Brooklyn borough president opposes new housing project near Botanical Gardens

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — While addressing affordable housing has been a focal point across New York City, one proposed project in Brooklyn is facing opposition from residents and even officials.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso sat down with PIX11’s Dan Mannarino to discuss why he opposed the construction of a new building near the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

“This is a very unusual situation. What I want to do is to build everywhere. We have a housing crisis that we need to pay attention to, but we are talking about a building near the botanical gardens that will cast shadows on the plants we are supposed to preserve,” said Reynoso.

Reynoso also discussed issues with migrant shelters and said not enough is being done. “There’s no real plan. They are allowed to be in these shelters for 60 days. Then they leave so they are no longer under our care. Well, guess where they are going? The subway systems, encampments, gardens, and public spaces. We need to get them jobs and certifications and make sure they have their asylum-seeker applications processed. We are not doing any of that.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.