U.S. Congressman Goldman, Along With State-Elected Officials, Urge That NYC Prioritize Cold Storage

Key Red Hook Facility Could Help Remove More Trucks Locally

December 20, 2023 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Rep. Dan Goldman.
Photo: Craig Ruttle/AP

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RED HOOK — Creation of a major cold storage facility at Pier 11 in Red Hook could prevent the movement of perishable merchandise out of Brooklyn and then back for consumption, taking tons of pollution and diesel truck traffic off local streets. Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) with New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, New York State Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and New York City Councilmember Alexa Aviles wrote a letter to the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) urging them to select a sublease proposal at Pier 11 of the Red Hook Marine Terminal that will include cold storage capabilities near the Red Hook Marine Terminal.

State Sen. Andrew Gounardes. Official U.S. House photo.

The Red Hook Marine Terminal piers accept domestic and international freight for distribution across the tri-state area, especially Brooklyn. Currently, fresh produce shipped into the Red Hook Marine Terminal must be transported by truck to locations outside of New York City where it can be refrigerated. Once the produce is ready for distribution, it is oftentimes transported right back into Brooklyn, increasing the necessary truck traffic for any perishable cargo.

Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn borough president.
Photo courtesy of Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

“The future of Red Hook Marine Terminal must be one that protects New Yorkers, mitigates exacerbated safety risks, and supports good-paying maritime jobs in Brooklyn,” the lawmakers wrote. “As outlined on your website, one of the four governing strategies of the NYCEDC is to ‘deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city’s future economy.’ We believe that the addition of cold storage at the port will both satisfy that strategy and add value to the site. To that end, we urge you to prioritize applications that include such accommodations for tenancy at Pier 11.”

The Red Hook community is disproportionately affected by this lack of cold storage. The current situation leads to increased traffic in and around Red Hook, increases diesel pollution from the truck deliveries, accelerates the erosion of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and heightens safety concerns for pedestrians.

Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to fighting for environmental justice across New York City.

In February, Goldman joined Councilmember Alexa Avilas to call on New York City to pursue an environmental assessment of last mile delivery hubs and excess truck traffic in Red Hook and Sunset Park.

In March, the Congressman hosted two town halls that brought the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to the table to hear and consider input from coastal communities that will be impacted by planned USACE climate resiliency projects in Gowanus, Red Hook, and Lower Manhattan.

Congressman Goldman is a member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.

Read the letter here.