City officials announced plans to remove the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, a decommissioned floating jail moored in the East River off the Bronx, which will make way for the new Hunts Point Marine Terminal.
The removal of the 800-bed barge, in operation since 1992, aligns with a push to revitalize the area following its closure in 2023—the ending of an over 30-year journey that began as a temporary solution to address overcrowding at Rikers Island during the crack epidemic.
Mayor Eric Adams revealed the initiative, aimed at transforming the city’s waterways into transport corridors for freight, is part of his “Blue Highways” initiative. This initiative engages the city’s Department of Transportation and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
The plans for the Hunts Point Marine Terminal complement ongoing projects to redevelop other waterfront sites, including Brooklyn’s Red Hook Marine Terminal and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, turning these locations into vital transport hubs.
Next week, the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Task Force, comprising city agencies and local organizations, will vote on the proposal for the terminal.
With expectations to generate approximately 400 construction jobs and create 100 permanent positions, the terminal is projected to yield a significant $3.9 billion economic impact over the upcoming 30 years.
This new terminal will serve as an essential connector among East Coast ports, enhancing interconnectivity across the five boroughs and easing logistics challenges faced by local businesses.
The initiative aims to promote boat freight transportation, which will drastically cut emissions and alleviate road wear, while also simplifying the supply chain by reducing truck traffic. The terminal is anticipated to remove around 9,000 truck trips from city streets monthly, contributing to reduced traffic congestion.
Further building on these transportation objectives, a partnership with Con Agg Global, located next to the Fulton Fish Market at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, has established a temporary facility set to open later this year. Initially, this facility will manage construction materials such as sand and gravel, eventually transitioning into a permanent marine terminal.
Plans for the permanent Hunts Point Terminal include an inland standard barge with a modular pier design, providing flexible adjustments according to market demands and accommodating micro freight shipments.
The concept for decommissioning the barge was first introduced by Adams as part of the “Hunts Point Forward” initiative in 2022. With a commitment of $40 million from the city, this plan envisions a 15-year strategy designed to enhance economic prospects and improve living conditions in the South Bronx via over 70 recommendations.
Jonathan Monsalve, president and CEO of the Osborne Association, expressed optimism about the change that this project heralds, stating, “Permanently closing this jail and opening space for community-building is a major step forward for the South Bronx.”
Monsalve pointed out that moving past the painful history represented by the floating jail allows for investment in the community and progress toward a more humane justice system.
As the announcement unfolds, the preparation for the Hunts Point Marine Terminal has officially entered the design and planning phase. NYCEDC will also spearhead a land remediation effort at the site to address any resulting pollution, with completion targeted for 2027.
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