Join the Newtown Creek Alliance for a walking tour to witness and discuss last mile warehouse pollution and other related environmental issues along Newtown Creek.
In recent years, mega-warehouses (dubbed ‘last mile’ facilities), have proliferated in industrial areas around Newtown Creek and other neighborhoods of New York City. The rise of e-commerce has seen a rapid increase in last-mile developments in the industrial business zones, like those surrounding Newtown Creek. These mega facilities bring significant amounts of increased truck traffic to overburdened communities leading to higher levels of congestion, worsened air quality, urban heat island impacts, stormwater runoff, as well as ongoing issues with worker protections, fair wagers, and labor rights.
The tour also highlights the growing movement for cleaner freight and introduces the proposed Clean Delivers Act, which would require large warehouses to reduce emissions and address their environmental impacts. We will begin at Onderdonk House in Ridgewood and make our way through industrial portions of Maspeth. In total, the walk is approximately 2.5 miles long.
Accessibility:
The route is approximately 2.5 miles and features some adverse sidewalk conditions, limited shade, and industrial activity. The route is not wheelchair accessible. There are nearby buses (Q59 & Q54), trains (L-Jefferson Street Station) and CitiBike stations within moderate walking distance from both start and end locations. Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated!