Governor Hochul Celebrates Completion of New York City’s First-Ever Mixed-Use Light Manufacturing and Affordable Housing Development in Brooklyn

September 25, 2024

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a new, mixed-use residential and light manufacturing development, located in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The $118 million complex reimagines the former Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup factory at Rockaway Avenue and Newport Street as the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center’s Brownsville Industrial Center. The development includes 39,000 square feet of affordable, top-of-the-line light manufacturing space on the ground-floor; Bridge Rockaway, a residential building with 174 units of affordable and supportive housing above the manufacturing space; and a 2,000 square-foot community space, spanning half a city block. It is the first new project in New York City to co-locate affordable housing and light manufacturing space on the same site.

“Our continued efforts to foster renewal in Central Brooklyn are what this development is all about,” Governor Hochul said. “Bridge Rockaway with its affordable homes and supportive services in combination with light manufacturing, which has long provided the pathways to the middle class for Brooklynites, is spurring a fresh start for this piece of Brownsville. This is what it means to be pro-housing and pro-business. Congratulations to The Bridge, the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center and their partners for bringing these new homes and jobs to the people of Brooklyn.”

Bridge Rockaway, the residential development at 203 Newport Street, consists of two residential towers – a six-story structure and a seven-story structure – separated by an 11,000-square-foot garden. Units will be affordable to residents earning between 30 percent and 70 percent of the Area Median Income, and 87 units with on-site supportive services will be set-aside for veterans, seniors, and other individuals struggling with homelessness. Residents will have access to the building’s vibrant garden terrace, a reception area with 24/7 staffing, a computer room, community rooms, a bicycle room, and storage and laundry facilities. The Bridge, which operates supportive housing and behavioral health services for New Yorkers living with behavioral health concerns, will own and operate Bridge Rockaway and provide on-site services.

The GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center at 805 Rockaway Avenue includes 10 units, ranging in size from 1,250 square feet to 6,000 square feet, for light manufacturing businesses that might include custom woodworkers, cabinet makers and artisanal tradespeople, such as set builders and display makers; home goods manufacturers; metal workers and finishers; and garment makers; among others. GMDC’s space features a loading dock with hydraulic lift and a state-of-the-art finishing room for industrial tenants. In addition to these and other services and amenities, GMDC has invested more than $11.5 million abatement measures to ensure the safe coexistence of residential and industrial tenants. GMDC’s project is expected to create up to 35 direct jobs, in addition to indirect jobs and investment. The space is owned and operated by GMDC, a nonprofit industrial developer and property manager with a portfolio of more than 685,000 square feet of industrial space across New York City. The project serves as a model for developing affordable housing on underutilized manufacturing property, while maintaining manufacturing use.

State support includes a $1.6 million capital grant from Empire State Development to support the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center, per the recommendation of the New York City Regional Economic Development Council. New York State will also provide $11.4 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $46 million in equity, and $16.9 million in subsidy through New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is providing $6.5 million through the Homeless Housing Assistance Program, as well as rental subsidies funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.

Additional funding is being provided by the City and other public and private sources. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development is providing $17.1 million in support of the project’s residential portion. The U.S. Small Business Administration, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New York City Neighborhood Capital Corporation, New York City Industrial Development Agency, JP Morgan Chase, the Partnership Fund for New York City, Enterprise Community Loan Fund, and National Grid also provided support.

The project development team includes The Bridge, Mega Development and Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center. The building was designed by THINK! Architecture and Design.

NYC’s first mixed-use affordable housing and industrial development opens in Brownsville

September 26, 2024, 6sqft

New York City’s first mixed-use development combining affordable housing and manufacturing space is now complete in Brownsville. The $118 million project converted the former Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup factory into 39,000 square feet of light industrial space on the ground floor with 174 units of affordable and supportive housing above it. Designed by THINK! Architecture and Design, the complex addresses two city priorities by adding affordable housing and supporting new jobs.

Bridge Rockaway, the residential component, is located at 203 Newport Street. Consisting of two residential towers, rising six and seven stories, the apartments will be affordable to residents earning between 30 and 70 percent of the area median income. Additionally, 87 units with on-site supportive services will be set aside for veterans, seniors, and formerly homeless individuals.

