ARROW LINEN UPDATE FROM OUR CITY COUNCILMEMBER

Arrow Linen Supply Company filed for permits in April for full demolition of its properties, which will be replaced by two ten-story residential buildings with a total of approximately 250 units.

 

At Community Board 7's June meeting, 

New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif presented an update on the project.

 

The councilmember reported that real estate developer Developing NY State LLC has replaced Apex Development Group on the project. The legally-binding, seventeen-page Community Benefits Agreement has been transferred to them. It can be read in full at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zsKlUX3gFNaHHZ7FLX3Oe5GQMRpjFh76/view.

 

She also reported that her office and local residents are forming the Construction Task Force that is specified in the Community Benefits Agreement; its goal is to ensure accountability and as little disruption to residents as possible.

 

For additional information about the Construction Task Force, e-mail Matthew Malloy, the councilmember's Chief of Staff, at mmalloy@council.nyc.gov or call him at (718) 499-1090. [Updated contact information is posted at https://karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com/2026/07/join-construction-task-force-for-former.html.] 

ARROW LINEN FILES DEMOLITION PERMITS TO BUILD TEN-STORY BUILDING

From Housing Not High-rises:

Hi everyone, It's been a busy few weeks, and we'd like to catch you up on the latest news: On April 13, 2026, Arrow Linen filed for permits for full demolition of their properties. We have been in frequent contact with Council Member Hanif's office, and there's no current date for when demolition may begin. Arrow's reps tell the Council Member that nothing will happen before they move their operation to another location in Brooklyn. Neighbors who have spoken with Arrow's workers were told that the operation will be moving to Sunset Park in August. In the meantime, we are speaking with: The Council Member's office to initiate the Construction Task Force as specified in the Community Benefit Agreement Structural engineers to help neighbors adjacent to Arrow's property with pre-construction engineering reports Construction lawyers to better understand Arrow's financial and safety obligations during the demolition and construction process In other news: Mayor Mamdani's administration has released a housing plan for Brooklyn south of Prospect Park, which includes a survey where you can share your thoughts about the affected neghborhoods. Article In Gothamist: Mamdani eyes sweeping housing plan for blocks south of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park We encourage you to take the survey so your voice is heard: Neighborhood Survey about Community Priorities For more details on Arrow's permit applications: PermitApplication for 441 Prospect Ave Permit Application for 467 Prospect Ave Best regards, Jay on behalf of Chris, Jack, Jay, Julia, Kate, Luz, Marty and Steph    --------------------------------------------------  Visit https://housingnothighrises.org/takeaction/ for updates and information about how you can help and subscribe to receive e-mails from them about the latest updates.

ARROW LINEN REZONING: SEND AN E-MAIL TO THE CITY COUNCIL

From Housing Not Highrises, a grassroots neighborhood organization in Windsor Terrace

The City Council has scheduled a public hearing on the Arrow Linen rezoning on Thursday, Jan 9, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (click here to add to calendar) at 250 Broadway in Manhattan in the Council Chambers in City Hall. We need everyone to send written testimony to the City Council – and everyone who can to come and testify against the rezoning!

If you can’t make it in person, you can participate remotely. Closer to the date of the hearing, instructions for how to participate will be posted on the City Council's Planning & Land Use webpage. We will update this page with information when it becomes available. If there’s any way you can come to the meeting in person, that would be best!

As important as it is to show up to the City Council's Franchising and Zoning committee's public hearing, it’s vitally important that you submit written testimony to the City Council!

Please send the following email: To: landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov
Cc: district39@council.nyc.gov; mperez@council.nyc.gov
Bcc: housing@housingnothighrises.org

To the NYC City Council:

I welcome new housing in my neighborhood and am looking forward to seeing contextual housing built on the Arrow Linen site that works for the community. I ask you to disapprove Arrow Linen's rezoning application for the following reasons:

Lack of Community Engagement:

This is a greedy move by Arrow Linen to massively profit from the facility they have owned for 40+ years, while operating off a 25-year tax abatement subsidized by city taxpayers. Arrow has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying elected officials, and did not spend any time or resources meeting with the community. Arrow stands to profit hundreds of millions of dollars from this application, and the community has had zero input on this transformational project. I ask the Council listen to Brooklyn CB7’s findings and uphold DCP’s stated mission “Work with neighborhoods to develop sound ground-up frameworks for growth”. 

