By Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Vice Chairman Jeff Lynford said, “This transaction is beneficial to the Port Authority, the City and the State, as it will help enable both Howland Hook and the Brooklyn Marine Terminals to transform into sites that are equipped to thrive in the 21st century. The consolidated ownership structure at Howland Hook will support long-term expansion and growth as we prepare for more than $200 million in private capital to be invested there in the coming years.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “This transformative investment in Brooklyn’s waterfront represents a forward-thinking vision for New York City’s economic growth and resilience. By revitalizing the Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a dynamic, mixed-use community hub and a center for modern maritime employment, we are unlocking the potential for thousands of new jobs and substantial economic benefits that will ripple throughout the city. This project, in tandem with the future expansion of the Howland Hook Marine Terminal, will foster a thriving, sustainable, and prosperous future for all New Yorkers.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “The upgraded Brooklyn Marine Terminal will transform the Brooklyn waterfront and improve quality of life for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. I congratulate the city on taking this important step and will continue to fight for federal resources for the project.”
State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “There is so much we can unlock by investing in the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and the Red Hook container terminal. Transferring the property to EDC will give us the opportunity to do finally work towards creating a truly 21st century marine terminal. I look forward to working with EDC, the city, the state, and my colleagues in government to engage the community and stakeholders to ensure that we activate our blue ways, tackle the proliferation of last-mile facilities, and unlock economic opportunity.”
Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes said, “Our waterfront communities have demonstrated their desire to be included in economic revitalization projects. As conversations began about strengthening the working waterfront community at the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, I was excited to see these desires becoming a reality. This project has the potential to bring our community members into modern maritime jobs that prepare them for the green economy of the future, bring customers back to local business, and breathe life back into historically overlooked communities. I want to thank our local and state governments and agencies for their investment into the surrounding neighborhoods. I look forward to being an active participant in maintaining a transparent and open dialogue with the community on the future of our working waterfront.”
Assemblymember Charles D. Fall said, “The transformation of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a vibrant, mixed-use waterfront community marks a monumental step forward for Brooklyn and for New York City at large. I am personally committed to ensuring that this development not only revitalizes the area but also serves as a catalyst of innovation and opportunity. This project will not only transform our waterfront but also generate thousands of jobs, driving economic growth for our city.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “Remembering the basics of what makes our city so great can lead to a brighter future for Brooklyn, and that includes revitalizing our waterfront. Today’s announcement is great news for Brooklyn’s economic development. With proactive investments, we can create new jobs and redevelop the waterfront that helped build our borough and our city. Thank you to Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, and New York City Economic Development Corporation for bringing this funding to revitalize Brooklyn’s waterfront.”
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said, “A key component of New York and New Jersey’s maritime industry is the Howland Hook Marine Terminal. It employs hundreds of people with well-paying jobs, and we would like to see it expand. That’s why we supported last year’s efforts to provide a significant capital investment to enhance and to improve the terminal. We are hopeful that this transfer to the Port Authority, which seems like a more natural fit, will allow Howland Hook to remain competitive for years to come.”
New York City Councilmember Amanda Farias said, “Our city’s waterfronts are the key to creating a more sustainable future. That is why I am excited to see our mayor, governor, the Port Authority, and the NYCEDC carrying out their vision to develop a Harbor of the Future in south Brooklyn. As Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, I have been unwavering in my support and advocacy on the issue of better utilizing our waterfronts and unlocking the economic potential they offer our city, state, and local economies. I look forward to continuing to work with all parties to ensure we are thinking creatively and effectively about how to serve our waterfront neighborhoods best and bolster our local supply chain.”
New York City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks said, “The plans for the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, coupled with the strategic expansion of the Howland Hook Marine Terminal, demonstrates our commitment to Staten Island’s economic vitality and its pivotal role in New York City’s maritime industry. This initiative is set to create thousands of jobs and boost economic activity. By focusing on sustainable development and modern infrastructure, we are ensuring that Staten Island remains at the forefront of economic and community development.”
New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif said, “As a proud representative of the Columbia Waterfront, I am excited about the potential benefits that an investment for the Brooklyn Marine Terminal can bring to my constituents. If implemented equitably, this initiative will create jobs, reduce emissions, and foster a more sustainable and inclusive economy for all New Yorkers. I am committed to making sure that the community has a seat at the table. The upcoming visioning process for the city’s investment must improve the health and well-being of local neighborhoods.”
