PlanNYC: Gowanus Development

Feedback

Community District

Find the planning projects in your community district.

All Projects

QUICK LINKS

Gowanus Development

With Park Slope having been developed to capacity, nearby Gowanus is seeing a significant increase in commercial and residential development. Most prominently, Shaya Boymelgreen plans to build Gowanus Village, a 375,000 unit, mixed-use development with 350 apartments and condominiums stretching from Carrol Avenue to Third Street, and from the Gowanus Canal to Third Avenue. Boymelgreen is not alone in targeting Gowanus, as Toll Brothers and numerous other developers are buying land in the area as well. Unlike much development of this nature, in this case many environmentalists support Gowanus development insofar as it would help clean the canal. Separately, the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation has developed a plan to turn the area into a “green zone,” with low-rise energy efficient buildings lining the canal.

In February 2007 the city announced a new rezoning plan for Gowanus which includes designations for affordable housing and retail use in what was traditionally an industrial area. In the proposal, Gowanus has been divided up into five sub-areas, all of which are being targeted for development. It is expected that three of the sub-zones will still contain industrial areas, even outside the Industrial Business Zone. The city must still conduct an environmental impact statement and no development has yet been planned.
Residents remain concerned that the proposed plan did not directly address the clean-up of the polluted Gowanus Canal.

sorted by date | sort by source | sort by topic

"Sponge” Park Will Help Eliminate Gowanus Canal Contaminants and Odor

Thursday, July 03, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: Environment

A new park is being planned between the 3rd Avenue and Carroll Street Bridges that will act as a “sponge” for contaminants and odors from the Gowanus Canal. The goal of the park is stop the combined sewer overflow (CSO) and the park's design will help manage the storm runoff using environmental measures. The park designers and advocates include the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, dlandstudio llc and local community members and groups.

City Planning Approves “Narrow Streets” for Carroll Gardens

Wednesday, July 02, 2008 | Curbed | Topic: Land Use

A plan to define streets as “narrow” in Carroll Gardens was approved by the City Planning Commission. The redefinition will change the zoning permitted, including lowering permissible heights for buildings. The City Council is expected to vote on the plan on July 23rd. A more comprehensive rezoning for the neighborhood is still a couple of years away.

Hotel Development in Gowanus Continues

Monday, June 16, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

Another hotel is in the works for the Gowanus Canal section of Brooklyn. Alec Shtromandel plans to develop what will be the ninth hotel in this area. His hotel, to be built at 611 DeGraw St., will be a four-story, 10,000 square-foot structure with 45 rooms. Kutnicki Bernstein Architects will design the hotel and will keep it contextual with the surrounding neighborhood.

Council Member Wants Hotel Industry Out of Gowanus

Friday, June 06, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

Council Member Bill de Blasio is calling for a ban on hotels in the northern section of the Gowanus area of Brooklyn. Referencing the City’s recent draft rezoning proposal for a 25-block area of the mostly industrial area, de Blasio argues that “there’s no place for hotels in the Gowanus Canal area. They just don’t fit.” The Council Member, along with other hotel opponents, believes that hotels will compromise the local manufacturing industry and create undesirable changes in the neighborhood. Hotel proponents, including the Department of City Planning, believe that the hotel industry is critical for economic growth. The City’s vision for the area includes mixed uses like light industrial, residential, retail, and office.

Council Member Calls for Hotel Ban in Gowanus

Wednesday, June 04, 2008 | Queens Ledger | Topic: Land Use

Council Member Bill de Blasio and some community activists have called upon the City to ban further hotel development in the Gowanus neighborhood. There are three new hotels and four additional hotels being built in the area. Some are concerned that these developments will infringe upon the character of the largely industrial neighborhood. Additionally, many hope to prevent any new development while the City's current rezoning plan goes through the official land use review process.

