As the elected representative of New York’s 56th Assembly District, I am committed to ensuring that every project proposed for our community reflects our values, advances equity, and promotes the well-being of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights residents. That means protecting our historic character, honoring community institutions, and making decisions that center racial, educational, and environmental justice.

On Monday, June 30, I joined residents, educators, and homeowners to discuss the proposal to build a 240-unit residential development — including “affordable housing” — behind the landmarked Old Girls High School, now the Brooklyn Adult Learning Center.

I want to thank everyone who showed up informed, united, and determined to defend our neighborhood.
I share your concerns — and I believe this proposal, as currently presented, must not move forward without full review, transparency, and community input.

THE ISSUES AT HAND

1. Environmental Risk & Infrastructure Stress

• A historic brook beneath the district threatens trench stability. Excavation could trigger dangerous erosion.
• The area’s 100+ year-old sewer system may not meet DEC standards.

2. Landmark Violations & Historic Preservation

• The site is on a landmarked property. Any changes must be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) and possibly the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
• Zoning §74-711 requires historic preservation for special development rights—failure to comply could void approvals.

3. Disruption to Education & Community Use

• The Brooklyn Adult Learning Center is vital to adult learners and hosts state testing.
• Parking loss and traffic congestion will interfere with access and violate protections under State Education Law.
• Community members were expecting this space to become green space, not dense development.

4. Racial & Housing Equity Gaps

• Reduction of Community Preference: The traditional 50% set-aside for local residents in affordable housing lotteries has been reduced to just 20% until April 2029. For this 240-unit development, which means only 48 units may be available for Bedford-Stuyvesant families — and only if applicants are selected through the lottery and meet all income, household, and eligibility requirements outlined by the court. This change stems from a federal settlement overseen by Judge Laura Taylor Swain.
• Further Reductions Coming: Beginning May 2029, the local preference drops again to just 15%, reducing the number of potentially available units for neighborhood families to 36. While this shift is part of a legal effort to increase housing access across the city, it severely limits the ability of long-time residents to benefit from new development — especially in communities like ours already experiencing speculative development and gentrification.
• Critically, the settlement does not resolve the broader legal debate over whether local preferences are allowed under the Fair Housing Act. Under President Trump’s current administration, fair housing enforcement has been further weakened, making it even more difficult for Black and Brown communities to protect local access or advocate for stronger community preference policies. As long as these policies remain in place at the federal level, neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant face continued exclusion from developments built on their own historic grounds.

5. Procedural Gaps & Public Accountability

• Community notification and engagement appear lacking, possibly violating the NYS Environmental Right-to-Know Act.
• Local voices and institutional knowledge must guide planning—not be ignored.

6. Legal Vulnerabilities
This proposal may be challenged on the basis of:

• Non-compliance with federal civil rights laws.
• Lack of DOT/MTA infrastructure analysis.

MY COMMITMENT

I stand for responsible development—that means honoring our history, protecting public institutions, and ensuring infrastructure can support new growth. The residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant deserve transparency, collaboration, and community-first solutions.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW:

1. Document Your Concerns
Send testimony, stories, and questions to AD56@nyassembly.gov to ensure they are part of the public record.

2. Demand Due Process
Contact Councilmember Chi Ossé:
Email: District36@council.nyc.gov
Request a follow-up meeting and formal review of alternate sites.

3. Ask for Oversight
Demand an EIS, racial impact study, and historic evaluation:

• NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
  Email: comments@lpc.nyc.gov | (212) 669-7700
• NYC Dept. of City Planning
  Email: info@planning.nyc.gov | (212) 720-3300
• NYS DEC Region 2
  Email: r2info@dec.ny.gov | (718) 482-4900

4. Protect the Adult Learning Center
Advocate for its continued use and accessibility:

• Brooklyn North Borough Office
  Email: brooklynnorth@schools.nyc.gov | (718) 935-2313
• Office of Adult & Continuing Education
  Email: adultednyc@schools.nyc.gov | (718) 638-2635
  👉 CC your emails to AD56@nyassembly.gov so we can track and support your advocacy.

5. Stay Informed
Join our list for verified updates & tools:
https://bit.ly/V56Connected(https://bit.ly/V56Connected)

CLOSING THOUGHTS

I support affordable housing — but not at the cost of our heritage, safety, or the people who make this community what it is. My vision for development must protect those who call this community home and create opportunity without sacrificing belonging.

Together, we must safeguard our values, protect our legacy, and ensure that the future of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights is shaped by those who call it home.

In Service and Solidarity,
Assemblymember Stefani L. Zinerman
56th Assembly District | Bedford-Stuyvesant & Crown Heights