What are the real benefits of Ikea?
Ikea has stressed the job opportunities that it will provide to the
residents of Red Hook. These opportunities are important to the 7200
children and adults who live in Red hook public housing. But, the problems
that Ikea will bring far outweigh its benefits.
Traffic, buses and jobs
First, there is the overwhelming traffic. 50,000 extra vehicles per week.
And all these cars on local streets not only in Red Hook but the
surrounding communities of Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights
and Park Slope. 2 million extra cars each year, crowding the Gowanus
Expressway. Delaying commuters, delaying deliveries, delaying buses. And,
for Red Hook, which is not served by a trainline, bus delays mean residents
will be late for work and other important activities.
But, a bus delay in Red Hook will affect other communities as well. It will
be felt along the entire bus route. The B61šs delays will extend to
Greenpoint and the B77šs into Park Slope.
Existing businesses in Red Hook, concerned about the many problems caused by
such a huge increase in traffic, have already worried that they will be
unable to continue to operate from their present location. A loss of these
businesses will be a loss of jobs.
The 150 good paying jobs that are presently on the proposed Ikea site will
also be lost.
More Traffic and more jobs
Two bigbox stores, already approved, are set to open within walking distance
of Red Hook public housing. Lowes and Fairway promise over 500 jobs
opportunities. (Enough to employ all the unemployed in Red Hook and then
some). And, both will add a great number of cars to Hamilton Avenue and the
surrounding area.
Health Issues
Asthma is a growing problem in Brooklyn and Red Hook has one of the highest
rates in the City. Traffic and its associated pollution is a known trigger
for asthma attacks. More asthma and other respiratory problems mean more
school absences, more hospitalizations, more health problems.
Destruction of Historic Resources
Ikea plans to demolish the Todd shipyard buildings. These buildings date
from the Civil War Era. They are not only beautiful but they are unique and
a part of the important maritime history of Red Hook and the City of
Brooklyn. Once they are gone they will be gone forever.
We can do better!