Dear John,
In May 2024, the City took full operational control of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT), a sprawling 100+ acre waterfront site spanning the Columbia Street Waterfront and Red Hook neighborhoods. This includes the Port Authority properties and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. As part of this transition, the City has committed $95 million and secured $164 million in federal grants to stabilize, repair, and plan for the future of the area.
Since then, my office has been working closely with the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Task Force, of which I am a member. This diverse team includes local elected officials across all levels of government, community leaders, unions, businesses, workforce development groups, and the maritime industry. In addition, there are six Advisory Groups that focus on key issue areas, made up of experts and local organizations, including the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, 63 Tiffany Place, and the Cobble Hill Association. You can read more about the Task Force and Advisory Groups here.
Originally slated to be fast-tracked by the end of last year, our community pushed for more time to ensure a meaningful engagement process. While the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is expected to share a proposal in March — which the Task Force will then vote on — we are still far from realizing that vision. It remains crucial, however, that our community’s input is prioritized as we shape the future of this important corridor.
I’ve attended all of the public workshops and have spoken directly with many of you to hear your thoughts and gather the community’s priorities as planning moves forward. So far, we’ve identified several key priorities, including:
Enhancing Connectivity: Strengthening links between the BMT and Brooklyn Bridge Park, while improving accessibility.
Expanding Green Space & Waterfront Access: Advocating for more public green spaces and broader waterfront access for all.
Reducing Congestion & Truck Traffic: Reducing disruptions and improving quality of life during construction and renovations.
Coordinating with BQE Reconstruction: Aligning efforts to address broader infrastructure needs in the area.
Building Resiliency & Improving Air Quality: Incorporating climate adaptation measures to enhance resiliency and environmental conditions.
This is a pivotal moment for the future of BMT, the Columbia Waterfront neighborhood, and the entire borough of Brooklyn. I encourage all neighbors and constituents to participate in the upcoming Brooklyn Marine Terminal Public Workshops, either online or in-person, to learn more about the Task Force’s findings and receive updates on the engagement process.
During these workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different development scenarios and site layouts for the BMT, while considering the tradeoffs between land uses and associated costs. Your input is critical in shaping this project to ensure it reflects our shared values and priorities.
I am deeply invested in the future of the BMT, a vital lifeline and asset for our city. As one of the last working waterfronts in NYC, it plays a crucial role in receiving and distributing essential goods, like bananas and seafood, across the boroughs. The funds allocated for this project will kick off the initial revitalization efforts.
However, the EDC has been transparent about the need for additional funding to fully redevelop and sustain the site. This means the project will require revenue-generating streams to ensure its long-term success, which is why your engagement matters. Some ideas that have been discussed include housing, hotels, retail, and light manufacturing, all of which could play a role in the future of the BMT.
As the elected representative for the Columbia Waterfront residents, I will not support any plan that fails to deliver for this long-standing environmental justice community. I have been in communication with the local group, the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Neighbors Alliance, who’ve also been actively involved in our advocacy to close the SIMS concrete recycling facility. I look forward to working together to create a vision that truly benefits our community.
