Berkeley Carroll’s controversial rebuild plan will get a public hearing in the new year.
The matter will be weighed at Community Board 6’s Land Use/Landmarks Committee, which will meet in the tony private school’s athletic center, located at 762 President Street.
At issue will be a presentation and discussion of a certificate of appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for proposed alterations to the middle and upper school located at 181 Lincoln Place, in the Park Slope Historic District.
Critics have blasted the plan since learning of it over the summer, saying the scheme to reconstruct an annex at the rear of the school will lower property values, and cause tumult for local residents.Particularly offensive for some is the inclusion of a rooftop playground, adding to life’s daily din.
Those at a heated summer meeting on the issue said the school has disregarded residents’ complaints about all manner of issues.
“For 15 years, the school has completely ignored our existence,” resident Ron Diamond said at the time. “At this point, your credibility with us is zero, because you haven’t acted as good neighbors.”
The school has said its new building will allow more classrooms, offices, and space for students to gather and study. It will offer include a more spacious dining room. The new building would not be adding to the school’s population of about 450 students, school officials said.
Because the project resides in a historic district, Landmarks must approve the plan it if it is to proceed. The committee, and ultimately, the full community board’s vote is only advisory in nature. The work does not require a variance, and is allowable under the current zoning for the site.
The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 4 at the Berkeley Carroll Athletic Center, 762 President, at 6 p.m.
