Community group takes on developer over Botanic Garden shadows

The organization Flower Lovers Against Corruption, or FLAC, claim a developer wants to build a 42-story building that would cast seven-acre shadows over the greenhouses of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 

The group's members say the project at 920 Franklin Ave. would push people out of the community and damage the garden's sensitive plants. 

In 1991, the Department of City Planning placed a six- to seven-story limit on buildings on Franklin Avenue. FLAC says the developer failed to state the proximity to the garden in its application. 

"My community has a very good relationship with the garden and we feel that preserving and protecting this very sacred green space is of the utmost importance," said one member. 

FLAC is also concerned that the project could reduce the amount of affordable housing in the neighborhood. The group is planning to attend the Community Board 9 meeting on Tuesday to make their case.

News 12 reached out to the developer for comment but has not yet received a response.

The Department of City Planning tells News 12 that the maximum building height is 75 feet, and any proposed change would have to go through environmental analysis as well as input from various city agencies and the public.