Sunset Park Wants More Input on Where the City Builds Schools

Pictured: the former police station in Sunset Park that could become a school. Photo by John V. Santore.

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — Sunset Park community members want a greater say in how the city decides where to build new schools.

Last week, Community Board 7 passed a resolution calling for the creation of a new task force that would "improve the efficiency of school siting and planning."

The body's membership should include "parents, advocates and planning experts appointed by the NYC Council and the Mayor," the resolution stated, including individuals "from the neighborhood in which a proposed school is being considered."

The mayor's office and the Department of Education did not immediately return requests for comment Thursday on the proposal.

Sunset Park's schools are significantly overcrowded, according to city estimates.

However, at a recent meeting, some community members objected to a proposal to demolish the former 68th police precinct headquarters at the corner of 43rd Street and 4th Avenue so the property can host a new elementary school.

The proposal was made by officials from the city's School Construction Authority (SCA), which finds sites for new school buildings.

Those opposed said the landmarked, albeit long-vacant, building has historic value and should be preserved, while those in favor of the idea said the benefits of new school seats outweighs the loss of an old structure.

At the meeting, officials from the SCA said they've examined numerous potential school sites in Sunset Park, and that the former precinct property is the most promising one they have found.