The supportive services will be operated by the Bridge, who manage supportive housing and behavioral health services for New Yorkers dealing with behavioral health concerns.

Residents will have access to a stunning garden terrace, a reception area with 24/7 staffing, a computer room, community rooms, a bicycle room, and storage and laundry facilities.

The Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center’s (GMDC) Brownsville Industrial Center, located at 805 Rockaway Avenue, features 10 units for light manufacturing businesses, like woodworking, cabinet making, and other trades. Ranging in size from 1,250 to 6,000 square feet, the space features a loading dock with a hydraulic lift and a state-of-the-art finishing room for industrial tenants.

Additionally, GMDC has invested over $11.5 million in abatement measures to ensure a safe co-existence between residential and industrial tenants. The project is expected to generate up to 35 direct jobs, as well as further indirect jobs and industrial tenants.

“After nearly eight years of planning, development, and construction, we are thrilled to finally open our doors,” Brian T. Coleman, CEO of Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center., said.

“This project does what no one thought was possible: putting 39,000 square feet of light manufacturing space, more than 170 units of housing, and a community facility on the same site safely and affordably.”

The mixed-use development creates a new model for future affordable housing projects on underused manufacturing sites, maintaining industrial use while providing much-needed housing.

“Our continued efforts to foster renewal in Central Brooklyn are what this development is all about,” Hochul said. “Bridge Rockaway with its affordable homes and supportive services in combination with light manufacturing, which has long provided the pathways to the middle class for Brooklynites, is spurring a fresh start for this piece of Brownsville. This is what it means to be pro-housing and pro-business.”

New York State will support the project with a $1.6 million capital grant from Empire State Development, $11.4 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits generating $46 million in equity, and a $16.9 million subsidy from the state’s Homes and Community Renewal.

The state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is contributing $6.5 million from the Homeless Housing Assistance Program, along with rental subsidies from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.

GMDC, The Bridge, and Mega Development Celebrate Ribbon-Cutting for City’s First-Ever New Mixed-Use Housing and Industrial Development in Brooklyn

September 25, 2024, CityBiz

The GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center reimagines the former Fox’s U-Bet’s Chocolate Syrup Factory in Brownsville as 39,000 square feet of affordable, light manufacturing space.

Bridge Rockaway features 174 units of affordable and supportive housing, including set-asides for formerly homeless seniors, veterans, and adults living with serious mental illness.

Today, the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center (GMDC), The Bridge, and Mega Development held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the first new, mixed-use residential and industrial development in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The $118 million project reimagines the former Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup factory at Rockaway Avenue and Newport Street as the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center, 39,000 square feet of affordable, top-of-the-line light industrial space on the ground-floor; Bridge Rockaway, a residential building with 174 units of affordable and supportive housing above the industrial space; and a 2,000 square-foot community space, spanning half an entire city block. It is the first new project in New York City to co-locate affordable housing and industrial space on the same site, and a model for increasing affordable housing on underutilized manufacturing property while maintaining manufacturing use.

Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assembly Member Latrice Walker, NYC Executive Director for Housing Leila Borzorg, and other prominent city and state officials, as well as nonprofit and private partners joined GMDC, The Bridge and Mega at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the development.

“After nearly eight years of planning, development, and construction, we are thrilled to finally open our doors,” said Brian T. Coleman, CEO of Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center. “This project does what no one thought was possible: putting 39,000 square feet of light manufacturing space, more than 170 units of housing, and a community facility on the same site safely and affordably. Now, as we get ready to welcome our first tenants, I thank our partners at The Bridge, Mega Development, and at every level of government for supporting our vision to transform this block and create a stunning new home for businesses and residents in Brownsville.”

“When The Bridge conceived this project, our goal was to create much needed supportive and affordable housing while preserving manufacturing uses,” said Susan Wiviott, CEO of The Bridge. “This first of its kind project proves a concept that can be replicated across the city. I am deeply grateful to our entire development team, particularly Mega Contracting, Think! Architecture and Design, and GMDC for seeing this project through to completion. We look forward to welcoming our first residents early next week.”

