Brooklyn's Progress
August/September 2005

By Harold Egeln

U.S. Rep. Vito Fossella (R-13th District) is upbeat on Brooklyn business, as he gave a briefing at a Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee breakfast sponsored by KeySpan Corporation on June 20 at its One MetroTech Center offices.

He spoke on issues before the 109th Congress, his legislative priorities and his work for the people and economy of Brooklyn. His 13th Congressional District, besides covering Staten Island, includes Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Gravesend.

"Brooklyn is growing. The economy is growing. The city is growing," said Rep. Fossella, after opening remarks from Brooklyn Chamber President Kenneth Adams and being introduced by KeySpan President and Chief Operating Officer Robert J. Fani.

"Brooklyn is the hottest spot in New York City and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce plays a key role," Rep. Fossella said. About the role of major individual businesses, he added, that "KeySpan is on the frontline" of that growth, as new opportunities are created.

Rep. Fossella, noted Mr. Fani, serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, on which he is also the Vice Chair of its Environment Subcommittee, and on the House Committee on Financial Services; he also serves on the influential Republican Policy Committee, at the request of the House Speaker, the principal forum for setting legislative priorities for Congress.

Prime Areas for Growth
Congressman Fossella mentioned some prime areas of growth and economic strength in the borough, such as the proposed National Basketball Association Sports Arena at Atlantic Yards, redevelopment of Brooklyn’s waterfront, transportation initiatives and Fort Hamilton Army Base.

"The new arena will be propelling growth," Rep. Fossella said, telling the leaders that he is "someone who would rather come to Brooklyn to see the Nets play."  The proposed NBA Sports Arena, if approved, would be part of a new mixed use 800,000 square foot development for commercial, office, residential, retail and recreation space between Atlantic Ave. and Dean St., east of Flatbush Ave., developed by Forest City Ratner Company.

The proposed 20,000-seat arena, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, would become home to the New Jersey Nets, making them the Brooklyn Nets. The project would create several thousand construction and permanent jobs, according to the Ratner Company, and include 4,500 residential units and six acres of open space.

Saving Fort Hamilton and the VA Hospital
Two key military-related institutions are vital to Brooklyn's economic and public well-being, said Rep. Fossella. "Fort Hamilton Army Base in Bay Ridge, essential and integral to Brooklyn and the city, will remain open," he said about a recent Base Realignment and Closure Commission decision not to close the 180-year-old Army base. "It is a very important economic engine."

The federal government may decide to close one of two Veterans Administration hospitals in the city, in Manhattan and in Bay Ridge (at Fort Hamilton), Rep. Fossella said, advocating that they remain open, The Brooklyn VA Medical Center helps "the silent heroes," he said and it provides "a very valuable service to people in Brooklyn and Staten Island. It would be a mistake to close the Brooklyn VA Hospital."

Waterfront Development
On waterfront development, both happening and planned in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Red Hook and Sunset Park, Rep. Fossella said, "What a precious jewel we have on the waterfront." He mentioned the scenic Bay Ridge waterfront in his district, which has a long parkland walk and bike path, and his efforts to get federal funding to repair its deteriorating seawall and bike path.

NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's Solid Waste Management Plan is important, Rep Fossella said.  He noted that the plan would promote "borough self-sufficiency" and that "Brooklyn would be a beneficiary."

Regarding transportation projects, Rep. Fossella said that they are "very integral to growth" and that "we should start thinking 20, 30 years into the future" about Brooklyn’s transportation needs. He also noted that he secured $4 million in funding to upgrade the decaying 86th St. subway station at Fourth Ave. in Bay Ridge, a major hub for commuters and daily riders.

Homeland Security and the Mayor's educational reforms are also essential to Brooklyn's safety and growth, he said.

Rep. Fossella noted the role of Robert Capano, his Director of Brooklyn Operations, headquartered in the Congressman’s Bay Ridge District Office.  Mr. Capano, a Bay Ridge resident, was a top aide to two Brooklyn borough presidents, Howard Golden and then Marty Markowitz.

After Rep. Fossella's talk, he was greeted personally by several of the business leaders in the audience, including being thanked by Chairman Dan Holt of the Brooklyn Chamber Board of Directors, also Courier-Life Publications Co-Publisher.