Sunset Park Officials, Activists Call For More Engagement On Development Projects (Updated)

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — Four top Brooklyn officials representing Sunset Park — Congressman Nydia Velázquez, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Councilman Carlos Menchaca, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams — have sent a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio asking his administration to take a more inclusive and holistic approach to economic development in the neighborhood.

That call was echoed Thursday by local activist Elizabeth Yeampierre, who heads community group Uprose, as well as Jeremy Laufer, the district manager of Community Board 7, each of whom said the city should conduct more community engagement surrounding major development projects.

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The letter and comments responded to de Blasio's Tuesday announcement that the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will invest $136 million to transform two buildings in Bush Terminal into the "Made in New York" manufacturing campus. The project will include 200,000 square feet of garment manufacturing space, 100,000 square feet for film and T.V. production, and will create 1,500 jobs, according to the city.

The officials' letter (embedded below) praised the city for "expanding investment in Sunset Park’s manufacturing." However, the officials wrote that while, "Bush Terminal buildings are in need of improvements along with surrounding properties, parks and streets...we believe that there must be discussion on how this initiative fits into the larger vision for Sunset Park."

"This discussion must also include a robust community engagement process," the officials continued. "We welcome impactful investment in City properties, but expect EDC to ensure Sunset Park’s residents and existing businesses are fully integrated in the planning for future economic development."

"Sunset Park is experiencing extreme gentrification and displacement in residential and commercial properties," the letter continued. "New investments must mitigate adverse effects on lease-holders at nearby properties not managed by the City."

And the officials argued that, "Successful investments must include strategic planning for the entire manufacturing district and Industrial Business Zone, including the existing businesses on EDC property and those nearby."

On Thursday, Yeampierre, the Uprose activist, offered a similar critique of the city's planning process.

"This recent announcement — again dropped on our community without engagement — raises some questions and concerns," Yeampierre said. "What does a 'job' mean for a community living on the frontline of climate change? Did the administration do their due diligence in marketing the industrial waterfront to promote a regenerative energy economy? Or do these selected initiatives continue to offer a workforce for the privileged without considering the immediate and long-term needs of the host community?"

Ana Orozco, a spokeswoman for Uprose, said the group was "not consulted" about the Made in New York development project before it was announced.

Form 2007 through 2009, EDC worked with Community Board 7, which represents Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace, and community representatives to craft a Sunset Park Vision Plan. As the EDC explains it, the plan "sets forth recommendations for investment over the next twenty years, with a focus on short-term, implementable projects."

Regarding more current engagement efforts, Jeremy Laufer, the district manager for CB 7, said the EDC conducts periodic meetings with community members to discuss its planning priorities. He also noted that the agency is doing significant community engagement concerning the proposed Brooklyn Queens Connector light rail system.

However, of the Bush Terminal project, Laufer said, "We didn't know anything about this particular campus or this investment," though he said city officials had "talked more generally about [investing in] their core four types of businesses, which includes television and movie production and garment manufacturing."

Pictured at top: the future Made in New York manufacturing campus. Rendering via the NYC Mayor's Office.