A New Era for Pier 6 in Sunset Park
A once-abandoned, 60-year-old five-acre pier at the MADE Bush Terminal on Brooklyn’s waterfront in Sunset Park is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Once a hub of industrial activity, Pier 6 is now being reimagined as a vibrant public green space that will serve both the local community and the tenants of the MADE Bush Terminal Campus. This project, which stands for Manufacturers, Artisans, Designers, and Entrepreneurs, aims to provide stunning views of downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty.
The $25 million project, expected to be completed by 2027, focuses on stabilizing the aging pier to ensure safe access to the waterfront. It also includes efforts to enhance and protect the diverse ecosystem of plants and wildlife that already exist on the site. Naturally seeded vegetation will be preserved and incorporated into the design, highlighting the area’s natural beauty.
One of the key aspects of the redesign is honoring the pier’s industrial history. Repurposed artifacts, such as bollards, will be integrated into the new layout, creating a seamless blend of past and present.
Community Involvement and Vision
At the groundbreaking ceremony for Pier 6 on August 12, Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the project. He highlighted the long-standing advocacy from organizations like Community Board 7, the Sunset Park Task Force, and UPROSE for better waterfront access and more green space.
Kimball explained that Pier 6 is part of a broader initiative to redevelop nearby buildings for manufacturers and makers while improving access to the waterfront and offering community programming. The event coincided with the release of NYCEDC’s first Sunset Park Update Report, which outlines progress made in the neighborhood over the past year.
The report highlights several milestones, including the historic groundbreaking in June 2024 of one of the nation’s largest offshore wind port facilities. Once completed, this 73-acre site will power 500,000 homes with green energy and create over 1,000 jobs. Additionally, Building A of the MADE Bush Terminal has recently opened, featuring 140,000 square feet of leasable space for innovative manufacturing and 30,000 square feet of public gathering and event space.
Kimball noted the significant investment in the 200 acres of the Sunset Park District, stating that it represents real impact and impressive growth.
Local Leaders and Advocates Support the Project
Council Member Alexa Avilés and Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, whose districts include Sunset Park, welcomed the opportunity for more community green space. They emphasized the importance of integrating the project with the surrounding community and ensuring economic opportunities benefit local residents.
Avilés expressed her delight at the groundbreaking for Pier 6, highlighting the need for continued support of green spaces and economic initiatives that benefit the local community. She also stressed the importance of climate resiliency in all future projects.
Mitaynes acknowledged the years of advocacy and collaboration that led to the creation of Pier 6. She emphasized that every project impacting the neighborhood should be shaped by the voices of the community, with transparency and inclusivity throughout the process.
Public Health and Environmental Benefits
Kathy Park Price, director of advocacy and policy for New Yorkers for Parks, underscored the significance of creating a public green space in Sunset Park. She pointed out that the area lacks adequate quality green space and has one of the highest rates of childhood asthma.
Price stated that Pier 6 is an investment in public health, climate resilience, the workforce, and the social fabric of Sunset Park. She highlighted that open spaces like this not only improve quality of life but also provide opportunities for children to play, neighbors to connect, families to enjoy the waterfront, and communities to grow stronger.
