BENSONHURST — The NYC Housing Preservation & Development and Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) hosted a community engagement report-back meeting on the proposal to redevelop the New Utrecht branch, 1743 86th St., on March 3.
Held at Il Centro, 8711 18th Ave., the HPB and BPL shared input collected during the community visioning phase and discussed next steps.
The plan is to build 220-290 affordable housing units atop a new library.This project is part of the city’s “Living Libraries” initiative, which focuses on building new libraries and housing together to address the city’s housing crisis.
The interior of the current New Utrecht Library. Photo: Eagle Urban Media
The existing library, which is owned by the city, was built in 1956.
The redevelopment will be initiated through a competitive process called a Request for Proposals that asks developers to respond to a set of goals and guidelines that reflect community priorities.
Assemblymember William Colton attended the meeting to express concerns and ask questions about the projects.
“A lot of people have concerns about its size,” Colton said. “Anything that dwarfs the other buildings in the neighborhood is a concern. The other concern I have is parking, which is now scarce. Taking the public parking lot away and replacing it with 220 to 290 units would only exacerbate the problem and do a lot of damage to our local businesses. I would suggest considering a reduction in the number of units.”
Assemblymember William Colton speaks at the meeting. Photo: Assemblymember Williams Colton
The proposal is similar to the Sunset Park Library, 5108 Fourth Ave., which officially opened in 2023 after years of protests and meetings.
“All of this needs to be taken into consideration and accommodated so that the project is a successful one that aids our neighbors in need of affordable housing without creating a host of new problems for new and longtime residents,” Colton said.
Former mayor Eric Adams and BPL President and CEO Linda Johnson made the announcement of the plan in September 2025.
The next phase of the RFP is open request and then review of submissions.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