City Releases Draft Rezoning Plan for Gowanus

Friday, May 30, 2008 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Land Use

The City Planning Commission unveiled plans last night for rezoning a 25-block area in the Gowanus area of Brooklyn. The rezoning would convert the 25-block area from manufacturing to mixed use, while maintaining the manufacturing designation for 35 other blocks in the area. The most controversial aspect of the rezoning permits buildings to rise 12 stories in the area between Bond Street and Third Avenue. Many in the community are opposed to this change for the development that it will likely encourage. The City hopes to submit the rezoning for the land use process early next year.

Brooklyn BP Approves “Narrow Streets” Designation in Carroll Gardens

Friday, May 23, 2008 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Land Use

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz has approved a zoning text amendment in Carroll Gardens that will re-classify in the zoning code six streets that were previously considered “wide.” The “narrow” designation, which will limit building density in the area, was approved by Community Board 6. The measure continues along the ULURP process, where it now awaits approval by the City Planning Commission and the City Council.

Toll Brothers Launches Gowanus Development Website

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 | Curbed | Topic: General

The Toll Brothers launched a website for their Gowanus development that will provide the community with updates about the project as it moves through the city’s public review process, the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). The developer said that it hopes the new website, www.tollbrothersgowanus.com, will help foster a “continuing dialogue with the Gowanus community,” noting that neighbors can use the site to send in comments and concerns about the project.

Carroll Gardens to be Downzoned

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: Land Use

The Department of City Planning (DCP) is moving forward with plans to downzone six streets in Carroll Gardens. The plan is to reclassify six streets that are currently considered “wide” to “narrow” streets. This would affect floor area ratio, setback requirements, and height limitations. Some residents were concerned that the zoning amendment would limit future construction, namely additions to their homes, if passed. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz supports the downzoning as does City Council Member Bill de Blasio. The amendment must be approved by the City Council.

Gowanus Canal Conservancy Proposes Parks as Drainage System

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Environment

The Gowanus Canal Conservancy has proposed a series of “sponge parks” along the canal that will create open space and act as rainwater collection sites. The Conservancy says that these parks, although they will be small, will increase public access to the canal and create a solution to the environmental problem of stormwater and sewage overflows. The Conservancy has received support from the local Member of Congress and is requesting funding from the New York State Council for the Arts.

Village Plans May Be Nixed in Gowanus

Saturday, April 05, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

The property owned by developer Shaya Boymelgreen is for sale, signaling his plans to build the “Gowanus Village” is no longer in the works. Boymelgreen had planned on using the site for mixed income housing totaling nearly 400 units. The sale of the property brings the discussion of what is to happen around the Gowanus back on the table. Some groups are pushing for a light-use industrial mixed with some residential space and believe that the Boymelgreen site is a good place to do this. Other groups remain committed to residential space with significant amounts of affordable housing, open space and access to the waterfront.

Site Cleanup Begins in Anticipation of Development at Public Place

Saturday, April 05, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Environment

Cleanup efforts are underway on the Gowanus Canal at the site of Public Place. As part of the cleanup effort, Keyspan, who owns the company responsible for the pollution, will remove almost eight feet of soil that is contaminated and will put in place a barrier to block tar from seeping into the river from under the site. The city presentation the clean up efforts to Community Board 6 this week, saying that efforts could take nearly three years to complete. Odors and dust are likely nuisances during the clean up efforts. The site must be fully remediated before any new development can happen on the site.

Hotel Concentration in Gowanus Growing

Monday, March 31, 2008 | Brownstoner | Topic: Land Use

A new hotel is being proposed in the Gowanus area. With this proposal, the number of planned affordable chain hotels has reached seven according to Brownstoner. Some speculate that developers are hoping to convert hotel properties into condos once the area is rezoned.

Public Hearing for Toll Brothers’ Gowanus Proposal

Friday, March 28, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: General

Toll Brothers presented the most recent version of their proposal for their planned mixed-use development of an area along the Gowanus Canal to Community Board 6 on Thursday night. The Community Board reacted more positively toward the proposal than they had in the past, perhaps due to new renderings that emphasize the esplanade along the canal. Still, many present expressed concerns over flooding and the effects the project will have on a larger rezoning in the area.

