Borough President Marty Markowitz has long favored the demolition of the historic Admiral’s Row structures and he took the opportunity of a hearing last night to reiterate his support for “food justice” for resident of nearby public housing and for demolishing the buildings. Here is part of the staterment that his office distributed:

I know I speak for all of us here today when I say historical preservation is crucial. Residents from all over the borough have been part of successful efforts to use zoning and landmarking to preserve Brooklyn’s rich history. In this case, however, the structural viability makes a preservation project much too costly, and what the families living in this area need urgently is a quality supermarket. As it stands, too many Brooklynites are not within walking distance of supermarkets, which have been closing at alarming rates citywide. It is unconscionable that in this modern city, there are those for whom access to fresh fruits and vegetables—basic staples that keep Brooklynites and New Yorkers healthy and strong—is considered a luxury. We must do everything we can to reverse that trend.

Furthermore, the neighborhood around the Brooklyn Navy Yard will reap enormous benefits from the employment opportunities created by a new industrial building. Local residents will be considered first for these jobs, which will give the area a much-needed economic boost.

Believe me, nobody cares more than I do about preserving Brooklyn’s history and heritage. But I also believe in preserving Brooklyn’s residents—making sure that our health and well-being is protected for this generation and in the days ahead. As it was written in Ecclesiastes: “To everything, there is a season. A time to reap, a time to sow.” And, to paraphrase a bit: “A time to preserve—and a time to build supermarkets and promote nutrition.” Simply put, the time for deliberation is over. We must make this project a reality and get this neighborhood the economic investment and “food justice” it deserves.

The Army Corp of Engineers has found that the buildings can be saved and still have both structural and historical integrity. (We have made the case on numerous occasions that there is a way to save the Admiral’s Row buildings and to develop the property for a supermarket.) The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp. wants to use the land occupied by historic buildings, in part, for parking. There has been growing sentiment to both accommodate a supermarket and to save the buildings, which could be fully restored for as little as $19.6 million. A community session will be coming up in August sponsored by a range of groups including the Municipal Art Society, the Historic Districts Council, New York Landmarks Conservancy, Fort Greene Association, Historic Wallabout Association, and the Society for Clinton Hill. More on the argument for an alternative strategy later.