July 29, 2005

The Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor of the City of New York
City Hall
52 Chambers Street
New York, New York 10007-1222

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

I write to you regarding a significant parcel of land within my Congressional District, lot 174 in block 2604, a 28 acre site on the East River coastline, commonly known as the Oakpoint or Norkin site. This area, situated between the neighborhoods of Hunts Point, Mott Haven, and Port Morris, can play a critical role in the revitalization of the southern tier of my district. Its size will enable it to accommodate multiple beneficial uses, while its industrial zoning, potential rail and barge access, historic granite piers, and proximity to major nodes on the proposed South Bronx greenway all lend significance to this long neglected site. I understand that a privately-developed 1,000 megawatt power plant is now under consideration for the site despite longstanding and vocal community opposition to such a use on the site. I ask that the City consult with my constituents and engage them in a community planning process to determine the best use for this, the largest undeveloped parcel in the southern half of my district. This is especially important to me in light of the nearly $300,000 in federal funds I have helped secure for local groups to study potential reuses for this and other brownfield sites in the Hunts Point, Port Morris, and Mott Haven communities.

As you may know, I clearly stated my opposition to a power plant on this site when ABB proposed a similar project in 1999. I believe that such a plant would increase the already harmful levels of air pollution in the surrounding neighborhoods while providing few local benefits to area residents. It is my understanding that community members and local officials met with Steve Smith, who currently holds site control, in May of 2004 to express their clear opposition to his proposal and to provide possible multi-use alternatives. Because Mr. Smith’s company is apparently in tax arrears, the City is well-positioned to prudently guide the redevelopment of this site and ensure a high degree of community involvement in planning for potential end uses.

As you are no doubt aware, the South Bronx bears the municipal burden of much regional infrastructure that negatively impacts the health of my constituents and the quality of life in their neighborhoods. My district is the host community for sewage and sludge treatment plants, nearly a third of the City's waste transfer stations, and the world’s largest food distribution center. Nearly 15,000 diesel trucks enter the Hunts Point peninsula each day. Furthermore, the South Bronx was targeted as recently as 2001 for the joint siting of two 79.9 megawatt power plants—just shy of the 80 megawatt standard required for an environmental review—worsening the already poor air quality.

The proven correlation between high levels of diesel soot, power plant pollution, and the scourge of childhood asthma and adult respiratory problems is nowhere more evident than in my home district. Understanding the direct connection between urban planning, siting decisions and the health and quality of life of a community, the people of the South Bronx can and should be involved in the decision making process for the development of the Oak Point site.

The community I represent is rich in innovators and visionaries in urban planning. In addition, local grassroots leadership with a significant track record of active, community-based land-use planning, offers a tremendous resource to the City for informed community development. One such significant example of the impact and potential of the Bronx's voice are the contributions made by local groups to the Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) and the proposal to re-use marine transfer stations as the infrastructure for the new waste export plan. The future of the Oak Point site represents another opportunity for the City to gain from the expertise of those most directly affected by the consequences of its planning decisions.

I therefore urge the City to capitalize on one of its greatest assets--the vision, energy, and expertise of local community organizations and residents. I believe that a power plant, developed by Mr. Smith or any other entity, is a wholly inappropriate use for the site and that far more suitable end uses may emerge from serious discussions with the impacted communities. There are many possibilities for the Oak Point site, including proposals to develop a Recycling Industrial Park, establish an incubator for green manufacturers, and to utilize the historic piers at water’s edge for maritime recreation and as a crucial link in the proposed South Bronx Greenway route.

The environmental justice concerns and public health considerations I have raised only underscore the importance of engaging local residents in decisions affecting their neighborhood. I am confident that such an approach will yield a mutually acceptable outcome for the City, for Mr. Smith, and for the community.

Sincerely,
 
 
 
José E. Serrano
Member of Congress

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