Fate of Toll Brothers Proposal May Set Precedent for Future Development Along Gowanus

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: General

The Toll Brothers’ proposal for development of 3.4 acres along the Gowanus Canal is unique in that it’s the first in the area to come entirely from the private sector. It is also an important project for the area, as whatever comes of the proposal as a result of the public review process will likely set a precedent for future development along the canal. The environmental issues associated with the Gowanus makes small development projects infeasible. Thus future proposals will likely be on the scale of the Toll Brothers’ proposal and will likely also have to undergo public review.

CB6 Submits Concerns Over Toll Brothers’ Gowanus Development

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Environment

Community Board 6 in Brooklyn has submitted written testimony to the scoping process for the Toll Brothers development along the Gowanus Canal. CB6 argued that the environmental review should take into account the other large developments planned for the area when it evaluates the size and impact of this project. The Board is also concerned about the toxic nature of the site, and believes that this development is inconsistent with the goals of the overall Gowanus rezoning.

Push for Historic District Around Gowanus Canal

Friday, March 21, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

Some preservationists are advocating for the area around the Gowanus Canal to become an historic district. Many of the industrial structures located on the Canal are historically significant and the Army Corps of Engineers has indicated that several of them could be eligible to be included on the National Register of Historic Places. Those advocating for the historic district are concerned with plans by developers to destroy many of these buildings, which are good examples of buildings at the start of the Industrial Revolution. Developers claim that their efforts around the Canal will clean up the water and make it more accessible to the public.

Community Members Voice Concerns Over Gowanus Project

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 | Brooklyn Downtown Star | Topic: General

The Department of City Planning (DCP) held a public scoping meeting for the proposed development project along the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn. The Toll Brothers’ proposal would include a 447-unit housing development with ground-floor retail and a waterfront park. The project requires that the two-block area be rezoned from manufacturing to special manufacturing/residential mixed use. The meeting was held in part to gather comments on the scope of work for the environmental impact statement. In response, several residents voiced concerns over flooding, view sheds, and school overcrowding.

Residents Raise Concerns at Gowanus Toll Brothers Site Scoping Meeting

Friday, March 14, 2008 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Land Use

A full house attended the City Planning Department’s Scoping Hearing for the proposed Toll Brothers development along the Gowanus Canal. Most of those who spoke at the hearing spoke against the project’s rezoning. Residents were concerned about stresses on the infrastructure, building on a polluted site, and potential flooding. Others were upset about the way the City has handled the rezoning.

Concerns Expressed Over Toll Brothers’ Gowanus Development

Tuesday, March 04, 2008 | Brownstoner | Topic: Land Use

At a meeting planned to educate neighbors about the 577-unit development along the Gowanus Canal that the Toll Brothers have planned, concerns with the development’s impact on the community were raised by residents. The public hearing on the scoping document is set for March 13. Residents were concerned about overcrowding on subways and in schools, inadequate cleanup, compromising the sewer system and displacing local businesses. Representatives from Toll Brothers stated that they had not yet closed on the properties, and would only do so if the rezoning was approved by the City. They also reassured neighbors that the cleanup would be properly done.

More Land for Sale Along Gowanus Canal

Monday, February 25, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Economic Development

A roughly four- acre site along the Gowanus Canal is back on the market for $27 million. The site was purchased in 2004 by Boymelgreen Developers and was supposed to become the Gowanus Village, a project that was expected to include about 400 housing units with a mix of condos and affordable housing. The site is an official brownfield and Boymelgreen had submitted a Department of Conservation (DEC) application to do remedial work. The developer had also planned to undergo the city’s public review process, the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), to rezone the area once the DEC application was approved. The DEC application was partially approved.

Timeline Lengthy for Toll Brothers Gowanus Project

Saturday, February 23, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

A plan by Toll Brothers to redevelop land near the Gowanus Canal into a 447-unit residential complex which is centered along the canal was recently submitted to the Department of City Planning. The development proposal includes 130 below-market-rate rentals, public esplanade, and retail space. In order for the plan to move forward, the developer must complete an environmental impact review of the surrounding area, including the impact on public services, infrastructure, landmarks, land, air, and water. The environmental review cannot begin until the Department of City Planning certifies that all the details of the plan are in order. At that point, all interested parties in the city and borough are able to weigh in on the plan. Ultimately, Toll Brothers needs a zoning change in order to move forward with its plan.

