The decision has been made by the Brooklyn Navy Yard to not renew the lease of a drone manufacturer, Easy Aerial, that has been under scrutiny for its contracts with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Israeli military, and the Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems. This comes after more than a year of activists advocating for the eviction of the company.
The Navy Yard categorizes Easy Aerial as a “fine art and photography” business, but records show that the company has significant contracts with the US Air Force and CBP, including drone operator training. A video from 2021 also shows Israeli soldiers utilizing an Easy Aerial drone for military operations.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, the governing body of the industrial campus, decided not to renew Easy Aerial’s lease at a recent board meeting. Activists, operating under the name Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard, have been actively protesting, organizing email campaigns, and speaking at board meetings to push for the company’s eviction.
The decision to not renew the lease was attributed to a dispute over tenant behavior, according to Navy Yard spokesperson Claire Holmes. While details of the alleged conduct were not provided, it is clear that public pressure and community concerns played a role in the outcome.
New York City Councilmember Lincoln Restler, who represents the district that includes the Navy Yard, acknowledged the impact of public pressure on the decision. He emphasized the importance of aligning tenant businesses with the values of the community and the Navy Yard.
Despite the victory in the case of Easy Aerial, activists are now turning their attention to Crye Precision, a uniform manufacturer with contracts with ICE and various militaries. Concerns have been raised about Crye Precision’s connections to the Israeli military, despite denials from the company.
The recent board meeting at the Navy Yard reflected a defensive posture amid protests, with limited public access and increased security measures. Activists continued to voice their concerns outside the meeting venue, calling for an end to businesses that contribute to genocide and deportation.
In conclusion, the decision not to renew Easy Aerial’s lease at the Brooklyn Navy Yard highlights the power of community activism and the importance of holding businesses accountable for their actions. The Navy Yard’s response to public pressure sets a precedent for ethical business practices and aligning with community values.
