Velazquez Hails Beginning of Rennovations to Federal Building No. 2

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez joined other local officials and members of the business community today in announcing the commencement of renovation work on Federal Building #2 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The former federal facility has sat dormant for years, but, thanks to a new public-private partnership, is being redeveloped into a light manufacturing and retail business space. Velázquez hailed the project as an important step that will result in greater local economic opportunity.

"Renovating and reusing facilities like Federal Building Number 2 not only creates good jobs, but, over the long term, can also attract additional commerce to an area," said Velázquez. "Sunset Park is a walk-to-work community and the majority of the industrial jobs created by this project will employ local residents, right here, in our neighborhood."

Under the plan for the building's redevelopment, the site will be transformed into a modern industrial center. Once complete, this new industrial space is expected to house businesses employing 1,300 New Yorkers.

"The industrial sector of New York accounts for 16 percent of our economy," said Velázquez. "Creating space to accommodate industry is vital to restoring our City's prosperity. "

Velázquez also noted that as part of the agreement for revitalizing the building, local and minority-owned businesses will be tapped for the renovation efforts, generating additional local economic activity. Four hundred construction jobs will stem from work repairing the building's roof, windows and other infrastructure.

"This deal has been structured in a way to ensure that the maximum benefit flows to the local community," noted Velázquez. "By finding innovative ways to better leverage federal resources, we can tear down barriers to progress while building ladders of economic opportunity."

Federal Building No. 2 was originally built by the Department of the Navy in 1916. It has sat unused since the Food and Drug Administration stopped utilizing the space ten years ago. Velázquez has worked with colleagues in Congress and the New York City Economic Development Corporation to see that the building is redeveloped for light industrial use.