Renter Displacement:

The block around Arrow Linen has 59 units of rent-stabilized housing, and Prospect Avenue has the most affordable rents in the neighborhood. If Arrow is able to build 15 stories of luxury high-rises, this will encourage speculators to price out our neighbors. Arrow Linen is also proposing to rezone 11 privately-owned, multi-family buildings, and these owners have already been victims of predatory speculators.  These buildings are at great risk of acquisition and tenant displacement due to this application. Please vote to disapprove this application so we can treat housing as a public good rather than a vehicle for massive profit.

Environmental Impacts:

Stormwater issues and flooding are frequent occurrences across the neighborhood. There will be thousands of new fixtures flowing into the ancient, combined sewer system. Our sewer systems are beyond capacity and this project will exacerbate unsanitary flooding. Arrow is also kicking the can down the road for environmental contamination impacts from the 113 years of dumping hazardous waste. There is no plan and no experienced entity to address remediation.

Contextual Zoning and Neighborhood Character:

I welcome more housing at this site; however, Arrow’s proposal will irreversibly alter the character of the neighborhood and undo prior DCP and community-led rezoning efforts. Arrow claims that up to 15-story towers on a midblock amongst 2 to 3-story surroundings buildings would “match the residential context and character of the neighborhood”. This is an objectively negligent and reckless assessment. Furthermore, the community has no clear idea how City of Yes would impact this rezoning and the resulting building size. I ask for a revised, contextual zoning district based on a rational land use framework.

The Myth of Trickle-Down Affordable Housing:

Developers and lobbyists would have us believe that the only way to pull ourselves out of our dire housing shortage is by building new construction. For-profit new construction is overwhelmingly geared toward the luxury market, which has the highest vacancy rates. But it’s lower-income households who face the most severe affordable housing shortfalls, and we have a crisis of affordability. Please vote to disapprove this application so we can treat housing as a public good rather than a vehicle for massive profit.

 

HOUSING NOT HIGH-RISES: A SPECIAL FUNDRAISING EVENT

 

Fundraiser for Housing Not High-Rises

Tuesday, October 22nd

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

From Housing Not High-Rises:

Fundraiser At The Lonesome Club 

October 22 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Donation Suggested

Please join us at The Lonesome Club on Tuesday October 22 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm for a special Housing Not High-Rises fundraiser!

• Complimentary appetizers
• Cash bar with a variety of drinks available for purchase
• Insider updates from the team
• Great company and a chance to support a meaningful cause!

We’re excited to share some in-depth updates about the work we’ve been doing. This is a unique opportunity for our closest supporters to get an insider’s look at the impact you’re helping create.

We encourage you to join us and bring your questions—and your generosity—to help continue this vital work!

We kindly ask attendees to consider making a donation to Housing Not High-Rises to support our fight for contextual and affordable housing in our neighborhood. Don’t forget to bring your checkbook! Suggested contribution $100 – $500.

RSVP Now to housingnothighrises@gmail.com! Space is limited, so please let us know you’ll be joining.

We look forward to seeing you there and making a difference together!

The Lonesome Club
1674 10th Avenue (at Prospect Ave), Brooklyn
Tue, Oct 22, 6:00 pm

If you can’t attend but would still like to support our cause, you can make a donation online at housingnothighrises.org.

 

About Housing Not High-Rises 

"We are a group of South Slope and Windsor Terrace renters and homeowners who want housing, especially truly affordable housing, that preserves the scale of these historic neighborhoods.

We support changes to zoning policy through a comprehensive, considerate process – like City of Yes -not Arrow Linen’s one-off, development-rights cash grab.

That’s why we’re urging our neighbors and elected officials to support sustainable, contextual, affordable housing – not high rises.

We are available as a resource to other communities that find themselves in a position where they need to understand more about the rezoning process, how it impacts their neighborhoods, and how to organize effectively."

 

PUBLIC HEARING ON ZOOM AND IN PERSON FOR THE ARROW LINEN SUPPLY REZONING REQUEST

 Public Hearing on the Arrow Linen Supply

Rezoning Request

Monday, September 9th

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 12th

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A building that is as much as nineteen stories tall could replace the Arrow Linen Supply building, if Arrow's request for changes in zoning and land use is approved. (19 Stories? How Did That Happen?)

