The Graving Dock and its ship repair yard can co-exist with Ikea, because: 

• There is enough space for Ikea's 1400-car parking lot without filling the graving dock
• Retail and ship repair can coexist -- In Boston, an even larger graving dock repair yard coexists with a cruise terminal, design center, two viewing platform parks and shops.

Why is the Graving Dock needed?

• Over 5000 ships enter the port annually and over 700 barges; numerous tugs, ferries, and workboats berth in the harbor: They all need regular maintenance a well as repair.
• The ship repair company at the site since 1998 (Stevens Technical) held contracts for vessel maintenance and repair with private sector operators and with governmental agencies.  Agencies include the US Maritime Administration; US Coast Guard; US Navy; NYC Department of Environmental Protection; Staten Island Ferries; and New York State University, The Empire State -- the training ship for the SUNY Maritime College at Ft Schuyler, in the Bronx.
• Several hundred good paying blue-color jobs, directly with Stevens Technical, with its subcontractors; and with local suppliers in the Red Hook neighborhood.

What other values does the Graving Dock have?

• The Graving Dock and associated buildings including the Pump House are historic dating from the 1860s
• The Graving Dock complex was part of the nationally known Todd Shipyards, one of the largest ship builders and repair yards in the nation. It played a crucial role in WWII. 
• The graving dock and associated buildings are on the state list as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places
• The creative potential of the graving dock includes its use as an amphitheatre, for filming ship models for feature films like Master and Commander.
• As a convenient site for repair of the local historic ships (including the Waterfront Museum)
• The technology for this mammoth structure is immediately understood by visitors –and inspires innovation.

The public and political process

• City Planning did not understand the current maritime importance of the Graving Dock.  Consequently, based on inadequate information, the City Council approved the zoning change request.  At the same time Ikea had led the public to believe that they were "maintaining" the graving dock and preserving its function and use.
• The Citizens Committee, representing the maritime, historic and cultural interests in NY has reinvigorated the review process.
• There is enormous concern among many citizens in all of Red Hook about how Ikea and its partners have conducted the clean up to date -- irresponsibly releasing asbestos into the environment -- for which they have received 19 notices of violation from New York City DEP.
• Currently Ikea’s permit application is before NYSDEC and the Army Corps of Engineers.
• We want the Mayor’s office to persuade Ikea to save the Graving Dock.