Roland Lewis, president and chief executive of the Waterfront Alliance, took questions about New York City’s waterfront on the New York Times’ Cityroom blog this weekend, and second up was Red Hook, and the Todd Shipyard, razed to make way for IKEA’s parking lot. He called the loss a “tough blow to the maritime industry in New York,” especially since a study confirmed we need an additional eight ship repair centers to stay in the maritime business. Red Hook’s the perfect spot for such activity, he says, with its deep water, but retail continues to replace industry there. One rumor making the rounds in the neighborhood is that the vacant lots across from IKEA, where once the Revere Sugar Factory stood, are going to be a Sam’s Club. That’s right, Wal-Mart’s stepbrother might be moving in. Anybody else heard such rumblings? Anybody think it’s a little sad that prime waterfront space is being reserved for multinational corporations?
Answers About New York City’s Waterfront [NY Times]
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