City Proposes $16 Million For New Jobs in East New York

Pictured: a sketch showing planned improvements to the Sutter Avenue stop on the L-train. Images courtesy of the New York Economic Development Corporation

BROWNSVILLE, BROOKLYN — The city unveiled a plan Thursday to spend $16 million on economic development efforts in East New York.

Mayor Bill de Blasio's office said the approach could could create 250 companies and 4,000 jobs in the neighborhood over the next decade.

The East New York Industrial Business Zone Plan applies to the East New York Industrial Business District (IBZ), a 57-square-block expanse extending from Atlantic Avenue in the north to New Lots Avenue in the south.

The ENY IBZ

The IBZ was created in 2006. Businesses within it are eligible for city support through such tools as tax credits and the maintenance of industry-friendly zoning.

The manufacturing-heavy area currently hosts about 250 businesses and 3,000 workers, according to city estimates.

Now, de Blasio is proposing to invest in a variety of local development initiatives, including infrastructure and technology improvements. Among the highlights presented by the Mayor's office:

• Under the plan, $6 million would be spent on the East New York Industrial Building, located at 191 Powell St., so it can host six new companies
• $2.5 million would be spent expanding high-speed internet access to 250 companies in the IBZ
• $8.2 million would be spent on infrastructure, including new sidewalks, streetscaping and lighting around the Sutter Avenue L-train stop
• Solarize NYC would be expanded to the area, helping local companies connect to developing solar power arrays

A sketch showing future changes to the East New York Industrial Building

Councilman Rafael Espinal, whose district includes part of Brownsville, backed the mayor's proposals, saying they represent "a plan to invest in the people of East New York."

You can read the whole plan here.