“For too long, our zoning laws lived in the past, ignoring the realities of today and the bold possibilities of tomorrow,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This new development in Brownsville, Brooklyn is symbolic of the endless potential that still rests in our city. Affordable and supportive housing, industrial development, and community space all come together in one mixed-use development, transforming an entire neighborhood. When we open our doors and say ‘yes’ to housing, jobs, and opportunity, there’s nothing our city cannot do.”

GMDC, a nonprofit industrial developer and property manager with a portfolio of more than 685,000 square feet of industrial space across New York City, will own and operate the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center at 805 Rockaway Avenue. The space includes 10 units, ranging in size from 1,250 square feet to 6,000 square feet, for light industrial uses that might include custom woodworkers, cabinet makers, and artisanal tradespeople, such as set builders and display makers, home goods manufacturers, metal workers and finishers, and garment makers, among others. It features a loading dock with hydraulic lift and a state-of-the-art finishing room for industrial tenants. In addition to these services and amenities, GMDC has invested more than $11.5 million in odor and vapor barriers, vibration isolators, acoustical treatments, and other abatement measures to ensure the safe coexistence of residential and industrial tenants. It is expected to create up to 35 direct jobs, in addition to indirect jobs and investment. 

The Bridge, which operates supportive housing and behavioral health services for New Yorkers living with behavioral health concerns, will own and operate Bridge Rockaway at 203 Newport Street. The development consists of two residential towers- a six-story structure and a seven-story structure- separated by an 11,000-square-foot garden. Units will be affordable to residents earning between 30 percent and 70 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) and 87 units will be set-aside for formerly homeless seniors, veterans, and adults with serious mental illness, with wraparound services from The Bridge staff on-site. In addition to access to the building’s vibrant garden terrace, residents will have access to a reception area with 24/7 staffing, a computer room, community rooms, a bicycle room, and storage and laundry facilities. 

The 2,000 square-foot community facility, located at 432 Thatford Avenue, will be leased to a nonprofit organization, a community health facility, or a financial services institution.

This project was made possible through financial support from various public, private, and nonprofit sector partners, including JPMorgan Chase, Enterprise Community Loan Fund, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Empire State Development, the United States Small Business Administration, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Additional funding was provided by National Grid and financing from the Partnership Fund for New York City. The project was designed by Think! Architecture and Design.  The general contractor is Mega Development. 

Housing and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The environmentally sustainable coexistence of affordable housing and manufacturing in this $118 million, 174-apartment development offers a promising template for the future. Governor Hochul knows that every thriving community needs both quality homes and business. Bridge Rockaway and the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center provide both, plus dedicated wraparound services for seniors and veterans and people who have been chronically unhoused. In terms of what this brings to the neighborhood, it is truly a holistic development – the complete package. We at HCR are proud of the part we played, along with our sister agencies to bring the shared dream of the Bridge and GMDC to fruition.” 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s ribbon-cutting for Bridge Rockaway and the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center is a significant step forward in New York State’s commitment to providing affordable housing and driving economic growth in Brooklyn. The inclusion of 39,000 square feet of light manufacturing space not only supports local small businesses but also creates sustainable jobs. This project demonstrates how strategic investments in both housing and manufacturing can uplift communities and build a stronger, more inclusive economy.”

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to expanding the supply of permanent supportive housing options across New York State and helping vulnerable New Yorkers break the cycle of homelessness. The opening of Bridge Rockaway provides formerly homeless individuals–including those with mental illness, veterans with disabilities, and older adults–with much-needed affordable housing in Brownsville, Brooklyn, that includes essential services that will help the residents live safely and successfully in the community.”

“GMDC’s Brownsville Industrial Center is a fantastic example of a nontraditional approach to addressing two of the city’s priorities; providing much-needed new affordable housing while also creating modern manufacturing space and good jobs,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “NYCEDC congratulates GMDC and its partners on this remarkable project that can set a model as we work toward a more affordable and equitable city.”

