Community Action Guide
Two separate projects affect Columbia Street Waterfront and nearby neighborhoods. Take part in each. Read the guide here, or preview the updated October 1 one-page PDF before downloading it.
BMT · CEQR 25DME018K
Scoping comments closed May 8, 2026. Prepare for draft environmental review and state plan review, and follow the official notices.
The Brooklyn Marine Terminal Development Corporation (BMTDC) makes project decisions. Read its agendas, minutes, and meeting materials. Ask elected officials and Community Board 6 to raise your concerns before decisions are made. See the board’s accountability gap, voting rules, and ways to raise concerns.
BMTDC records ↗The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is where you examine potential effects, alternatives, and protections. Revisit your scoping comments and flag unanswered concerns. When review opens, file through the notice’s channel by its deadline.
BMT environmental review ↗The General Project Plan (GPP) describes the project proposed through Empire State Development (ESD). Public review follows initial adoption. Ask for changes to the plan, clearer commitments, and enforceable protections before final action.
ESD notices and hearings ↗Read the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and responses to comments. Follow ESD’s subsequent decisions. Under SEQR, at least 10 calendar days must pass after the FEIS is filed before findings; that is a consideration period, not a new comment window.
SEQR process ↗The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Department of State may review separate waterfront permits and approvals on their own schedules. Use the agency, permit number, and deadline in each notice.
DEC environmental notices ↗The Public Authorities Control Board (PACB) is a New York State board that reviews financing for certain public projects, including projects brought forward by Empire State Development (ESD). It checks whether enough funding is committed to pay for the project. For BMT actions that need this approval, follow State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s review before the PACB vote, then check the board’s meeting materials and project resolutions. Look for Brooklyn Marine Terminal or related project names to follow financing requests and approval decisions. Ask your state legislators to press for answers about funding gaps, financial risks, and who will pay before a vote.
Check PACB project approvals and meeting materials ↗The City Club / Tom Fox alternative would keep the full 122-acre terminal maritime. A modern Blue Highway can receive goods by water and send them onward by water, with electric operations, good-paying union careers, and fewer truck trips through our neighborhoods. Ask the study to compare that full potential.
See how water in, water out can work for New York →
Read the maritime alternative ↗DEC published a permit notice for Pier 10 crane-rail work on July 15, 2026. Written comments were due July 30—just 15 days later. That comment window has closed.
Our experience: as we shared at the September 28 BMT Community Forum, we did not receive an alert from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) about this window.
Decisions can move quickly between public meetings. Check official notices, read our newsletters, and help neighbors respond before deadlines. You don’t have to keep track of everything alone.
BQE · CEQR 26DOT006K
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) proposes keeping two lanes in each direction for BQE Central after rehabilitation. Scoping is the opportunity to ask what the environmental study should examine.
Compare three lanes versus two, explain engineering limits, and study traffic and truck diversion, crossing safety, emergency access, air quality, noise, and overlapping BMT construction in Columbia Street Waterfront, Red Hook, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, and adjacent neighborhoods. Describe how the current configuration affects you.
BQE scoping comments are due November 23, 2026. Email your comment to BQECentral@dot.nyc.gov. October Q&As and pop-ups provide information; they do not replace formal comments. Follow the submission steps →
Put it in writing → Submit it → Save it
If a concern affects both projects, submit it to both. Copy BMTWorks4NY@gmail.com so we can keep track of community concerns.
Sources: BMT review · ESD notices · BQE participation · September 24 ATF materials
We move forward together
Bring your concerns, your ideas, and your skills. There is a place for you in this work.