
Kingsborough Community College’s Maritime Technology program is on its way to becoming a certified offshore wind (OSW) basic safety training facility, with $1.5 million in capital funding awarded by the New York City Council.
And, because New York State allocates matching funds for capital appropriations provided by the city to CUNY community colleges, Kingsborough is expected to receive another $1.5 million in the state’s next fiscal budget, bringing the total to $3 million.
The Office of NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson awarded Kingsborough’s Division of Workforce Development, Continuing Education & Strategic Partnerships the funding for purchase of necessary equipment to become a Global Wind Organization (GWO)-certified Basic Safety Training facility that can respond to the workforce demands and the long-term needs of the projected OSW industry.
In January of this year, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) OK’d a proposal by a private energy firm, Equinor, to turn the semi-dormant South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park into a hub for staging and assembling wind-power equipment. Once assembled, the wind turbines will be installed at two “wind farm” sites off the coast of Long Island.

This plan was enthusiastically approved by many local activists and officials, including Elizabeth Yeampierre of the environmental organization UPROSE, City Councilmember Carlos Menchaca, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and others.
Many offshore wind companies mandate GWO-certified baseline safety training for their employees. The awarded funding will establish Kingsborough, Brooklyn’s only community college, as the first institution in New York State to be a certified GWO training provider.
NYS Assemblymember Jaime R. William (D-Marine Park-Bergen Beach-Canarsie) spearheaded the push to get city and state leaders to support the innovative conception of an OSW training facility at Kingsborough.
“The need for clean energy is more important than ever. With initiatives promoted by our great State and the City of New York, the use of turbines only a few miles offshore will have a drastic and positive impact on our growing energy needs, while helping foster new jobs for Kingsborough Community College students and bolster our infrastructure.
“The turbines, once in place, will assist with New York State’s clean energy targets as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) and help further achieve New York City’s goal and commitment to reduce citywide emissions—a win for all involved,” said Assemblymember Williams.
Kingsborough President Dr. Claudia V. Schrader said the college is grateful for the funds. “Our location makes us uniquely positioned to be an integral partner in the OSW sector, and the funding will enable us to serve more under and unemployed students preparing for careers within the OSW industry. Thank you to Assemblymember Williams for her support and Council Speaker Johnson for investing in CUNY/KCC.”

GWO Basic Safety Training provides students with fundamental work skills, including fire awareness, first aid, working at heights, and manual handling. “Currently, KCC offers four of the five needed trainings of GWO. This funding will help support the addition of the climbing-at-heights component, which may be in place as early as fall 2022,” said Christine Zagari-LoPorto, interim assistant dean of Kingsborough’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education.
To enable students to work in the offshore environment, an additional GWO Sea Survival training, which Kingsborough has in place, needs to be completed. Upon completing the training, students will be aware of the hazards encountered when working within the wind industry and how to control and mitigate these hazards.
Founded in 1963, Kingsborough Community College is Brooklyn’s only community college and is part of the City University of New York.












SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.