 

Prospect Avenue could look like this soon.

 

-------------------------------------

From Community Board 7:

CB7 will hold a public hearing on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm at Holy Name Church-Shepherd's Hall located at 245 Prospect Park West. [Enter via the parking lot.]

Agenda:

 

1. Presentation from Arrow Linen Supply Co., Inc., owner of 441 & 467 Prospect Avenue to request approval of the following actions:

 

(a) Zoning map amendment changing an R5B zoning district to an R7-1 zoning district on the midblock of Prospect Avenue between 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West,

 

(b) Zoning text amendment to zoning resolution to establish the rezoning area as a mandatory inclusionary housing,

 

(c) Zoning special permit pursuant for a waiver of required accessory off street parking spaces to facilitate affordable housing within the transit zone

 

You can view the ULURP (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure) application for 441 & 467 Prospect Avenue at this link: https://zap.planning.nyc.gov/projects/2021K0375.

You can attend the public hearing in person or register to attend virtually on Zoom - https://bit.ly/3ykP7Dl

The public hearing will continue on Thursday, September 12  @ 6:30 p.m. virtually only on Zoom. Register to attend the 9/12 continuation of the public hearing - https://bit.ly/4drzZmM 

The public hearing will be livestreamed on the Brooklyn Community Board 7's YouTube Channel - https://bit.ly/3uQlAtq

 

The Community Board 7 Land Use/Landmarks Committee will discuss the rezoning application on Monday, September 16th, at 6:30 p.m. You can attend in person or virtually on Zoom. To attend on Zoom, register at https://bit.ly/3Xfx3mr. The meeting can also be viewed on Community Board 7's YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3uQlAtq.

 

-------------------------------------

 

Previous KARMABrooklyn blog posts about the rezoning:

 

ARROW ACTION/HOUSING NOT HIGH-RISES COMMUNITY MEETING

https://karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com/2023/11/arrow-action-community-meeting-housing.html

HOUSING NOT HIGH-RISES: AN URGENT COMMUNITY MEETING

https://karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com/2024/04/housing-not-high-rises-urgent-community.html 

HOUSING NOT HIGH-RISES: REPORTS ON THE APRIL COMMUNITY MEETING

https://karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com/2024/04/housing-not-high-rises-reports-on-april.html

 

HOUSING NOT HIGH-RISES: REPORTS ON THE APRIL COMMUNITY MEETING

Arrow Linen Supply Company is planning to shut down its operations in Windsor Terrace. Arrow has applied for rezoning for the land that it and several nearby houses sit on, a move that would increase the sale value of its property.

 

Rezoning would allow a developer to build thirteen-story high-rises on Prospect Avenue, between Prospect Park West and 8th Avenue, a block of mainly two- and three-story houses.

 

In response, a group of neighbors formed Housing Not High-Rises. The group is advocating for a five- to seven-story building with at least fifty percent of it affordable.

 

What Arrow is requesting appears to be spot zoning.

Spot zoning refers to the rezoning of a parcel of land to a use category different from the surrounding area, usually to benefit a single owner or a single development interest. Size of the parcel is relevant, but not determinative. Illegal spot zoning occurs whenever “the change is
other than part of a well-considered and comprehensive plan calculated to serve the general welfare of the community."

https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/01/zoning-and-the-comprehensive-plan.pdf 

 

Housing Not High-Rises held its most recent community meeting on April 16th at Holy Name Church and has posted a summary of the meeting, the slide presentation made at the meeting, and suggestions for follow-up steps that neighbors can take, such as contacting elected representatives.

 

Additional reading from "Brownstoner" and "Brick Underground":

"A Brooklyn group says yes to affordable housing but no to 13-story towers" https://www.brickunderground.com/live/arrow-linen-rezoning-housing-not-high-rises-windsor-terrace-brooklyn

 

"Windsor Terrace Locals Want a Shorter, More Affordable Arrow Linen Project" https://www.brownstoner.com/development/windsor-terrace-arrow-linen-rezoning-467-prospect-avenue-height/

HOUSING NOT HIGH-RISES: AN URGENT COMMUNITY MEETING

From Housing Not High-rises:

Urgent Community Meeting April 16, 2024

Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 16. We need you to come, to demonstrate to our elected officials that we care about housing and keeping it consistent with our neighborhood.

