A century-old synagogue in Crown Heights could be demolished to make way for affordable housing under a proposal that has divided the Brooklyn community.

The Congregation Kol Israel synagogue at 1012 Eastern Parkway has sat largely vacant for years as its Orthodox congregation dwindled. Now the property owner wants to tear down the 1920s building and construct a seven-story apartment complex with 120 affordable units.

“This is about meeting the housing crisis head-on,” said developer Sarah Martinez, whose company filed plans with the Department of Buildings last month. “We’re talking about homes for working families in a neighborhood where rents have skyrocketed.”

But preservationists and some community members are fighting the demolition, arguing the synagogue represents an important piece of Crown Heights’ Jewish history.

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever,” said Rabbi David Goldstein, who led services at the synagogue until 2019. “This building witnessed generations of families, celebrations, and grief. You can’t replace that heritage.”

The synagogue was built in 1923 during a wave of Jewish immigration to Crown Heights. Its distinctive brick facade and stained glass windows have made it a neighborhood landmark, though it’s not officially protected by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission.

City Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, who represents the area, said she’s trying to find a compromise that preserves the building’s facade while allowing new housing.

“We desperately need affordable housing in this district,” Hudson said. “But we also need to respect the cultural significance of buildings like this.”

The proposal comes as Crown Heights faces intense development pressure. Median rents in the neighborhood have jumped 40% over the past five years, according to StreetEasy data.

Developer Martinez said the project would reserve 60 units for families earning less than 80% of the area median income. The remaining apartments would rent at market rate.

The Community Board 9 will review the proposal at its January meeting. If approved, demolition could begin by spring.