13-Story Crown Heights Development Raises Questions Over Housing

A 13-story, 94-unit mixed-use building is planned for the corner of Troy Avenue and East New York Avenue in Crown Heights, replacing the former 770 Auto repair shop. Yonah Grunhut of Grun Group LLC is listed as the developer of the project at 767 East New York Avenue.

According to filings, the proposed apartments would average approximately 561 square feet per unit, a figure drawing attention in a neighborhood where many growing families seek larger housing. Community members say the property was sold by a Lubavitch resident to a Satmar developer from Williamsburg, with unused development rights from the neighboring property included in the transaction.

The project has prompted discussion among residents about whether new construction serves the needs of the existing community. Some have drawn comparisons to Williamsburg, suggesting a project of this scale with predominantly smaller apartments might face greater scrutiny there.

While residents acknowledge that Crown Heights needs additional housing and that new construction can help address the shortage, concerns center on whether the apartments suit the families struggling to find suitable housing in the neighborhood. As commercial properties and smaller buildings give way to larger residential projects, residents question whether that growth will meet the needs of those already living there.