Bloomingdale Library FAQ
General Project & Timeline
What is the timeline for the project?
The project is expected to launch a Request for Proposals (RFP) in fall 2025, with a developer selected in 2026. The project will go through the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) in 2027. Demolition and construction are estimated to begin by 2029, with completion anticipated by 2034.
What will be included on the site?
The development will include a brand-new Bloomingdale Library with mixed-income housing, resulting in a new community hub that supports learning, housing stability, and long-term neighborhood growth. The Health Academy, Health Clinic, and Nurse Family Partnership may stay onsite or be relocated. No final decisions or timelines have been established at this time.
Library Site
When will the Bloomingdale library be closed? When will construction start?
Construction is not expected to start for several years and the branch will remain open until then. We are at the beginning of the planning process, which will take two to three years. The library will provide updates on important milestones and work with community representatives and patrons to ensure the new branch meets the needs of the neighborhood. If you would like to receive future email updates about the project, please log in to your NYPL account at nypl.org and select “Bloomingdale” as your preferred branch.
How big will the new branch be?
The project is still in the planning phase but NYPL plans to provide comparable space for patrons’ use while improving the layout and technology infrastructure and making operations more efficient for staff. We plan to incorporate spaces that support the public programming and reading areas that patrons are accustomed to.
How long will the branch be closed and where will we go while it's under construction?
Construction will not begin for several years and the branch will not close until then. While the branch will close when construction begins, the developer will provide a temporary site for NYPL to offer core library services and the library will begin the process of identifying temporary services for the community throughout the duration of the temporary closure. In addition to bookmobile service, the library also regularly works with local community organizations to support on-site programs and services.
How can we make sure the voices of the community are heard in this process? Can we provide feedback?
NYCEDC and NYPL will conduct a joint community outreach process through the summer.
Will this impact library services?
The developer will provide a temporary site for NYPL to offer core library services off-site to ensure continued access for the community. Full library services will be returned once construction is completed. The Library will use feedback from the community survey to inform temporary services and programming during the closure. This includes working with community partners to provide programming and services and deploying bookmobile services throughout the Bloomingdale community. The bookmobile is equipped to accommodate book browsing, checkouts and returns, library card registration, program activities, and reference support.
Housing Site
How does City of Yes change what is possible at this site?
The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity allows for increased building density, making it possible to deliver more affordable housing while fully replacing the public library on site. While the zoning changes enable greater flexibility, the project will still go through the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) for the disposition of City-owned land and any necessary zoning changes.
What will the affordability level be on the housing?
We’re actively determining the housing components of this project, including the number and type of units.
Why does there need to be any market rate housing at all? Can it be 100 percent affordable?
There is an overall housing shortage in the City and additional housing across income levels is needed to ensure the City meets its growing needs. The strength of this neighborhood’s housing market allows market-rate units to subsidize the affordable units without the need for public subsidy, which is limited.
How much of the housing will be affordable? Will there be any priority for residents in the Community District?
The housing affordability model for the site has not yet been finalized and will be shared at a later stage as planning progresses. We appreciate any insights on housing models which can be provided in our joint survey.
NYC Health Site
Will the Health Academy, Health Clinic, or Nurse Family Partnership be moved? Will there be any interruptions in service?
The future of the former DOH site is still being considered. While the current clinic is closed, the City is exploring potential relocation options for the Health Academy and Nurse Family Partnership. No final decisions or timelines have been established at this time.
What DOHMH programs currently utilize the building?
DOHMH currently uses the building for a public-facing Food Safety Protection certification training course for people who work in food service establishments and non-retail food service establishments. It also houses administrative space for DOHMH employees who work in Family and Child Health programs. The Sexual Health clinic has been closed until further notice.
Where will the programs be relocated to?
DOHMH is working with other agencies to identify space.
What impact will this have on the community and the agency?
There should be limited impact to the surrounding community because the public-facing Food Safety Protection training course is attended by people who travel from all boroughs and most do not reside in the local area. The administrative space is not public-facing so there should be no impact to the community. The impact to the agency should be minimal because we plan to move these programs to alternative sites before the Bloomingdale redevelopment project begins.
Learn More
Learn more about the project and how to get involved.