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BPL unveils seven proposals for redeveloped Brooklyn Heights Library<\/h3>\nBPL unveils seven proposals for redeveloped Brooklyn Heights Library<\/h3>\nIt was rough sledding Thursday night for Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) officials as they presented seven proposals to re-develop the Brooklyn Heights Branch Library.<\/p>\n
Even before Josh Nachowitz, BPL\u2019s VP of Government and Community Relations and Richard Reyes-Gavilan, BPL\u2019s Chief Librarian ran through a Powerpoint with project renderings and details, opponents peppered them with catcalls and angry comments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese plans are covering up the slumlord aspect of what the Library did to this building,\u201d audience member Marsha Rimler called out.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy won\u2019t you reveal the developers\u2019 names?\u201d others shouted.<\/p>\n
Opponents say the city is selling off public assets like libraries for the benefit of private developers, and that \u201cthe fix is in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAny accusation that the process is rigged is completely and totally inaccurate,\u201d Nachowitz said. He noted more than 40 hours of public meetings to date, and the process is still in the early stage. \u201cIf the fix was in we wouldn\u2019t be here tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Board treasurer Peter Ashkenazy, who was appointed to the proposal selection committee to represent the public, told the crowd it was counterproductive to start booing before seeing the proposals. The project\u2019s \u201cscrutiny and attention to detail is very impressive,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a serious process that will result in a better library.\u201d<\/p>\n