“Congratulations to the entire development team on the opening of this exciting and path-breaking project, one that will deliver 170 units of affordable and supportive housing and roughly 40,000 square feet of industrial space. This $118M project exemplifies the spirit of the City of Yes and a modern, flexible approach to building housing while simultaneously supporting a modern industrial sector,” said Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce.

NYCREDC Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, City University of New York Chancellor and William D. Rahm said, “The NYCREDC is proud to support Bridge Rockaway and the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center , which not only address the critical need for affordable housing but also strengthens Brownsville’s economy through job creation in the manufacturing sector. By integrating affordable housing with light manufacturing space, we’re creating a vibrant mixed-use environment that will provide both homes and jobs for New Yorkers, fostering long-term benefits for local residents and businesses alike.”

“GMDC’s Brownsville Industrial Center is a fantastic example of a nontraditional approach to addressing two of the city’s priorities; providing much-needed new affordable housing while also creating modern manufacturing space and good jobs,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “NYCEDC congratulates GMDC and its partners on this remarkable project that can set a model as we work toward a more affordable and equitable city.”

 Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “Thanks to a concerted effort by state, federal and local government funders, Bridge Rockaway is bringing much-needed housing to Brownsville.  Of the 174 units, half will be affordable to households earning up to 70% Area Median Income (AMI), and the other half will be supportive units for older New Yorkers, veterans and people who have experienced homelessness.  This new development is an exciting opportunity for my constituents.”

Assemblywoman Latrice Walker said, “It’s no secret that we have an affordable housing shortage in New York State. The lack of affordable housing is particularly acute among seniors and those who wage a daily battle against homelessness. Not only does a development like Bridge Rockaway offer affordable units, but the complex also offers 87 apartments with supportive services for seniors, veterans and formerly homeless New Yorkers. I’m also excited about the inclusion of manufacturing space that will create up to 35 jobs. Please count me as a resource if you need help connecting people from the community with those job opportunities.”

“New housing and new jobs are a recipe for economic success, and the Bridge Rockaway and GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center complex brings that mixed-use success to our borough,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Thanks to this new complex, our neighbors in eastern Brooklyn will have 174 units of new housing, with 87 apartments dedicated to older adults, veterans, and chronically homeless adults, as well as tens of new manufacturing jobs that will benefit Brooklyn’s economy. I am proud to see this mixed-use development come to our borough and thank the many partners who made this day possible.”

“We are immensely proud to support the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center and the Bridge on this groundbreaking, first of its kind project that combines affordable housing with light manufacturing space in Brooklyn,” said Vince Toye, Head of Community Development Banking and Agency Lending at JPMorgan Chase. “We believe in holistic community development and are committed to projects like this that provide safe homes and promote economic growth.”

“This first-of-its-kind mixed-use residential and light manufacturing development can serve as a model to address two core issues facing New York City, a lack of affordable housing and the need to maintain manufacturing jobs,” said Maria Gotsch, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership Fund for New York City. “Through this transformative development, which will be a valuable addition to the Brownsville community and New York City’s manufacturing ecosystem, we are investing in New Yorkers, and the places they live and work.”

About GMDC

The Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center (GMDC) is the premier nonprofit industrial developer in New York City with a portfolio spanning 685,000 square feet of industrial space that is home to more than 125 businesses and more than 700 workers. Since its inception in 1992, GMDC has rehabilitated eight manufacturing buildings in New York City for occupancy by small manufacturing enterprises, artisans and artists and the organization currently owns and manages six of these properties.  GMDC has played a vital role in helping meet New York City’s need for affordable, flexible production space for small and medium-sized manufacturers and remains committed to helping visionary designers, committed manufacturers, and active small businesses look to grow and thrive in New York City.

For more information about GMDC and leasing opportunities, visit gmdconline.org.

About The Bridge

The Bridge, now in its 70^th year, is dedicated to strengthening the New York City community by providing help, hope and opportunity to its most vulnerable residents. We offer those who are living with serious behavioral health concerns the skills and tools they want and need to change the course of their lives and embrace the full range of their talents and abilities. We believe that trauma and discrimination impact everyone, and we are committed to meeting people where they are. Our dedicated staff support each individual on a unique path toward healing, recovery, and independence. The Bridge provides housing with services to close to 1,700 New Yorkers in 27 buildings throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.