New York City Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Andrew Kimball said, “This deal provides a generational opportunity to work with the community and stakeholders on an extensive visioning process to ensure a transformational master plan that unlocks the full potential of over 100 acres on the Brooklyn waterfront. A reimagined waterfront can deliver a modern maritime port with a focus on micro-distribution strategies that remove trucks from our streets and increase union working waterfront jobs, as well as provide important community-facing amenities. This site will become another critical node in Mayor Adams’ vision for the ‘Harbor of the Future.’”
Real Estate Board for New York President James Whelan said, “REBNY applauds the city, state, and Port Authority for coming together on this agreement. We expect Brooklyn and Staten Island neighborhoods along the waterfront will see continued economic momentum and private investment because of these projects, helping to grow and further diversify New York City’s economy.”
Maritime Association of the Port of NY & NJ Executive Director Stephen Lyman said, “The Maritime Association of the Port of NY & NJ applauds the work from all parties involved on this agreement. Reinvigorating the marine assets in the Port of NY & NJ is crucial to supporting freight movement now and in the future. We are excited to support the economic benefits that will surely propel maritime commerce for many years to come.
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Peers said, “Throughout its history, New York City has always been an important port city and a maritime powerhouse. Today’s announcement by the Port Authority and NYCEDC builds upon our the importance of maritime uses at the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, and positions this important part of our waterfront for strategic growth.”
Brooklyn Bridge Park President Eric Landau said, “As a neighboring waterfront public space, we are thrilled about the incredible possibilities that transforming the Brooklyn Marine Terminal will create for our borough and our city. All of us at Brooklyn Bridge Park are very excited to join in what comes next.”
Local 1814 ILA President Frank Agosta said, “This investment in the Red Hook working waterfront is crucial to the future of New York City. We need to reimagine how freight and goods are delivered utilizing our 500 miles of waterfront. The workforce of ILA Local 1814 is ready to get to work and we thank the governor and mayor for this down payment”.
Waterfront Alliance President & CEO Cortney Koenig Worrall said, “At this time of shifting baselines where business is no longer usual, we are pleased to see a recommitment by New York City to its working waterfront, maritime industry, blue highways expansion and micromobility. New York City and the region will face major growth in goods, bulk construction materials, food and other essential supplies needed at the waterfronts and the interiors of the five boroughs. This growth must not be handled solely by trucks, which brings the opportunity squarely to Brooklyn Marine Terminal for freight modernization. We are excited about the many opportunities, the commitment to stakeholder engagement, and that New York City is meeting the call for sophisticated, thoughtful and forward thinking maritime leadership.”
NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program, Hudson River Foundation Director Robert Pirani said, “New York’s port is a vital part of our economy and a major influence on the health of the estuary. Ensuring that this coastal infrastructure meets maritime needs as well as community and ecological goals is critical to its success. We appreciate the importance of this initiative and look forward to the continued conversations about the future of these important facilities in Brooklyn and Staten Island.”
Staten Island Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Mike Cusick said, “Howland Hook’s strategic location and connections to global commerce are vital to economic expansion on Staten Island. Under the ownership of the Port Authority in addition to CMA CGM’s historic investment, the terminal is set to support job growth, sustainable supply chains, and opportunities for local businesses. We applaud our City and State partners for reaching this agreement, and we look forward to working closely with the Port Authority as we continue to drive exciting, long-term investments in our borough’s waterfront and surrounding areas.”
Red Hook Container Terminal, LLC President & CEO Michael Stamatis said, “Today’s announcement by Mayor Adams underscores the importance of the maritime industry in the heart of New York City, and in particular, the importance of the Red Hook Container Terminal and greater Brooklyn Marine Terminal facility to the people of the City and State of New York. We applaud New York City Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul for making this long-term commitment and investment in the future of the working waterfront, ensuring a stable and resilient supply chain for the millions of people who live, work and visit New York City every day, while also demonstrating to the men and women who sacrificed their own personal safety as essential workers at the Port during the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring our vital supply chain remained open, that their sacrifice did not go unnoticed. The modernization and expansion of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal facility must be done now to meet head on the challenges associated with traffic, congestion, reducing carbon emissions, addressing sea level rise and climate change, and delivering a resilient future for all New Yorkers.”
New York University Professor of Urban Planning and Policy Mitchell L. Moss said, “Red Hook is the hidden gem of the New York City waterfront. Mayor Adams and the Port Authority have forged a plan to have New York City provide unified leadership to guide the future of Red Hook while the Port Authority strengthens Howland Hook’s role as a major container cargo hub for the region. For too long, we have neglected Red Hook; under Mayor Adams and EDC President Andrew Kimball, the rebirth of Red Hook’s waterfront will generate new jobs, new activities and new opportunities for New Yorkers to connect with our spectacular maritime culture.”
