A concrete recycling facility in the Columbia Street Waterfront District will be closed by the end of the year, a concession to residents and elected officials who have long raised health concerns, as the city seeks approval for its $80 million Brooklyn Marine Terminal project.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the DOT concrete recycling facility will close by August and the yard by the end of the year.
“With the closure of the concrete recycling facility at the Columbia Street Waterfront District, we are taking an important step toward realizing a greener, safer and more vibrant Brooklyn Marine Terminal for the residents of this community,” Adams said in a statement. “This move not only clears the way for much-needed housing, open space and a school as part of our proposed Brooklyn Marine Terminal project, but also reflects our city’s deep commitment to continuing to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers."
The city Economic Development Corporation has been trying to get a 28-person task force to approve its BMT plans, which includes overhauling a crumbling marine terminal and building about 6,000 apartment units, 40% of which would be affordable housing. A critical vote that was set to take place at the end of June was postponed until mid-July as negotiations continued.
The concrete recycling facility will be relocated to an alternate location that was not disclosed. The facility was temporarily relocated to a yard on Columbia Street, near Kane Street, in 2024. The DOT's bridge de-icing and traffic operations fiber electricians will continue to operate at the Columbia Street yard.
Area elected officials, including U.S. Representative Dan Goldman, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, New York State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon and City Council Member Shahana Hanif applauded the city's decision.
