Build the Brooklyn port immediately instead of luxury housing developments.

A 28-member Task Force is preparing to vote on a comprehensive master plan for the 122-acre Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT), a significant waterfront site in New York City. This group comprises elected officials, community residents, representatives from maritime and industrial organizations, and labor leaders, all tasked with making pivotal decisions regarding the future of this historic port. Initially opposed to the transfer of this property from the Port Authority to city governance, stakeholders now stress that the city must prioritize necessary repairs and modernization of the facility unconditionally.

The Port Authority, established over a century ago, was designed to fund essential infrastructure projects through user fees rather than municipal tax dollars. The transfer of ownership saw New York City obtain a facility that has long suffered from neglect and a lack of financial planning. In a move aimed at financing this acquisition, the city is now proposing unprecedented residential developments, including thousands of luxury housing units, raising questions about the balance between community needs and commercial interests.

Although the Red Hook port is comparatively smaller than its counterparts in New Jersey and Staten Island, its strategic location in the nation’s largest consumer market is a significant advantage. Despite 95% of the port being located in Newark Bay, over two-thirds of the region’s population resides east of the Hudson River. To ensure continued access to ocean and barge shipping, it is critical for New Yorkers to maintain the Red Hook waterfront.

The vulnerability of supply chains, as demonstrated by the recent Baltimore Key Bridge incident, underscores the urgent need for diversified logistics infrastructure. Potential bottlenecks in waterways like the Kill Van Kull could severely impact the regional economy, affecting millions and numerous businesses that rely on timely deliveries.

Since 1991, Red Hook has benefitted from a “Blue Highway” barge service, which connects it to essential supply chain hubs. This service employs skilled longshore workers and supports the import of fresh produce and construction materials. Recently, an million investment was announced for new container cranes and the removal of obsolete equipment. However, further modernization is necessary to enhance the terminal’s capacity and functionality, supporting an environmentally sustainable transportation system by reducing dependency on trucks.

The proposal to develop 8,000 market-rate housing units raises concerns about exacerbating existing challenges in the area, including strained infrastructure and limited transit options. The transfer of BMT from the Port Authority has placed an undue burden on the community, prompting calls for a reevaluation of the approach.

A coherent vision for the future of Red Hook requires a commitment to port infrastructure improvements, alongside a balanced approach toward residential development. This includes investments in port stabilization within public budgets, akin to other essential infrastructure projects that support the regional economy. The state also has a role to play, as BMT serves a larger area encompassing Long Island and the Hudson Valley.

While addressing the housing affordability crisis is vital, it is essential to avoid hasty decisions that could disrupt this historically vital working waterfront. A thorough assessment involving community input is crucial before moving forward with any land use changes. The city should prioritize port upgrades now, postponing housing discussions until a comprehensive land use process is enacted to ensure that all community voices are heard and considered adequately.

The Task Force is encouraged to focus on immediate port improvements, deferring housing decisions to allow for a deliberate and inclusive planning process that reflects the unique nature of this community. The outcome depends on a commitment to engage with local stakeholders and experts to foster balanced development in Red Hook.

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