BPL Requests Public’s Opinion of Controversial Plans for Brooklyn Heights Branch

The Brooklyn Public Library is urging the public to voice their opinion on seven proposals for the future of the Brooklyn Heights branch of the BPL.

Residents are being asked to visit the BPL’s website where they will be able to examine the seven plans for the library and then offer their comments on each plan. Among the proposals for the library are glass-covered facades, shops on the ground floor, gardens on the roof, and even affordable housing. All the proposals include towers climbing to about the same height as Pierrepont Plaza next door, with one even exceeding that height, reaching about 36 stories. Most of the plans dedicate 20,000 square feet of space to the library while one proposes 31,192 square feet. The public can offer their views from now until January 17, 2014.

All the plans locate the library on the ground floor and basement of the tower with a move of the Business Library to the main branch at Grand Army Plaza.

Many residents have come out against any of the proposals for the Brooklyn Heights branch saying that the city is selling off public libraries to benefit private developers. Vocal opponents say they will be going to the BPL website and commenting “none of the above” or “Just fix up our old library” saying that the BPL has overstated the amount it would cost to repair the existing branch.

Deborah Hallen, the president of The Friends of the Brooklyn Heights Branch Library, urges residents to use the opportunity to publicize the serious needs of the community.

“We do need a state-of-the-art library” Hallen said. She pointed out leaks in the ceiling and shoddy construction throughout the existing structure. “And with more people moving into the community, there aren’t enough schools. P.S. 8’s preschool is closing, and kindergartners are going to be put on a waiting list next year.”

Hallen would like to see the developers of the condo tower to give more space to pre-K and kindergarten classrooms.

“You buy a place in Brooklyn Heights thinking you’re going to get into this wonderful school, only to be put on the wait list” Hallen added.