New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and the Brooklyn Public Library have announced the launch of a public engagement process to guide the redevelopment of the New Utrecht Library in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Announced on Wednesday, the project plans to replace the existing library at 1743 86th Street and an adjacent city-owned parking lot with a modern library facility and 100-percent affordable housing residential complex. The property is located between 18th Avenue and Bay 16th Street.
This project is part of the city’s “Living Libraries” program, which co-locates affordable housing with newly constructed public library branches. In the coming months, the Adams administration and the Brooklyn Public Library will lead a public engagement process, including digital surveys, in-person workshops, and outreach events. Feedback gathered from the community will inform a visioning report that will serve as the foundation for a forthcoming request for proposals. The current library branch will remain open until construction begins.
New Utrecht Library, via Google Maps.
The redevelopment of the New Utrecht Library follows the model established in Sunset Park, where the city’s first library and affordable housing co-development has been completed. Additional Living Library projects are in progress at the Bloomingdale Library in Manhattan, the Grand Concourse Library in The Bronx, and other locations.
“The Living Library redevelopment project will allow us to reinvigorate the aging New Utrecht Library building and provide the community with a modern branch for the 21st century,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “We saw the promise of this model in Sunset Park, where New York City’s first library redevelopment to include affordable housing has proven a resounding success. Building on that achievement, we now have the opportunity to deliver a brand-new library for this community while also advancing the city’s goals of expanding affordable housing- a true win for all New Yorkers.”
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Excellent community intrinsic Values investment! We can all find something in a library! I’m not sure about this one for sure, but I have heard they are doing really interesting things with A.I. kiosks, interactive rooms, new product features. I’m excited to see what’s new!
I hope this is sizable. There is no reason this shouldn’t be 20-30 stories. It’s right on top of the TT, err B err D train station and should max out its density potential.
This is good so long as the upstairs neighbors do not cause a flood that would ruin the books.
Great Library has been in the neighborhood for 30 years or more.
Basically what this means is there will be no more parking lot ……idiots ! Total incompetent……more housing , the neighborhood is crowded enough ….you don’t need more housing , you need less
More families in an over populated neighborhood!! Then take away the paid parking lot, not too smart. Zero parking around with the parking lot. As a tax payer I’m tired of plans for anything “affordable” because that’s not beneficial to the middle class families. Just fix the library!!