Hey, I remember that Domino Sugar factory off the East River! I can see its neon lights crossing the Williamsburg Bridge. Then it was shuttered, and remember seeing it up close as it was demolished. The original 5-Boro Bike Tour route took us right passed the factory circa '81. Huge tanks and pipes were visible.
Well actually, the Domino plant is still there all boarded up and shuttered. But everything around it has been demolished to make hipster condo's and coffee shops. It's a pretty sad sight. The plant is really one of the last industrial buildings left on the river these days, everything is condo's now, very expensive ones! The plant will be gone soon to. Yeah, you guessed it - more condo's! I bike the East River now and then. It's actually a very nice ride with fantastic views of Manhattan.
Brooklyn ain't the Brooklyn you remember my friend!