The People Win! by George Fiala

Last May the NYC Economic Development Corporation, backed by Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul, gave Red Hook a death knell.

They fully expected the community to remain quiescent while they pushed through their plan to add a large number of thirty, forty and even fifty story high rise buildings, mostly filled with luxury condos, along the waterfront—from Atlantic Avenue all the way to Valentino Pier Park.

Well, little by little, Red Hook and the Columbia Waterfront – two little communities who have resisted becoming Dumbo or Williamsburg, fought back and now have them EDC stopped in their tracks.

The original plan, which EDC insisted had to be finalized by February, has still not come to pass, and the so-called final vote of their self-appointed Task Force, created to approve the plan while appearing to have community approval, has been postponed for a fifth time. As the EDC regroups, they have still not decided if and when to held another vote.

Our elected officials and local organizations were able to withstand the onslaught of EDC threats, bribes and pressure only because of the overwhelming support of you, the residents of our communities.

This is a community victory, but as our proud representative in the City Council always says – THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES!