Community board denies artists’ request for rezoning

This is the warehouse at 964 Dean St. that a group of artists were hoping to convert into a live/work space. (via Googlemaps)

Despite support from the City Planning Commission to rezone Crown Heights to preserve its historical character and encourage affordable housing, Community Board 8 has opted not to support a bid by a group of artists to convert a warehouse into a residential building, according to a report from DNAinfo.

The warehouse at 964 Dean St. was reportedly in foreclosure when the artists bought it in the hope that they could remain in the area despite escalating housing prices.

CB8 reportedly based their denial on the same reasoning as the Planning Commission’s, citing a concern for preservation of character and affordable housing.

One of the owners, Nicola Lopez, denied that would be an issue.

“It’s been a desire of those of us who are working together to make this happen — not to flood the market with these really high-end apartments, not to make a killing on selling this, but so we can establish a place where we can continue to live and work,” Lopez said.

Follow Danielle Tcholakian on Twitter @danielleiat