With vote for relocation of schools tonight to 491 Dean (B15), public comment analysis shows few concerns, no changes, and no issues from neighbors.

Following up my post from three days ago, there's a likely pro forma vote tonight by the Department of Education's (DOE) Panel for Educational Policy to approve the proposed re-siting of two schools to what was once expected to be I.S. 653, the school at the base of 662 Pacific Street (aka B15), with the school address 491 Dean Street.

The DOE now sees the 806-seat K653 it as not just a solution to a small, crowded existing intermediate school (M.S. 915; Bridges: a School of Exploration and Equity) in Downtown Brooklyn, but more so the permanent home of the new Design Works High School, which for its launch was temporarily sited into a Downtown Brooklyn space intended for an elementary school.

That move, which would also include space for a small program for middle-school students with special needs, P369K@K915, is planned for September.

Public comments

According to a public comment analysis posted last night by the DOE (also at bottom), beyond the overwhelmingly positive comments received at the public hearing, relatively few comments were received afterward in writing.

Beyond the general support, the main questions raised regarded issues of diversity and equity, such as a desire for more space for M.S. 915.

No changes were made to the proposals as a result of public comments received.

Neighbors' questions

I would note that neighbors in Prospect Heights have raised questions about staffers' parking, school dropoffs, and the operation of the schools in light of the nearby police and fire stations, as well as the Barclays Center not far across Sixth Avenue.

Such questions should be addressed at a Quality of Life meeting sponsored by Empire State Development, the state authority that oversees/shepherds Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park, at least if such meetings, once bi-monthly but on hold as the project has generally stalled, resume.