Brooklyn Community Board 15 Unanimously Rejects Senior Housing Project Proposal

A proposed senior affordable housing project in Brooklyn is facing significant opposition from the local community, as highlighted during a recent ULURP hearing on May 7, 2025. The project, located at 1946 East Seventh Street, has been unanimously disapproved by Community Board 15, which voted 32-0 against it, citing concerns over its height and potential impact on neighborhood traffic.

Teresa Scavo, chairperson of Community Board 15, expressed strong disapproval, emphasizing that the project contradicts the community's efforts to maintain the character of the area. The board was particularly alarmed by the proposed R7A zoning, which could allow the building to reach heights of up to 115 feet. Scavo noted that the only tall structure in the vicinity is a synagogue expansion approved at 53.5 feet, making the proposed project unprecedented for the block.

The community's concerns extend beyond aesthetics; residents are worried about the existing traffic issues exacerbated by the project. Scavo pointed out that the area is already plagued by double and triple parking due to meal delivery trucks, which could worsen with increased density from the new housing development. While acknowledging the need for senior affordable housing, she insisted that it should not come at the expense of the community's well-being.

The developers had previously adjusted their plans, reducing the building height from eight stories to six, but the community board still found the seven-story proposal unacceptable. Scavo urged the borough president and his staff to heed the community's voice, stressing the importance of contextually appropriate development that considers the neighborhood's infrastructure and character.

As the ULURP process continues, the future of the proposed senior housing project remains uncertain, with community members advocating for a solution that balances the need for affordable housing with the preservation of their neighborhood's integrity.