Forum To Go Over Fourth Ave Tower Developers' Agreement With BK

BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklynites will soon get their questions answered next week about a Community Benefits Agreement that developers of a controversial Fourth Avenue apartment tower signed this week.

Community Board 7 has set up a forum for March 3 about the legally-binding CBA, which was unveiled during the 737 Fourth Ave. project's first hearing with City Council.

The agreement — reached between developer group Totem and four local organizations —puts in writing a long list of commitments Totem has made as its project moves through the public review process known as ULURP.

The developers are hoping to gain city approval to change zoning laws for a lot on Fourth Avenue to replace a Dunkin Donuts and parking lot with a 14-story apartment complex.

The project has gotten approval from Community Board 7, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the City Planning Commission and is awaiting a vote from City Council members.

Local City Council Member Carlos Menchaca pushed Totem to hold meetings about the CBA during the project's hearing.

The Fourth Avenue development would bring about 135 apartments, 33 of which would be set aside as affordable.

Among the commitments in the CBA are an easement for the MTA to build an elevator for the nearby 25th Street station, not building any studio apartments so the complex is geared toward families and making some of the affordable spots available to those making 30 percent the area median income, or about $24,000 per year.

The forum will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Zoom and will have Spanish and Chinese translation available.

Register for the webinar here.