Jail Barge Removed To Make Way For Hunts Point Marine Terminal In The Bronx

 

The decommissioned Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center jail barge has been removed from its anchorage off the Hunts Point Peninsula in The Bronx, paving the way for the City’s construction of the Hunts Point Marine Terminal. Developed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the terminal will handle shipping containers and facilitate last-mile freight delivery via barges and ferries, reducing truck traffic on local streets.

The above rendering depicts the forthcoming terminal at the corner of the point, illustrating its proximity to the sprawling Fulton Fish Market structure. The jail facility formerly occupied the entire length of the port wall where the cargo barge is pictured.

Photograph of the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center being tugged out of New York City. Credit: NYCEDC.

A component of Mayor Eric Adams’ “Hunts Point Forward” vision and the citywide “Blue Highways” Action Plan, the Hunts Point Marine Terminal project is projected to generate $3.9 billion in economic impact over 30 years and create 400 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs. The terminal will also serve as a node in the broader Blue Highways network, connecting with ports across the East Coast.

As part of the redevelopment, NYCEDC will invest $28.3 million in shoreline infrastructure upgrades at the former VCBC site and the adjacent DSNY South Bronx Marine Transfer Station. The marine terminal will be located next to the Blue Highways facility announced earlier this year in partnership with Con Agg Global, situated near the Fulton Fish Market within the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. These developments support the City’s long-term goals for improving freight mobility, reducing emissions, and enhancing community access to the waterfront.

“Today is a new day for the Hunts Point peninsula as we finally remove the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, a jail barge that has long overstayed on our city’s waterfront,” said NYCEDC president and CEO Andrew Kimball. “This celebratory moment is a win for the Hunts Point community, for Mayor Adams who put forth a bold vision in the ‘Hunts Point Forward’ plan, and for New York City as we can work on the next step towards making the Hunts Point Marine Terminal a reality while building on the Blue Highways Action Plan.”

The City will receive $1.5 million in compensation for the removal of the five-story floating jail.