Report by Brooklyn BP offers solutions to growing issue of disappearing gas stations

Finding a place to fill up is becoming a tough mission for drivers across the city as gas stations keep disappearing. A new report by the Brooklyn borough president looks at the growing issue and offers some solutions. NY1's Jeanine Ramirez filed the following report.

A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is parked on Joralemon Street. Called the Mirai, meaning future in Japanese, it features the latest in zero emissions technology from Toyota. But they're not sold here yet. 

"We sell this vehicle in California. It's been on the road now for about a year and a half," said Geri Yoza, a spokesperson for Toyota. "We sold over 1,700, and we're planning to come to the northeast sometime next year as the hydrogen fuel stations come online here in the northeast."

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams took it for a spin Tuesday. 

"This is a really good ride," Adams said. "It handles well. It just feels good."

Adams featured the Mirai and BMW's i3 all-electric cars to highlight the findings of his latest report, "Fueling Brooklyn's Future."

"Fossil fuel is a thing of the past," Adams said. "Since Superstorm Sandy, nine stations have closed in Brooklyn. Two more and planning to close. And another 12 are at risk."

The report says Brooklyn's hot real estate are why they're closing, being replaced with condos and hotels.

Adams says fueling stations are a basic necessity, but the delivery must evolve. He held his news conference in the Gowanus Whole Foods parking lot, where there are two charge point stations for electric cars. 

"California got it right. Europe got it right," Adams said. "We cannot remain in neutral."

Adams is calling for protections for gas stations with the condition they incorporate electric and hydrogen fueling capacities and for federal, state and city tax incentives to grow the clean vehicle industry. 

Adams says his immediate goal is to have a zero emissions fleet at Borough Hall. He's committing capital funding to build more electric charging docks. Right now, there are 60 in the borough but none in Central or South Brooklyn or Borough Hall.