Streetview of 1119 Pacific Street from Atlantic Avenue, © Google
New York is looking to transform a parking lot in Crown Heights owned by the MTA into the neighborhood’s next residential development. The agency on Tuesday released a request for proposals seeking developers to build approximately 300 new housing units at 1119 Pacific Street, an underutilized lot used by New York City Transit as part of a cable shop. Approved by the City Council last year, the rezoning of the area has enabled the construction of new residential buildings in the formerly industrial area.
The RFP seeks a buyer for both the lot at 1119 Pacific Street and possibly the air rights from the Franklin Avenue Shuttle right-of-way. The combined sites could generate a mixed-use development of nearly 250,000 square feet. According to the MTA, the sale would raise revenue for the agency’s Capital Program.
The project could create roughly 300 new housing units, including at least 75 of which would be designated affordable.
The MTA wants the developers to incorporate transit accessibility improvements in proposals in exchange for a density bonus through the Zoning for Accessibility program and a new MTA Arts & Design installation along the Franklin Shuttle wall on the south side of Lefferts Place.
“It’s a fact that transit-oriented development drives job and housing growth across the region,” Janno Lieber, chair and CEO of the MTA, said.
“The Pacific Street project checks all the boxes – unbeatable proximity to transit in one of Brooklyn’s hottest neighborhoods – and we’re proud to partner with the Governor to get the best use out of this property.”
The redevelopment of the site falls under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Executive Order 30, which called on state agencies to identify and activate underutilized state-owned sites. The Pacific Street parcel was used as part of NYC Transit’s Atlantic Avenue Cable Shop, which is being relocated to a modernized facility in East New York. The cable shop building will be transferred to New York City for development as affordable housing.
“Since taking office, I have said that the only way to address the housing crisis is to build more housing,” Hochul said.
“By leveraging underutilized, state-owned land and making improvements to critical infrastructure, we will deliver the housing that New Yorkers need and deserve. I remain committed in my efforts to make New York more affordable, more livable and a great place to live, work and raise a family for generations to come.”
Last May, the City Council voted to approve the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan, a rezoning of 21 blocks in Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights that previously was zoned for one- and two-story industrial buildings. The rezoning will allow for roughly 4,600 new homes in the area and buildings up to 18 stories tall.
The rezoning also included investments in infrastructure improvements, including for pedestrian and cyclist safety, and upgrades to public open space.
City of Yes, approved in 2024, also helped the Pacific Street site become residential as it expanded the number of properties that can transfer unused development rights.
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