What is the Hunts Point Produce Market?

The Hunts Point Produce Market is the largest wholesale produce market in the United States, supplying a significant portion of the city's fruits and vegetables.

Why is the market's current operation a concern?

The market's extensive use of diesel-powered refrigerated trailers contributes significantly to air pollution in the South Bronx, an area already facing poor air quality and high rates of respiratory illnesses.

Mayor Mamdani Faces Pressure to Revive South Bronx Market Modernization Plan

A stalled $650 million proposal to reduce pollution from refrigerated trailers at the Hunts Point Produce Market is drawing renewed calls for action from city officials and residents.

Flat illustration of Produce crates, refrigerated trailers, exhaust plumes, market buildings, highway overpass

2026-10-05 · Updated 2026-10-05

Pressure is mounting on Mayor Zohran Mamdani to revive a significant plan aimed at reducing pollution at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the South Bronx. The market's reliance on approximately 1,000 refrigerated trailers, which run constantly to keep produce cold, contributes to some of the city's worst air quality. Each trailer emits pollution equivalent to hundreds of daily truck trips on the Cross Bronx Expressway.

Last year, the previous administration announced a plan to modernize the market, replacing four warehouses with two new facilities designed to eliminate the need for the diesel-powered trailers. However, the deal reportedly fell apart due to concerns from produce operators about the new facility's design. Mayor Mamdani has suggested the plan, which was set to receive substantial state and federal funding, is no longer viable.

Despite this, some officials are urging the mayor to reconsider. City Comptroller Mark Levine has called the project "one of the most important economic development projects in New York City," emphasizing the unacceptability of 24/7 diesel trailer operation in a modern city. The South Bronx, a low-income area, already suffers from high rates of respiratory illness, with pollution from the market's operations and nearby expressways contributing to its nickname, "Asthma Alley."

Residents have voiced their concerns about the persistent air quality issues. Some recall developing asthma at a young age and have moved away seeking cleaner air. While acknowledging the mayor's efforts on other initiatives like city-owned grocery stores and affordable housing, some residents remain skeptical about whether private companies will prioritize community health over their financial interests.

Mayor Mamdani has attributed the plan's previous collapse to rushed negotiations by the prior administration. He stated that the current iteration of the project is not moving forward but indicated the city remains committed to electrifying or modernizing parts of the market. Experts suggest revising, rather than abandoning, the plan to leverage accumulated momentum and protect public funds.

FAQ

What is the Hunts Point Produce Market?: The Hunts Point Produce Market is the largest wholesale produce market in the United States, supplying a significant portion of the city's fruits and vegetables.
Why is the market's current operation a concern?: The market's extensive use of diesel-powered refrigerated trailers contributes significantly to air pollution in the South Bronx, an area already facing poor air quality and high rates of respiratory illnesses.