Ownership of the New York Naval Shipyard (better known as the Brooklyn Navy Yard) was officially transferred to the City of New York by the U.S. Government in mid-February. The ceremonies marking the transfer brought to culmination over two years of negotiations between the city and the government.
Mayor John Lindsay gave Secretary of Commerce Maurice H. Stans the city's formal offer to pay $23.5-million for the base, its 40 large buildings and its enormous drydocks, cranes and piers. However, negotiations are being conducted in Washington in an attempt to have the title transferred to the city on a 'no-cost' basis.
Presently, four small industries are functioning in the yard on occupancy permits granted by the Navy.
The big operation for the facility is the previously announced shipbuilding project by Seatrain Lines Inc. This operation would use 45 percent of the yard's facilities.
Actual control of the facilities has been assigned by the city to Commerce, Labor, and Industry Corporation of the County of King, to be known as CLICK. This group will develop the complex as an industrial park.
The Navy is retaining 25 acres within the 265-acre facility including the barracks and parade grounds.