A judge has issued a temporary restraining order against Hudson Companies, halting development at 626 Flatbush Avenue in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. Opponents argued that the 23-story residential tower violated numerous state environmental laws, with the potential to drastically change the quiet, mixed-income community.
Residents and community groups filed the suit against Hudson Companies and the New York State Housing Finance Agency in December, claiming that $72 million in public funds had been allocated for the project without an environmental impact study, as required by state law.
Other community groups—such as the Prospect Park East Network (PPEN)—do not oppose construction, but merely ask that the development be "contextual and respectful of the existing architecture and environment in the neighborhood."
In a statement released by Legal Services NYC, attorney Rachel Hannaford praised the decision.
"Our clients are pleased that the judge has recognized the potential this tower has to cause irreparable harm to the surrounding community," she said. "We understand a TRO of this nature is rare and that its effect will be immediate and powerful."
· All 626 Flatbush Avenue coverage [Curbed]
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