City Shuts Down Controversial Concrete Recycling Site In Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, NY — After months of dust and frustration, Columbia Street Waterfront District residents are finally seeing results. A controversial city-owned concrete recycling facility — long blamed for polluting the neighborhood’s air — is set to shut down.

The Department of Transportation facility, which opened in February 2024 after relocating from Sunset Park, quickly became a source of controversy. Neighbors accused it of spewing hazardous dust into the air, prompting community members to picket outside, waving signs and demanding the city shut it down.

And as of this week, Mayor Eric Adams and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez appear to have finally listened, announcing that operations at the facility will cease by August.

“With the closure of the concrete recycling facility at the Columbia Street Waterfront District, we are taking an important step toward realizing a greener, safer, and more vibrant Brooklyn Marine Terminal for the residents of this community,” Adams said.

"This move not only clears the way for much-needed housing, open space, and a school as part of our proposed Brooklyn Marine Terminal project, but also reflects our city’s deep commitment to continuing to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers," he added.

Following its closure, the Columbia Street concrete recycling facility will be relocated, officials said, though they did not specify the new location.

It currently operates on part of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) site, which is slated for a 122-acre redevelopment that would include 5,000 market-rate apartments and 2,700 affordable units, along with open space and a new school.

The facility was temporarily moved to a yard on Columbia Street near Kane Street in 2024 to make way for the city’s offshore wind hub — a key climate initiative — and renewable energy development at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

“We’ve been working toward this moment for months, and I’m thrilled our community’s voices have been heard," said New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “As I've said time and time again, we shouldn't have to choose between sustainable recycling and the health of our communities."