To learn more about The Bridge, visit thebridgeny.org.

GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center Feature

September 25, 2024, Pix11 News at 5

A new residential development in Brownsville, Brooklyn is re-imagining history. The complex now bringing affordable housing to the area that was formerly a chocolate syrup factory on Newport Street. The ribbon cutting ceremony happening today. We’ve been working on this project for almost 10 years. trying to put jobs and housing together. And so our core collaboration with the bridge, another nonprofit is really help us get here today. Again, this is a unique opportunity that we’re hope that we can replicate. >> The 118 million Dollar Project brings 174 units of housing set aside for seniors, veterans as well as adults.

Partnership for New York City

Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center offers affordable manufacturing space to industrial small businesses in New York City’s increasingly competitive real estate market. The Partnership Fund first invested in GMDC over 20 years ago and has funded five of its projects across Brooklyn and Queens. Today, GMDC owns and manages six properties, which together represent more than 690,000 square feet of space. These buildings are occupied by more than 125 businesses that employ over 700 people.

With its latest development in Brownsville, Brooklyn, GMDC partnered with another local nonprofit to construct a mixed-use development that combines affordable housing and light manufacturing space for the first time to provide quality residential and industrial space for more New Yorkers. Recently, we spoke to GMDC CEO Brian T. Coleman to learn more about the project and discuss local manufacturing’s important role in New York’s economy.

What does your company do?

GMDC is a nonprofit company that owns, manages and develops industrial space to help keep small- and medium-sized manufacturers in New York City. We operate six buildings; five are in Brooklyn, and one is in Ozone Park, Queens. Our seventh project is the Bridge Rockaway development in Brownsville, Brooklyn, which the Partnership Fund recently supported us on. I have had the privilege of working at GMDC for 20 years now, and it’s the best place I’ve ever been.

We aim to bring small businesses under one roof and allow those businesses to grow and create more jobs across New York City.

Historical manufacturing districts like Manhattan and Long Island City are no longer traditional manufacturing areas. To make space for small manufacturers in the city, GMDC seeks properties outside the central business districts that still have manufacturing space and preserves that space and the jobs that these businesses create.

To support our tenants as they grow, GMDC offers below-market rents and long-term leases that aren’t available in the commercial real estate marketplace. Many of our tenants come to us having been priced out of their previous space or exiting leases with less favorable, shorter terms. With a minimum lease of five years at GMDC, we’re proud to offer these businesses stability. That gives business owners more security and allows them to invest more in their businesses.

Tell us more about GMDC’s Bridge Rockaway development. What impact will this project have on the Brownsville, Brooklyn community?

In May 2022, we started construction on a mixed-use development that will combine for the first time in New York City affordable housing and manufacturing space in Brownsville, Brooklyn. GMDC partnered with a Harlem-based nonprofit organization called The Bridge, which is an organization focused on creating quality, affordable housing and offering supportive services to underserved New Yorkers.

Two challenges we often face in New York City are a shortage of affordable housing and of middle-income jobs. So, we were thrilled to partner with the team at The Bridge and combine our two missions and come up with a solution that could offer New Yorkers equitable access to real estate, both as residential tenants and entrepreneurs. We have a friend who says, “no home is affordable if you don’t have a good job,” and I think our partnership with The Bridge is answering that call by bringing good jobs and quality, affordable apartments to the Brownsville community. The Bridge Rockaway development will create 174 affordable homes and up to 10 manufacturing units that range from 1,400 to 6,000 square feet, which we expect to create up to 35 jobs. Often when a residential building is constructed in an industrial area, that traditional manufacturing space gets displaced. Fortunately, by partnering with The Bridge, that was not the case on this project.

Since this project is the first of its kind, we worked with the City of New York and the local community board and borough president to ensure that these two sectors would coexist and offer a seamless living and workspace that would create a model that GMDC or other developers could replicate.

There’s only a finite amount of land in New York City, so if we can prove that this model works and that we can get people those needed jobs and homes, and put them on the same site, then we’re using our real estate in a much more efficient way.

Why are manufacturing jobs an important part of New York City’s economy, and what is GMDC’s role in creating opportunities in this space?

There was a point when true manufacturing spaces were rapidly disappearing in New York City, but despite shrinking real estate available, we believe New York City is still a great place for smaller manufacturers to build a business. So, although there are fewer manufacturing jobs in New York than before, they are still good, well-paying jobs, which can be an important economic entry point for people across income and skill levels.

When we survey our tenants, we find that those small manufacturers like being in New York City in large part because of the quality of the workforce. These entrepreneurs want to keep their businesses here, but there is a critical need for affordable space — the fact that GMDC is currently 100% occupied speaks to that point. We’re happy to step in and create a soft-landing spot for industrial entrepreneurs so that these great businesses don’t give up on New York City and allow them to keep their operations here.

Also, having a variety of manufacturers producing local goods also contributes to a more nimble, diverse economy. Our tenants range from traditional makers like furniture and housewares manufacturers, architectural woodworkers, and glass blowers to technology hardware like computer chip manufacturing. Throughout the pandemic, many of these businesses continued their operations. As supply chain challenges put a strain on cities around the world, we saw how critical it was to be able to produce essential goods locally. So, we think it’s important to continue to provide ample space for this industry and contribute to a more sustainable manufacturing ecosystem in New York City.

What impact do small manufacturers have on the local communities surrounding GMDC properties?

Local manufacturing has a strong impact on the immediate community around it and supports economic development on a micro level. We have found that there are large concentrations of employees around the physical locations of our buildings, which means these businesses are creating jobs for local people or drawing talent in from other areas as people relocate to be closer to where they work: 92% of the people who work in our buildings are New York City residents, 97% of the workers are New York State residents.

We’ve also had success over the last two or three years with our tenants working with some of the public programs in New York City to help more people with a variety of different skill sets access careers in manufacturing. Most recently, we’ve worked with CUNY’s Internship-to-Employment program, which introduces recent graduates to manufacturing. Now our tenants can tap into a diverse pipeline of bright people who have been educated locally — it’s a great combination that creates a powerful ripple effect across the city, and we’re glad to be a part of that.

GMDC in the news

Governor Hochul Announces Construction to Begin on $118 Million Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Development in Brooklyn

Click here to read original article

Kickoff of 25-Member Group Delivers on Key Commitment in Mayor Adams’ Blueprint for NYC’s Economic Recovery

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today launched a new Industrial Working Group, bringing together leaders from across the city’s industrial and manufacturing sectors with academics and policy experts to redefine the sectors’ needs and opportunities as the city recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Convened by Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC), and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) with co-chairs Limor Fried (founder and CEO of Adafruit Industries) and Eric Ottaway (CEO of Brooklyn Brewery), the launch of the working group delivers on a key commitment from Mayor Adams’ “Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery,” released earlier this year. In close collaboration with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and New York City Department of City Planning (DCP), along with other city agencies, the group will be active through November and deliver recommendations to the city at the conclusion of its work.

“From the factory floor to the boardroom, the industrial sector was essential to our city’s survival during the pandemic, and it is essential to our recovery as well,” said Mayor Adams. “This group of experts will ensure that the economic opportunities and critical products that this sector long has offered New Yorkers will continue to uplift and support New Yorkers. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and taking action to continue rebuilding, renewing, and reinventing our economy and our city.”

“The industrial sector, and the thousands of small businesses in particular that comprise it, is critical to our economy. It provides middle-income jobs to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, produces essential goods and services for New Yorkers and beyond, enables and powers other local industries, and serves as an engine for innovation,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “The Adams administration is committed to ensuring that the sector continues to have the holistic set of supports it needs to thrive in the city, and I look forward to implementing many of the recommendations that this diverse group of businesses and advocates will deliver.”

The Industrial Working Group will include representatives of businesses across the manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure services industries, business support organizations, and organized labor in the industrial sector. The group will also consult leading experts in the environmental justice, community development, and academic communities. BNYDC President and CEO Lindsay Greene and SBS Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Council Executive Director Neil Padukone will serve as co-leads for the city. The group’s first meeting will take place today.

