Navy Yard Issues New RFP for Admirals Row Developer

January 31, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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Structural Engineers Will Immediately Stabilize Historic Building B, Timber Shed

Compiled by Linda Collins
Brooklyn Daily Eagle

BROOKLYN NAVY YARD — Following last Friday’s announcement that the 6-acre Admirals Row site at the corner of Flushing Avenue and Navy Street had officially been transferred from the federal government to the city and, ultimately, to the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp. (BNYDC) for redevelopment, a new Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued.

Proposals from developers are due by Friday, March 9. (The RFP can be downloaded from www.BrooklynNavyYard.com.)

The RFP seeks a developer to create a 74,000-square-foot supermarket — the area’s first major supermarket — as well as 79,000 square feet of additional neighborhood retail space and 127,000 square feet of industrial space on Admirals Row.

Officials say the project is expected to create 500 permanent retail and industrial jobs and hundreds of additional construction jobs.

Structural Engineers To
Stabilize 2 Historic Structures

The designated developer will enter into a long-term lease for the site that now houses 11 long-neglected, dilapidated and unused structures, two of which — Building B and the Timber Shed — will be incorporated into the new development.

According to Andrew H. Kimball, president and CEO of BNYDC, structural engineers from Robert Silman Associates will get immediate access to the site to stabilize the two structures under contract to BNYDC.

“More than 20 years ago, the Navy Yard made a promise to the surrounding communities to transform Admirals Row to provide a major supermarket with fresh produce and groceries and job opportunities. Today we are in the home stretch to fulfilling our promise,” said Kimball.

“Thanks to the unwavering commitment by our elected officials in every level of government, as well as Community Board 2 and the neighborhood for standing by us all these years.

“The redevelopment of Admirals Row further supports our core mission of creating jobs for local residents and will transform a tragic eyesore into a tremendous community amenity.”

Kimball also noted that the BNYDC is committed to sustainable development.

“The new buildings on the site will be built to the US Green Building Council LEED Silver standards and the site will incorporate the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway,” he said.

“In addition to the renovation of the dilapidated Timber Shed and Building B, the project will include a commemoration plan to celebrate the site’s rich history.”

Aggressive Community
Participation Sought

The BNYDC has established “aggressive community participation goals” for the redevelopment, according to Kimball.

These include the following:

• 30 percent of the overall contract values will be awarded to certified minority- and women-owned businesses.
• 10 percent of contracts will be targeted to local businesses.
• 45 percent of jobs will be held by a workforce of minority and female personnel.
• 25 percent of jobs will be held by local residents.

Additionally, a local hiring plan for the supermarket will be developed by the new developer, supermarket, BNYDC, local elected officials, community leaders — particularly from the local NYCHA Houses — and job training entities.