Residents near the Brooklyn Navy Yard are seeking changes to large parties and raves held at the waterfront property, citing noise, traffic and trash that can disrupt surrounding neighborhoods into the early morning, according to Gothamist.
City Council members Lincoln Restler and Crystal Hudson have asked the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation to stop hosting events that create significant disruptions for nearby residents. The request follows years of complaints, with the council members’ offices receiving hundreds of concerns about events at the Navy Yard.
The city-owned property has grown into a major center for businesses and manufacturing since its redevelopment began in 2011. About 550 businesses now operate there, creating more than 13,000 jobs.
“I don’t want to sound like some curmudgeon,” Restler, who represents neighborhoods spanning from Brooklyn Heights to Greenpoint, told Gothamist. “But I don’t find these events to be consistent with the core mission of the Yard.”
The redevelopment has also brought several large, warehouse-style concert venues to the property, drawing tens of thousands of people to concerts and raves.
The impact of those events has become a growing concern for neighboring communities. Restler and Hudson cited events including Kokofest and Tequilafest, saying loud music began as early as 6:00am and continued late into the night.
They also pointed to increased traffic and trash associated with large gatherings. Some residents have posted flyers seeking to organize opposition to the Navy Yard’s event activity.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation has introduced an event hotline, added trash cans around event spaces and changed exit procedures in an effort to reduce disruptions. The corporation has also said it will continue listening to neighborhood concerns and make changes when needed.
“The Navy Yard is essentially a city agency,” said Restler. “If we don't see improvement, we’re going to push to see these events discontinued.”
The dispute reflects a broader challenge for the Navy Yard as it balances its economic and cultural role with the quality of life of nearby residents.
A multi-day rave scheduled for the fall could bring renewed attention to the issue. Restler and Hudson have the authority to appoint two members to the Navy Yard corporation’s board and have indicated they could pursue additional action if disruptions continue, including pushing to discontinue large events.
