New York City is grappling with a housing crisis, particularly a lack of affordable units. Elected officials frequently emphasize the need for more apartments to address this issue.
Ironically, many of these same officials have stalled or outright opposed initiatives aimed at building new housing.
A prime example of this is the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, a 122-acre waterfront area between Cobble Hill and Red Hook that remains largely underutilized. The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) aims to revamp its master plan, proposing the construction of 6,000 new apartments.
Critics often highlight concerns regarding the adequacy of “affordable” housing in these proposals. They’ve voiced fears about potential “gentrification,” job loss, environmental damage, and increased traffic congestion.
Moreover, complaints about the plans have been numerous, citing a lack of transparency, even though the EDC has kept the proposal open to public scrutiny since February 2024. There’s also apprehension regarding pressure to restore manufacturing activity.
Recently, a significant vote on the project was postponed, causing further delays.
The underlying tension behind what some media have termed “community pushback” appears to stem from a reluctance to enrich real estate developers. This resistance has support from some left-leaning politicians and activists. Interestingly, within progressive circles, being involved in real estate development often comes with a certain stigma.
The EDC envisions a vibrant waterfront community for a site that is currently underperforming as a shipping terminal. They also propose modernizing the terminals and enhancing waterway use to reduce truck traffic, which seems somewhat aspirational at the moment.
Despite this, the proposal remains straightforward: transforming terminals for residential use doesn’t necessitate claiming private property since the city owns the land already. Currently, the terminal’s barriers obscure waterfront views. Unions back the idea because it promises to preserve existing jobs.
However, the latest delay from the task force has compromised the viability of the plan.
The terminal stretches from Atlantic Avenue at Cobble Hill to Pier 12 in Red Hook. A stroll along Columbia and Van Brunt Streets offers a glimpse into what resembles a wasteland, dotted with remnants of once-busy operations.
During a recent 45-minute walk, I noticed only three workers. Many piers are decaying and unused, as are cranes that once facilitated cargo unloading. In fact, half of the site is now occupied by non-maritime businesses, including warehouses, recycling plants, and even abandoned vehicles and boats.
The current complex processes a mere 60,000 tons of goods annually, which constitutes just 1.4% of all container traffic in New York’s port.
Yet, aside from the housing units, the vision includes substantial green spaces for community enjoyment.
Some local leaders, like Council Member Alexa Aviles, describe the plan as being “forced” upon residents. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has criticized the initiative for shifting its focus from transportation and industrial improvements to mainly housing projects. But isn’t that in line with what many New Yorkers need?
A piece I wrote for Brooklyn Eagle touched on Reynoso’s nostalgia for an era when factories employed vast numbers of people. He argues that the terminal represents the last significant chance to revive waterfront industry in the city.
However, Reynoso’s perspective seems stuck in the past, reminiscent of former President Donald Trump’s belief in reviving mid-20th century manufacturing capabilities. He overlooks the fact that the Brooklyn Navy Yard successfully transitioned into an industrial park without losing its waterfront potential.
Meanwhile, Councilman Jerry Nadler wants to navigate the housing aspects of the proposal through the city’s intricate land review process, fearing that thousands of new units might negatively impact the area. A concern arises that this could overshadow the neighborhood, which, despite its trendy cafes and galleries, is still affected by crime in parts like the Red Hook housing complex.
Perhaps, though, those who resist such developments are obstructing real progress for New Yorkers in desperate need of housing.
