According to a recent publication by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), plans are underway to permanently remove the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center (VCBC) barge from Hunts Point and establish a new marine terminal at that location.
This initiative was jointly announced by Mayor Eric Adams, NYCEDC President Andrew Kimball, and Department of Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie. The move aligns with the city’s “Hunts Point Forward” strategy aimed at revitalizing this South Bronx neighborhood.
The proposed Hunts Point Marine Terminal is set to serve as a crucial freight transfer hub, facilitating the movement of cargo from ships onto barges and ferries for efficient last-mile delivery throughout New York City. This transition is projected to eliminate approximately 9,000 truck trips monthly from local streets, thereby alleviating traffic congestion and minimizing road damage.
Estimates suggest that this facility will create around 400 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions while generating an impressive $3.9 billion economic impact over the next thirty years.
The terminal aims to integrate with other East Coast port facilities like the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, establishing a vital link within New York City’s freight transportation network.
This project falls under the city’s Blue Highways initiative designed to enhance freight transport via waterways—an effort intended not only for efficiency but also for reducing emissions and bolstering supply chain resilience.
The City has allocated over $28 million in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget specifically for improving waterfront access at Hunts Point. Enhancements include extending bike paths along Food Center Drive towards Halleck Street while boosting greenway accessibility.
In addition, NYCEDC plans to issue requests for proposals aimed at removing the VCBC barge, which will clear space for constructing the new terminal. A land remediation project addressing historical pollution on-site is also scheduled for completion by 2027.
A key component of this development is an Economic Mobility Network supported by a $1.4 million grant awarded to Greater Hunts Point Economic Development Corporation (GHPEDC). This network will connect local residents with training programs and job opportunities particularly focused on green industries.
This collaborative effort involves various community partners including WorkforceBX, The Point CDC, The Hope Program among others—all working together towards sustainable economic growth in Hunts Point.
The Hunts Point project fits into Mayor Adams’ broader vision known as Harbour of the Future—a series of maritime innovation hubs across New York City. Other notable projects include:
In proximity lies Con Agg Global’s Blue Highways facility within Food Distribution Center—initially set up for handling construction materials like sand and gravel—which anticipates reducing about 1,000 truck trips each month while expanding its capacity through modular pier designs in future phases.
Civic leaders assert that establishing this marine terminal will significantly enhance New York City’s freight infrastructure while advancing environmental objectives and creating job opportunities that benefit local communities directly.
This initiative supports NYC’s Green Economy Action Plan aiming toward generating approximately 400,000 “green-collar” jobs by 2040—positioning New York as a frontrunner in sustainable industry practices.
The design phase will soon commence with further community engagement before breaking ground on construction activities ahead!
