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Dear John,

On Tuesday, I had the privilege of hosting a rally demanding the immediate closure and relocation of the Columbia Waterfront Concrete Recycling Facility, alongside State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon. I was proud to stand with residents from the Columbia Waterfront, Brooklyn Community Board 6, the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Neighbors Alliance, the Carroll Gardens Association, and the Cobble Hill Association.

Since the facility’s opening in February 2024 by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), it has caused persistent dust pollution, affecting nearby homes, vehicles, sidewalks, and the surrounding environment. Residents have raised significant concerns ([link removed]) about the deteriorating air quality and the health risks associated with its operations, especially during high winds. I am grateful to the neighbors who have bravely spoken up on these critical issues.

Despite my site visit in July and a letter ([link removed]) in September from elected officials and Community Board 6 calling for stronger dust mitigation, the DOT has yet to take meaningful action. What was originally intended to be a temporary facility still operates with no timeline, and there has been no transparency with the community or the elected officials.

It’s clear that this facility has no place in a residential area like the Columbia Waterfront—or anywhere near homes. That’s why, following the rally, Senator Gounardes, Assembly Member Simon, Congressman Dan Goldman, and I sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams, urging him to shut down the facility and relocate it to a non-residential area by the end of the year at the latest. You can read the full letter here ([link removed]) .

Following the rally and letter, the DOT announced that they would take “new measures to decrease the size of the recycled material piles in this plant and further reduce dust and noise.” However, this does not go far enough—the site needs to be shut down and moved immediately.

See coverage here from CBS ([link removed]) , News 12 ([link removed]) , and Hell Gate ([link removed]) .

Council Member Shahana at the rally to shut down the Columbia Waterfront Concrete Recycling Facility

This Thanksgiving season has been a joyful and fulfilling one for our office. Over the past two weeks, we’ve partnered with incredible community organizations to distribute hundreds of turkeys across our district, from Kensington to Boerum Hill. I’m grateful for my team members Sabine, Hannah, Ali, and Nishat—who worked tirelessly to ensure that all of our events went smoothly.

Here are a few highlights from our food distribution efforts:

Council Member Shahana with State Senator Gounardes and Assembly Member Carroll at Camp Friendship

Council Member Shahana at the annual Heights and Hills Holiday Lunch

Council Member Shahana at Wyckoff Gardens

Council Member Shahana at Gowanus Houses

Council Member Shahana at 572 Warren Street

Council Member Shahana with Muslim Community Network

Council Member Shahana at Goke Food Pantry

Community Bulletin
* On Wednesday, December 4th, the City Council’s Committees on Education and Women and Gender Equity will host a joint public hearing on the topic: “Providing Comprehensive Sex Education as part of Health Education.” My bill, Reso. 94 ([link removed]) , will be on the agenda. If you’d like to testify, you can sign up here ([link removed]) .
* The Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) and the NYC Commission on Gender Equity (CGE) are hosting their annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign from November 25th through December 10th. Learn more about the campaign here ([link removed]) .
* The City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) is hiring for several positions. If you’re interested in applying, you can find more information and submit your application here ([link removed]) .
* Tiffany Baker’s upcoming public art project, Dear Neighbor, supported by the Van Alen Institute, will spotlight the experiences of Gowanus residents impacted by flooding. You can learn more and sign up to participate here ([link removed]) .
* In December, the New York Transit Museum will continue its annual Holiday Nostalgia Rides on its iconic 1930s-era R1/9 train cars! Check out the schedule and route details here ([link removed]) .

In solidarity,

Council Member Shahana
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Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
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