A Brooklyn supportive housing project got the go ahead Thursday after City Councilwoman Darlene Mealy finally got on board with the plan.
Mealy (D-Brooklyn) had been threatening to block Edwin’s Place, proposed for her Brownsville district. But she agreed Thursday to a deal to back it and the City Council voted to approve it.
“We’re glad to know that Brownsville will benefit,” said Rev. David Brawley, a leader of East Brooklyn Congregations, which was pushing for the project. “There will be supportive services and affordable housing. That’s what we are excited about.”
The project, developed by Breaking Ground and the African American Planning Commission, will include 125 apartments, most of them supportive housing with special services for the formerly homeless.
Mealy had voiced objections because 56 of the apartments will be studios, which did not change in the final deal.
But the city agreed to fund a boxing gym in Brownsville, and get a wooden dance floor for the dance studio in the Brownsville Recreation Center. The developer will kick in $10,000 for senior programs in the neighborhood.
“I wish there was much more affordability for people who have jobs, but instead of getting nothing I’d rather give a lot more back to my community,” Mealy said.
