A new development proposal for the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and nearby areas is raising concerns among residents in Red Hook and the Columbia Street Waterfront. The plan includes modernizing part of the port, adding approximately 5,000 market-rate apartments, 2,700 affordable units, and investing $200 million into the Red Hook public housing development.
Residents recall similarities to a previous project known as Atlantic Yards, led by New York State’s economic development authority two decades ago. That plan promised affordable housing but failed to deliver due to unmet commitments and legal agreements not being honored.
The current proposal aims to develop 122 acres on the Brooklyn waterfront through a general project plan (GPP), bypassing local review laws. A task force comprising elected officials and community leaders will vote on June 27 regarding whether to proceed with this comprehensive residential and industrial overhaul.
Some task force members and local residents criticize the proposal’s rushed approval process. Councilmember Reynoso expressed concern about losing manufacturing land: “That is why I am opposing housing development in this plan.”
Economic Development Corporation President Andrew Kimball supports bypassing traditional land-use processes for projects of “regional importance,” comparing it to past successful developments at Brooklyn Navy Yard and Brooklyn Bridge Park. He stated that acquiring rights from the Port Authority was a significant economic deal for New York City.
However, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Councilmember Shahana Hanif have advised caution, referencing Atlantic Yards’ unfulfilled promises. Williams remarked, “We’re still waiting for the promises of Atlantic Terminal 20 years later.”
Kimball assured that a “local development corporation” would ensure accountability in delivering promises for this project. Yet residents remain skeptical due to past experiences with Atlantic Yards developers failing to meet their obligations despite signed agreements.
Community members from Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Columbia Street Waterfront neighborhood express concerns over hasty planning lacking transparency. James DeFilippis from Rutgers University criticized the speed of decision-making: “Good planning takes time.” Industrial designer Matthew Grandin noted that community input has been limited during this process.
