Catsimatidis Against Proposed Gravesend Bay Waste Transfer Station

Mayoral candidate and billionaire grocery store magnate John Catsimatidis joined the chorus of those opposed to the proposed construction of the Gravesend Bay Waste Transfer Station (1640 Shore Parkway). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle is reporting that Catsimatidis thinks the city should put a halt to the construction of its Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) due to environmental concerns.

Opposition to the station has been fierce, leading to rallies protesting the proposed construction of the waste transfer station. Recently, we reported on an angry protest held by Democratic Assemblyman William Colton. Even though the rally united both Democrats and Republicans, the union later devolved into a small squabble between Democratic Councilman Vincent Gentile and Republican challenger John Quaglione.

In visiting the Santa Rosalia Feast in Bensonhurst, Catsimatidis made a point to join the opposition to the 2006 SWMP measure approved by the City Council in 2006.

“Putting waste transfer stations in populated areas or areas that have unique environmental concerns – anywhere in this city – doesn’t make sense,” Catsimatidis told the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.

Opponents to the waste transfer station have raised fears that dredging parts of the Gravesend Bay could bring harmful toxic chemicals to the surface, buried from an incinerator that previously occupied the site.

Catsimatidis promised that if he beats out Republican favorite Joe Lhota for the Republican nomination in two weeks, that he won’t forget about the residents affected by the proposed waste transfer station.

“For years, community residents and elected officials of both political parties have been expressing their concerns regarding dredging at this location to build the waste transfer station. I have heard the concerns of the people of southwest Brooklyn about this proposed location,” Catsimatidis said.