'Mixed-use Facility Planned for Brooklyn Cultural District'

We are thrilled about opportunities for the Brooklyn Academy of Music and other Brooklyn-based cultural organizations created by the City and Two Trees Management, and we share Councilmember Letitia James's concerns about creating affordable rental spaces for schools and local arts groups [New York, "Mixed-use Facility Planned for Brooklyn Cultural District," June 16].

The previously announced planned BAM facility on Ashland Place has been slated to provide substantial opportunities for community use: its 263-seat stage and rehearsal space will be open to use by organizations other than BAM for 50% of its operating calendar, allowing us to create a venue for a wide variety of artistic and educational uses.

In addition, BAM has raised special funds to make sure that community use of the space is affordable.

KAREN BROOKS HOPKINS
President
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Brooklyn, N.Y.