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Dear John,

In May 2024, the City took full operational control of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT), a sprawling 100+ acre waterfront site spanning the Columbia Street Waterfront and Red Hook neighborhoods. This includes the Port Authority properties and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. As part of this transition, the City has committed $95 million and secured $164 million in federal grants to stabilize, repair, and plan for the future of the area.

Since then, my office has been working closely with the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Task Force, of which I am a member. This diverse team includes local elected officials across all levels of government, community leaders, unions, businesses, workforce development groups, and the maritime industry. In addition, there are six Advisory Groups that focus on key issue areas, made up of experts and local organizations, including the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, 63 Tiffany Place, and the Cobble Hill Association. You can read more about the Task Force and Advisory Groups here ([link removed]) .

Originally slated to be fast-tracked by the end of last year, our community pushed for more time to ensure a meaningful engagement process. While the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is expected to share a proposal in March — which the Task Force will then vote on — we are still far from realizing that vision. It remains crucial, however, that our community’s input is prioritized as we shape the future of this important corridor.

I’ve attended all of the public workshops and have spoken directly with many of you to hear your thoughts and gather the community’s priorities as planning moves forward. So far, we’ve identified several key priorities, including:
* Enhancing Connectivity: Strengthening links between the BMT and Brooklyn Bridge Park, while improving accessibility.
* Expanding Green Space & Waterfront Access: Advocating for more public green spaces and broader waterfront access for all.
* Reducing Congestion & Truck Traffic: Reducing disruptions and improving quality of life during construction and renovations.
* Coordinating with BQE Reconstruction: Aligning efforts to address broader infrastructure needs in the area.
* Building Resiliency & Improving Air Quality: Incorporating climate adaptation measures to enhance resiliency and environmental conditions.

This is a pivotal moment for the future of BMT, the Columbia Waterfront neighborhood, and the entire borough of Brooklyn. I encourage all neighbors and constituents to participate in the upcoming Brooklyn Marine Terminal Public Workshops ([link removed]) , either online or in-person, to learn more about the Task Force’s findings and receive updates on the engagement process.

During these workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different development scenarios and site layouts for the BMT, while considering the tradeoffs between land uses and associated costs. Your input is critical in shaping this project to ensure it reflects our shared values and priorities.

I am deeply invested in the future of the BMT, a vital lifeline and asset for our city. As one of the last working waterfronts in NYC, it plays a crucial role in receiving and distributing essential goods, like bananas and seafood, across the boroughs. The funds allocated for this project will kick off the initial revitalization efforts.

However, the EDC has been transparent about the need for additional funding to fully redevelop and sustain the site. This means the project will require revenue-generating streams to ensure its long-term success, which is why your engagement matters. Some ideas that have been discussed include housing, hotels, retail, and light manufacturing, all of which could play a role in the future of the BMT.

As the elected representative for the Columbia Waterfront residents, I will not support any plan that fails to deliver for this long-standing environmental justice community. I have been in communication with the local group, the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Neighbors Alliance, who’ve also been actively involved in our advocacy to close the SIMS concrete recycling facility. I look forward to working together to create a vision that truly benefits our community.

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Caption: Council Member Shahana at a workshop with Task Force members.

Fiscal Year 2026 Discretionary Funding Applications Now Open

Applications ([link removed]) for Discretionary and Capital Funding are now open! Non-profit, community-based organizations interested in applying for discretionary funding for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) must submit their applications by Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Please note that applications submitted outside of this filing period will not be eligible for funding. Additionally, organizations that received funding in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) must reapply to be considered for funding in FY2026.

Learn how to apply for discretionary funding by reviewing the presentation ([link removed]) and resources ([link removed]) provided by the Jewish Community Council’s NonProfitHelp Desk. The NonProfit HelpDesk also provides free one-on-one assistance to staff of emerging nonprofits to advance their organizations.

To request a consultation or receive support from subject matter experts, fill out this form ([link removed]) . You can also watch the FY2025 Discretionary Budget Training ([link removed]) video. For any questions or issues regarding the FY2026 application, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) . For more details on how to apply, visit [link removed]. We will share the schedule for upcoming NonProfit HelpDesk training sessions as soon as they are available.


Upcoming Events
* For months, community members in the Columbia Waterfront have endured chronic dust and poor air quality caused by the SIMS Concrete Recycling Facility, operated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Despite repeated efforts from my office and co-elected officials, the DOT has refused to take immediate action to shut down the facility. Join us on Wednesday, January 15th at 10 AM for a picket in front of the facility, where we will demand its closure and better conditions for our neighborhood.

* As climate change intensifies, chronic flooding has severely impacted many residents and communities across the 39th Council District. In October, we partnered with The City Sponge, Gowanus Canal Conservancy, Forth on Fourth Avenue, Park Slope Civic Council, and Boerum Hill Association for an important community discussion and panel on the state of flooding in the district ([link removed]) . Hearing firsthand from neighbors about their experiences highlighted the urgent need for collaborative, community-driven solutions.
Now, The City Sponge is turning conversation into action with the Flood Solutions Fair on Saturday, January 25th, from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Van Alen Institute. Join us to explore flood resilience strategies, learn from experts, discover available resources, and find out how you can better protect your home and community.

* I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the over 70 community members who testified on the Arrow Linen Rezoning proposal at last week’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises Hearing. Your continued engagement has been invaluable throughout this process, and I want to especially thank you for your thoughtful testimonies, with a clear focus on the need for affordable housing. As I continue to review the proposal, I want to assure you that I am carefully considering your voices and concerns.


Community Bulletin
* Last year, the City Council passed Local Law 172, which will create a comprehensive framework for supporting industrial and manufacturing businesses and jobs in industrial areas. By sharing your feedback through this survey ([link removed]) , you can help us identify the challenges and opportunities in the industrial sector. Your insights will shape NYC’s Industrial Plan and inform future planning and policies.
* Do you have questions about court hearings, asylum, or ICE appointments? Starting on 1/15, meet with a volunteer at South Brooklyn Sanctuary on Wednesdays at the Fifth Avenue Committee (621 DeGraw Street) for free legal guidance and support.
* Join Heights and Hills’ virtual Workshop on Making the Most of Homecare ([link removed]) on Wednesday, 1/16, at 6:30 PM to learn more about the types of homecare available and how to prepare for in-home services. Participants will receive practical tips and expert guidance to help overcome potential challenges and create a supportive environment for successful home care.
* GrowNYC is hosting a free Food Access Technical Training via Zoom ([link removed]) for nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in operating a food box or farm stand in their neighborhoods on Thursday, 1/16, from 4 PM to 6 PM.
* Applications for Brooklyn Community Boards ([link removed]) are now open! Help shape the future of your neighborhood by serving on a community board. Applications are open until 2/14.
* As a part of the Gowanus Rezoning Community Benefits Agreement, Arts Gowanus, community advocates, and the City Council worked tirelessly to secure benefits for the local art community. Applications are now open for the following opportunities:
+ The Arts Gowanus Fellowship ([link removed]) : Designed for low-income artists working in any medium, at any stage of their careers, this fellowship provides free art studio space and material and production support. Priority will be given to applicants from Gowanus Houses, Warren Houses, and Wyckoff Gardens.
+ Subsidized artist studios: Ranging from 130 to 350 square feet, these studios are available by lottery for local artists. Check out eligibility, studio details, and the application process here ([link removed]) .

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana
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Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
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