Bay Ridge’s United Methodist ‘Green Church,’ sold to developer Abe Betesch of Abeco Management for 9.5 million dollars, may be in play again – according to the Brooklyn Eagle.

The Eagle is reporting a listing for a ‘corner property’ on Ovington and 4th avenues, initially offered by Dakota Realty, then pulled in less than 24 hours because ‘the broker didn’t want to get involved.’

It would appear that even in a neighborhood such as Bay Ridge, long considered by its real estate ‘leaders’ as immune from such dirty words as ‘recession,’ Mr. Betesch’s 50 unit project has been relegated to the same fate of his Atlantic Yards counterpart, Bruce Ratner – falling under the weight of tumultuous global credit markets and thinning demand for new housing.

The Church has been locked in a caustic battle between local preservationists and the church’s dwindling congregation over the sale, contingent on the demolition of the Church.

Preservationists have charged the congregation with unsubstantiated wrongdoing, incompetence, ‘lying’ – while attacking the wisdom of the deal that has been made.

While it’s debatable how ‘good’ of a deal this was, the congregation has argued that it is their deal to make.

It remains to be seen if Betesh’s bid to flip the property in any way halts plans for demolition.

more from: Left in Bay Ridge