward to next steps in the process.”

Photo by Kathleen Culliton