The group will seek to assess the challenges and opportunities facing the city’s industrial sector to shore up long-term growth and ensure that businesses continue to thrive. They will identify challenges and propose opportunities in three strategic investment areas: infrastructure, business growth, and talent. By reviewing city-owned and -leased real estate, infrastructure, and strategic industrial neighborhoods — particularly Industrial Business Zones — the group will help identify opportunities to invest wisely and efficiently. They will also assess opportunities to both support legacy industrial companies in adapting to a post-pandemic economy and support the growth of businesses in emerging sectors like materials science development or biotechnology.

The industrial sector, which includes manufacturers, transportation and distribution companies, and construction and infrastructure services firms, employs nearly half a million New Yorkers. In addition to generating significant economic activity for the region, the diverse range of businesses based across the five boroughs stepped up at the height of the pandemic and demonstrated the importance of local manufacturing. From emergency manufacturing to alleviating shortages brought on by supply chain issues, the New York industrial sector plays a vital role in supporting the city’s economy and workforce.

The Industrial Working Group consists of the following 23 members and two co-chairs:

• Limor Fried, founder and CEO, Adafruit Industries (co-chair)
• Eric Ottaway, CEO, Brooklyn Brewery (co-chair)
• Mohamed Adam, president, May’s Ship Repair
• Leah Archibald, executive director, Evergreen
• Bryan Blythe, business manager, John Kristiansen New York
• Robert Carucci, head of operations, Uncommon Goods
• Charles Boyce, president, Boyce Technologies
• David Caslow, CEO, Acme Smoked Fish
• Brian T. Coleman, CEO, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center
• Naomi Cooper, president, Cooper Recycling
• Kendall Dabaghi, CEO, Kingdom Supercultures
• Gabrielle Ferrarra, COO, Ferrara Manufacturing
• Adam Friedman, chief strategy officer, Pratt Institute
• Lisa Futterman, regional director, New York City, Workforce Development Institute
• Tommy Gesualdi, president, Teamsters Local 282
• Sunil Gupta, vice president, Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, LaGuardia Community College
• David Lee, creative director and founder, KD New York
• Ramona Mejia, president and CEO, Sell-Mar Enterprise
• Tom Outerbridge, general manager, Sims Environmental
• Hal Rosenbluth, president and CEO, Kauffman Astoria Studios
• Gerarda Shields, dean, New York City College of Technology
• Michael Stamatis, president and CEO, Red Hook Terminals
• Scott Thornhill, director of public policy, Alphapointe
• Bill Wilkins, director, Local Development Corporation of East New York
• James Williams, COO, Nanotronics

“The industrial sector is responsible for employing half a million New Yorkers, providing much-needed goods and technology, supporting our economy, and driving innovation across industries,” said Lindsay Greene, president and CEO, BNYDC; and city co-lead, Industrial Working Group. “Given its importance, I am excited to work with the city and other business leaders on finding new ways to support our existing companies, build out the workforce pipeline, and make it easier for new entrepreneurs to get their start here. By working together, we can help the city foster a collaborative and supportive environment that strengthens the industrial sector for decades to come.”

“Though it sometimes operates from behind the scenes, a thriving industrial sector is essential to the daily experiences of every New Yorker — from our city’s job market to the basic functioning of our housing and infrastructure, from the resiliency of our supply chains to our future as a hub of innovation and climate-tech production,” said Neil Padukone, executive director, Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Council, SBS; and city co-lead, Industrial Working Group. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to elevate the work of these businesses that keep New York running and help deliver a more accessible, resilient, and sustainable city.”

“When my parents first came to this country, supplying local garment manufacturers helped their small business grow. The 500,000 New Yorkers working in the industrial sector today helped keep New York City going during COVID-19, continue to keep the city running, and will make our economy more resilient,” said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “Through this Industrial Working Group, we aim to help deliver on Mayor Adams’ blueprint for economic revitalization by elevating the work these businesses do for our city.”

“The convening of the Industrial Working Group is an important step to assessing the needs of the manufacturing sector, which is a critical piece of New York City’s diverse economy,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “I am optimistic that the recommendations provided will strengthen the job prospects for countless New Yorkers and support New York City’s equitable economic recovery.”

