What's happening at Bushwick Inlet today?
The waterfront is eroding and deteriorating
An industrial warehouse cuts off public access to the water
There's no new money to fix environmental damage or stabilize the shoreline
Invasive plants are taking over and damaging the ecosystem
Bushwick Inlet Park lacks reliable funding for maintenance
Bushwick Inlet sits along Greenpoint's East River waterfront in North Brooklyn. This historic waterway was once the heart of the neighborhood's thriving shipbuilding industry, where the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor was launched in 1862. Over time, industrial development created barriers between the community and the water, limiting public access and leaving the shoreline vulnerable to erosion and environmental damage.
Narrow and inaccessible waterfront.
Collapsed bulkhead and eroding edge.
Invasive plant species and poor drainage into the inlet.
Removing contaminated materials and restoring the waterfront
Building a new flood-resilient bulkhead to protect against rising water levels
Stabilizing the shoreline to prevent further erosion
Creating long-term infrastructure to protect the community from flooding
Removing invasive plants that damage the ecosystem
Planting native species that support local wildlife
Creating pathways for birds and other animals along the waterfront
Designing buildings to prevent bird collisions
Flood protection infrastructure designed for future sea level rise
Elevated ground floors to stay above flood levels
All-electric, energy-efficient building systems
Long-term planning for climate adaptation
Annual payments starting at $300,000
100-year commitment
Over $30 million in guaranteed funding
Sustained investment in park maintenance in partnership with the NYC Parks Department
Restoring native plants
Removing invasive species that are damaging the shoreline ecosystem
Planting native vegetation that supports local birds, pollinators, and wildlife
Choosing species that strengthen the natural habitat and improve water quality
Supporting local wildlife
Creating expanded habitat along the waterfront
Providing more space for birds and other animals to thrive
Connecting Bushwick Inlet to the broader East River ecosystem
Protecting bird life
Designed to meet Local Law 15 standards for bird safety
Using a mix of materials — not all glass — to reduce collisions
Independently reviewed by environmental consultants to ensure effectiveness
strengthening the shoreline
Stabilizing the waterfront to prevent erosion and habitat loss
Cleaning up contamination to improve water quality
Restoring natural shoreline conditions
Building for long-term ecosystem health
When people say "public land for public good," they're right! But public good means more than just addressing one need. Greenpoint neighbors need more affordable housing to stay a part of the community. It needs environmental cleanup for the next generation of Brooklynites. It needs waterfront access for all residents, not just a few. Monitor Point delivers all of it and more:
At least 300 permanently affordable homes
Permanent home for Greenpoint Monitor Museum
Safer streets by relocating industrial use
Local union jobs
New neighborhood retail space
