When Bush Terminal was built in the 1890’s, its creators had no idea what would eventually become of it. The area became known colloquially as Industry City, and it has gone through many changes over the years, surviving Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when it was over 100 years old. Its original builders would probably not recognize it today. So when developers submitted an application to #rezone the property in 2018, it was ridiculous that so many people complained about it changing Sunset Park’s historic waterfront.

Developers bought the land for Industry City in order to transform the once-industrial area into a multimillion dollar mixed-use facility. They encountered many political obstacles and public protests along the way. In 2020, the developers pulled their proposal in response to the conflict and it looked like they would not move forward; thankfully, they decided to continue with the project after all.

Some groups have said that by building Industry City, the developers would make real estate prices in Sunset Park go through the roof and price current residents out of the market. Yet as of the second quarter of 2022, it does not appear that there have been any huge changes in property values in Sunset Park. So its impact might not be as overwhelming as many have feared.

Not only have the developers brought economic prosperity to the area, but they have also contributed immensely to the richness of our local cultural experience. Thomas VanDyke, who opened a gallery in Industry City, put it best: “I’ve really liked the reaction we’ve gotten of just people stopping in to say that they’re excited to have a gallery in the neighborhood. People who have lived here their entire lives are excited to see culture emerging.”

Industry City is a welcome addition to Brooklyn. It has already improved our community in many ways, and it will continue to do so. Sunset Park is worth the investment, and it is high time for the neighborhood to flourish… economically, culturally, and aesthetically.