“By assembling this group, we are not only supporting our industrial sector but also ensuring a broad-based and inclusive economic recovery,” said DCP Director Dan Garodnick. “We are determined to ensure the adaptability and success of industrial businesses while spurring growth in emerging sectors like biotechnology and renewable energy.”

“Adafruit has been a women-owned electronics manufacturer in New York City for over 15 years,” said Limor Fried, founder and CEO, Adafruit Industries. “We grew the company from an apartment as the One World Trade Center was being built, and we’re now over 100 people and have a factory in SoHo. I look forward to sharing what our diverse team has created, learned, and will help build a New York City with Advanced Manufacturing and high-tech jobs.”

“Brooklyn Brewery has been manufacturing in New York City for over 30 years. Come what may, the city is etched into our recipes and built into our identity,” said Eric Ottaway, CEO, Brooklyn Brewery; and co-chair, Industrial Working Group. “It’s an honor to co-chair this Industrial Working Group to help shape the future of this sector that not only brings great jobs, vital products, important innovation, and vibrant culture to New Yorkers and the world, but is a key part of ensuring the resiliency of this great city. I look forward to working with these key stakeholders from industry and city agencies to help craft an industrial policy that will allow manufacturers to grow and thrive.”

View original article.

Pioneering housing development breaks ground in Brooklyn

by: Michelle Ross Click here to read at pix11.com

Posted: May 17, 2022 / 07:13 PM EDT; Updated: May 17, 2022 / 07:13 PM EDT

BROWNSVILLE, Brooklyn (PIX11) – A new affordable housing development in Brownsville is the first of its kind to bring manufacturing to the same building tenants will call home.

Bridge Rockaway is the pioneering development on Rockaway Avenue, and the people behind it broke ground on the property on Tuesday. The new property will soon provide 174 units of affordable housing and the ground floor will have 40,000 square feet of space available to lease for light manufacturing.

Brian Coleman is the CEO of Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center.

“[It will have] woodworkers, metal fabricators, we’ll have lamp-makers, costume-makers, jewelry-makers,” Coleman said. “Things that are not big smokestack industries.”

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso was also in attendance.

“If COVID taught us anything, it is that we need to start thinking about being … self-sustainable in moments of crisis not to have to depend on other countries, on other states and being able to produce stuff,” he said.

Of the 174 units, 87 will be provided supportive services and Ruthanne Visnauskas, CEO and Commissioner of New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, explained how it will help the homeless population.

“It will offer the opportunity for 87 homeless adults, including seniors and veterans and adults living with serious mental illness, the ability to live in a safe, comfortable home with access to services that will allow them to live stably in this community,” Visnauskas said.

With new development throughout the borough driving gentrification, Emanuel Kokinakis, development principal of MEGA Development, said this model is different.

“The term developer has had a negative connotation as of late and we’re hoping a project like that can change that perception,” Kokinakis said.

They also hope to replicate the model and encourage other developers to copy it too.

The units will be available to households earning 70 percent of the area median income or below. Tenants will enjoy a roof garden and community garden.

The project is worth nearly $120 million dollars and will provide access to education with a school across the street.

Shonelle Hall, principal of P.S. 41, said this will benefit families with children.

“174 affordable housing units in this space will not only build the financial investments in this community but also educational impacts that it will have here at P.S. 41,” Hall said.

The anticipated completion is spring 2024.

Brownsville to see more affordable housing after $118 million investment

Brownsville will be welcoming an $118 million development that plans to bring more affordable housing units to the neighborhood.

The new development, called Bridge Rockaway, is part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plans to make housing more affordable, equitable and stable. The new state budget included a $25 billion, five-year housing plan that will increase housing supply by either creating or preserving affordable homes across the state.

Developers of Bride Rockaway say the housing will be reserved for seniors and veterans experiencing homeless while bringing 35 new jobs to the community.

There will be two residential towers separated by an 11,000-square-foot garden, with over 100 total units in this new infrastructure. The plan is to have this development take no more than two years.

Click here to view video at News12