B
ruce Eichner's contentious development across from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is still alive, three weeks after he said it would be abandoned. The City Planning Commission had approved a revised plan for 962-972 Franklin Avenue, which Eichner claimed was unworkable due to reduced density. However, his Continuum Company will propose an alternative that sets aside 30% of units for workforce housing instead of the commission-approved 25% for low-income units.

    The developer's attorney, David J. Rosenberg, stated that they have been working with partners to find a balance between affordability and project viability since the commission's vote. Eichner must now negotiate with local City Council member Crystal Hudson, after which the planning commission will vote on the modified plan. Continuum has been in discussions with Hudson's office.

    The development was initially approved last month, but Eichner sent a letter to the administration saying the revised plan wouldn't work due to reduced market-rate units. The Botanic Garden had also requested further modifications to decrease the building's slope and reduce shadow impacts on its collections. Rosenberg argued that any further reduction in density would make the project unworkable.

    The development is being championed by construction unions and 32BJ SEIU, but Eichner faces an uphill battle as Hudson prefers a more affordable project than the commission-approved version. However, if no rezoning is approved, the likely outcome would be a market-rate condominium, which requires no political approval.