Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation

The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC) is a nonprofit organization established to manage and develop the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City. Through its efforts, the corporation fosters local economic development, modernizes infrastructure, and promotes the Yard as a thriving industrial park.

Background

The Brooklyn Navy Yard itself was established in 1801 as a major naval shipyard for the United States Navy. It played a pivotal role in American military history until its deactivation in 1966. Following its closure, the City of New York took over the site and redeveloped it into an industrial complex. The BNYDC, operating under a 99-year lease with the city, oversees the management and expansion of this 300-acre industrial park, which is now home to over 550 businesses employing approximately 13,000 workers[1][3][5].

Mission and Activities

BNYDC's mission is to fuel New York City's economic vitality by creating and preserving quality jobs and growing the city's modern industrial sector. The corporation achieves this through the development of underutilized areas, the modernization of infrastructure, and by providing opportunities for businesses to establish and expand their operations[1][5].

Developments and Initiatives

BNYDC has been involved in several major projects aimed at enhancing the Yard's capabilities. These include the renovation of significant buildings like Building 77 and the development of the Green Manufacturing Center. Additionally, the corporation has been instrumental in transforming Admiral's Row and other former military facilities into vibrant commercial spaces[3][5].

Master Plan and Resilience Strategy

The corporation has outlined an ambitious master plan that involves investing $2.5 billion to create 5.1 million square feet of vertical manufacturing space. This plan aims to increase the total number of jobs at the Yard to 30,000, making it a national model for sustainable job creation. To address climate change, BNYDC has also developed a resilience strategy to protect the Yard from extreme weather events[5].

Governance

The BNYDC is governed by a board of directors composed of leaders from Brooklyn's economic development community, ensuring that its strategic decisions align with both local and broader economic goals[1].