Greenpoint residents protest concrete plant pollution in Brooklyn

Residents in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, have expressed growing concerns over pollution from the DKN Ready Mix concrete plant, which opened nearly a year ago. Complaints include respiratory issues, eye irritation, and noise disturbances, with some residents reporting cracks in their buildings due to the plant's operations. Local officials, including Councilmember Lincoln Restler, have highlighted the severe air quality issues, noting that the area has experienced some of the worst pollution levels in decades. Environmental advocates, such as the Newtown Creek Alliance, have joined residents in voicing their frustrations, emphasizing that the plant's operations are detrimental to community health. New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez criticized the company for prioritizing profits over the well-being of local residents, reflecting a long history of environmental injustices in the area. In response to the complaints, the City’s Department of Environmental Protection issued a violation for excessive dust, prompting the company to implement measures like installing sprinklers and cleaning sidewalks. However, residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these actions, given the proximity of homes to the industrial site. The Department of Buildings has also taken action, inspecting nearby homes and issuing violations related to the concrete plant's operations. The situation underscores the ongoing struggle between industrial activities and community health, as residents demand accountability and better living conditions in their neighborhood.