Brooklyn is one of the most densely populated boroughs of New York. Each of its districts is full of traces of the industrial past. Thus, environmental problems have always been acute here. Learn more on brooklyn-name.
Active neighbors
North Brooklyn Neighbors (NBN) is a nonprofit organization that fights for people’s right to a clean environment. Its main feature is the activity within the Greenpoint and Williamsburg areas.
The NBN was created in 1994, as a result of the merger of two other organizations, namely Neighbors Allied for Good Growth (NAG) and Greenpoint Waterfront (GWAPP).
NBN has become the voice of Brooklynites in the political and civic arenas. They represent the interests of the population in matters of public space and the environment.
The NBN’s first famous case was the battle over waterfront access. Brooklynites were once restricted in this right. NBN has been able to restore justice in this matter and more. They actively fight pollution and toxic manufacturing residues. One such example is the former NuHart plastics plant. Even after its closure, it continues to poison the lives of Brooklynites.
The main tools for achieving the goals of the NBN are protests, rallies and public appeals.
NBN is primarily fighting for public space and land use. Urban developers are ruthless in their pursuit of income. If they are not stopped, green and recreation areas may disappear. Therefore, the organization takes all possible measures to prevent this.
The mission of the organization
NBN’s main mission is to promote a community solution. The organization never advocates lobbying for its personal interests or desires. They are fighting for the wishes and needs of the residents of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. All Brooklynites may apply their ideas or requests either by mail or in person at the organization address at 240 Kent Ave, Brooklyn.
Throughout the time of its existence, NBN has been trying to create an effective policy of promoting its interests and influencing the political sphere. It aims to convey the voice of the citizens as loudly as possible.
In addition to influencing politicians at various levels, NBN is trying to educate the public on environmental issues. Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, some people are either not aware of the environmental problems of their region or simply do not understand how serious they are. The replenishment of the army of ecoactivists is a strong argument in the process of influencing politicians.
NBN has always embraced the notion of transparency in its operations both in financial matters and in lobbying for certain interests. For this, they actively involve residents of the borough in solving controversial issues. Interested parties are also invited. For example, if the conflict concerns some enterprise or an urban area, NBN will make every effort to attract their representatives to the meeting. If there is an opportunity to resolve the conflict by discussion, they will use it.
Environmental problems of Greenpoint
Unfortunately, Greenpoint is one of the most polluted areas not only in New York. Its industrial past has left an indelible mark on the ecological condition of the area. Poisoned soil and damaged shorelines were left to Brooklynites.
In the past, there was an oil refinery in Greenpoint. The largest oil spill in the United States once occurred here. Moreover, two large Superfund sites are located in this area, namely the Meeker Avenue Plume and Newtown Creek. Superfund is a federal environmental restoration program that includes polluting enterprises.
To solve the problem of pollution in Greenpoint, the New York City government implemented a zoning in 2005. They gave land to private developers for the construction of new residential buildings. The latter were obliged to clean the territory of dangerous wastes. Most of the construction is concentrated on the East River embankment. Its length is 2.6 miles. Unfortunately, the construction and cleaning of the area is extremely slow.