Our elected officials have been invited.  Shahana Hanif’s office has confirmed their attendance, and her support is pivotal in this issue.

The only way our elected officials can help us get what we want is for us to let them know what we want. Your attendance is important to deliver this message.

Please join us on April 16 at 7:00pm at Shepherd’s Hall in the Holy Name of Jesus Church (enter by way of the parking lot at 245 Prospect Park West, near Windsor Place).

Agenda:

• Welcome and thanks to our community
• Background on Housing Not High-Rises (formerly Arrow Action)
• Updates on city-wide zoning efforts via the City of Yes initiative
• Reports from subcommittees, including recent meetings with our representatives
• Neighborhood outreach and request for more signatures on our petition
• Q&A
• Post-meeting committee sign-up

We are looking forward to seeing you on April 16!

Thanks,

  – Chris, Jack, Jay, Julia, Kate, Marty, Phil and Steph

-------------------------------------

Housing Not High-rises is a community-based group. We live in Windsor Terrace, South Slope, and Kensington. We came together a couple of months ago when we learned that Arrow Linen Supply Company on Prospect Avenue, between Prospect Park West and 8th Avenue, wants to develop massive 13-story mid-block luxury towers.

Arrow Linen has applied to the city to rezone the block––allowing it to sell its property to a developer for maximum profit and then leave.

This drawing is copied from Arrow Linen’s proposal. 

If Arrow Linen gets permission to build these towers, greedy developers will do the same everywhere we live.

We have better ideas. We want AFFORDABLE HOUSING. We do NOT want high-priced high-rises.

Arrow Linen has hired lobbyists and lawyers…. We are organizing.

We are meeting with our elected officials to share feedback from our neighbors and make our goals clear. We would like to see a housing plan that creates community-based housing that works with our neighborhood, not luxury towers.

Please join us. Go to https://housingnothighrises.org to sign our petition, join our mailing list, and get meeting updates. See our ideas, city planning information, and Arrow’s proposal. Come to our next community meeting at Holy Name of Jesus, Shepherd's Hall, listed above.

 Please contact our City Councilmember, Shahana Hanif. She is central to what is actually built. See our website for suggested messages. Contact her at 718-499-1090 / district39@council.nyc.gov / #ShahanaFromBK.

Let Councilmember Hanif know that we want housing that supports our neighborhood, not high-rises that enrich landowners.

 

ARROW ACTION/HOUSING NOT HIGH-RISES COMMUNITY MEETING

 Arrow Action/Housing Not High-rises Community Meeting

Tuesday, November 14th, 7:00 p.m.

 

Holy Name of Jesus Church,

Shepherd’s Hall

enter via the parking lot

at 245 Prospect Park West

(near Windsor Place)

 

Arrow Action/Housing Not High-rises is a community-based group. We live in Windsor Terrace, South Slope, and Kensington. We came together a couple of months ago when we learned that Arrow Linen Supply Company on Prospect Avenue, between Prospect Park West and 8th Avenue, wants to develop massive 13-story mid-block luxury towers.

 

Arrow Linen has applied to the city to rezone the block––allowing it to sell its property to a developer for maximum profit and then leave.

 

This drawing is copied from Arrow Linen’s proposal. 

If Arrow Linen gets permission to build these towers, greedy developers will do the same everywhere we live.

 

We have better ideas. We want AFFORDABLE HOUSING. We do NOT want high-priced high-rises.

 

Arrow Linen has hired lobbyists and lawyers…. We are organizing.

 

We are meeting with our elected officials to share feedback from our neighbors and make our goals clear. We would like to see a housing plan that creates community-based housing that works with our neighborhood, not luxury towers.

 

Please join us. Go to https://housingnothighrises.org/ to sign our petition, join our mailing list, and get meeting updates. See our ideas, city planning information, and Arrow’s proposal. Come to our next community meeting at Holy Name of Jesus, Shepherd's Hall, listed above.

 

Please contact our City Councilmember, Shahana Hanif. She is central to what is actually built. See our website for suggested messages. Contact her at 718-499-1090 / district39@council.nyc.gov / #ShahanaFromBK.

 

Let Councilmember Hanif know that we want housing that supports our neighborhood, not high-rises that enrich landowners.