The New York City Office of Environmental Remediation released a fact sheet outlining a proposed environmental cleanup and redevelopment project at 653 Grand St. in Williamsburg.
The 2,500-square-foot property, identified as Block 2781, Lot 33, has been submitted by 653 Grand Street LLC for enrollment in the city’s Voluntary Cleanup Program, which oversees the investigation and remediation of contaminated sites slated for reuse.
As part of the application, a Remedial Investigation Report was completed to assess environmental conditions at the site. The investigation found that soil contains metals and pesticides above established cleanup guidelines.
Groundwater testing identified volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS and metals exceeding state groundwater quality standards. Soil vapor samples also detected low levels of petroleum-related and chlorinated VOCs above air guideline values set by the New York State Department of Health.
A draft Remedial Action Work Plan has been prepared to address these conditions and guide future cleanup efforts.
OER is currently accepting public comments on the draft RAWP through March 3, 2026. The agency said project documents, including the RIR and draft plan, are available online through its document repository and can also be accessed at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Leonard Branch on Devoe Street. Community members are encouraged to review the materials and submit written feedback during the 30-day comment period.
The property is expected to be redeveloped into an eight-story residential building with a full cellar. To prepare the site for construction and reduce potential health risks, the proposed remediation plan includes excavation of soil exceeding site-specific cleanup objectives.
Most of the property would be excavated to a depth of approximately 10.5 feet below grade to accommodate the building’s cellar, with an estimated 1,300 cubic yards of soil removed and transported to permitted off-site disposal facilities. Excavated materials would be sampled, analyzed and managed according to applicable environmental regulations.
Additional protective measures outlined in the draft plan include installing a vapor barrier and waterproofing system beneath the building slab and along foundation walls, as well as constructing an engineered concrete cover across the building footprint to prevent exposure to any remaining contaminated soil.
A passive sub-slab depressurization system is also proposed to mitigate potential vapor intrusion risks. During cleanup activities, a Community Air Monitoring Plan would track particulates and VOCs to help protect nearby residents and workers.
The plan also calls for continued public engagement through citizen participation activities and the preparation of a Community Protection Statement. Following completion of remedial work, the developer would be required to submit a Remedial Action Report documenting cleanup activities and confirming that project goals were met.
A long-term Site Management Plan would outline ongoing monitoring, maintenance and reporting requirements to manage any residual contamination.
After the public comment period concludes, OER will review feedback and determine whether to approve a final cleanup plan.