Residents Not Satisfied with Governmental Efforts to Clean Gowanus Canal

Friday, February 15, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

Gowanus community residents claim that the government’s canal cleanup program does not meet their expectations. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) plans to spend $212 million to reduce sewage in the canal by 34 percent allowing for passive recreation. The plan is to infiltrate water from the Buttermilk Channel into the canal. Additionally, DEP hopes to remove “floatables” from the water surface, reducing the amount of garbage in the water. However, with the rezoning efforts for the area to spur residential development, many locals believe that the goals of DEP are not adequate.

Developers Unveil Plans for Gowanus Site

Thursday, February 14, 2008 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: General

The Toll Brothers released a scoping document outlining planning strategies for three acres of land along the Gowanus Canal. The developers hope to rezone a section of the site as a “special mixed use district” in order to build structures between 4 and 12 stories tall. The plan currently includes 577 units of housing, of which 447 would be market rate and 130 reserved for affordable housing; 260 spaces of subterranean parking; 2,000 square feet of community facility space; and approximately 2,000 square feet of retail. In addition, the Toll Brothers propose to change certain street patterns in order to allow for a continuous waterfront. The developers are recommending various methods to construct their buildings in such a way that they will not be affected by flooding, such as raising the elevation of the project area specifically along First Street and the waterfront. A public review of the scoping document is set to take place on March 13, 2008 at the Department of City Planning.

Gowanus Development Might Not Be Safe, Columbia Study Says

Tuesday, February 05, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Environment

A study done by a Columbia University professor casts doubt on the effectiveness of the methods the city plans to use in the Gowanus Canal cleanup efforts. The study notes that the cleanup method has been problematic elsewhere, and may leave behind toxins in the soil that could cause long-term problems. The City plans to announce the development details of 1,000 housing units along the Canal next month. City officials had not analyzed the claims of the report and did not have a response. Some community members were deeply concerned by the news of the report, while others had confidence that the City would not build housing units where it was unsafe for people to live.

Moratorium on Development in Carroll Gardens Rejected By City

Saturday, February 02, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

The city rejected a call by Council Member Bill de Blasio to place a moratorium on any new development that was over 50 feet tall in Carroll Gardens because it would require an environmental review. de Blasio is calling on the city to downzone the Carroll Gardens neighborhood and suggested a moratorium on development until City Planning could put forth a rezoning plan. While City Planning has agreed to consider zoning changes for the area and is also considering changing the classification of some of the streets to “narrow streets”, they are not able to provide a timetable for action.

City Planning Will Study Downzoning in Carroll Gardens

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 | Brownstoner | Topic: Land Use

City Council Member Bill de Blasio announced at a rally that the City Planning Commission (CPC) will officially study downzoning in Carroll Gardens. The CPC earlier announced that it would initiate an amendment process to the zoning text that would impose height restrictions on buildings on 1st through 4th Place. De Blasio also announced that he will push for a moratorium on building above 50 feet while the study is done, in order to preserve the current feel of the neighborhood.

Efforts to Downzone Carroll Gardens

Friday, January 25, 2008 | Brownstoner | Topic: Land Use

City Council Member Bill de Blasio has sponsored a zoning text amendment that will change the classification of 1st through 4th Place to “narrow streets” from the “wide street” classification. This change could result in lower FARs and building heights that could help preserve the historic character of the neighborhood. The zoning amendment must go through the city’s public review process, ULURP.

Architects Propose Plan to Turn Gowanus Expressway into Greenway

Sunday, January 06, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

The American Institute of Architects proposed a plan to replace the deteriorating Gowanus Expressway, which connects the Verrazano Bridge and the Battery Tunnel. The plan calls for demolishing the Third Avenue expressway and replacing it with a cable suspension roadway on First Avenue and turning the rest of the space into a park. The proponents of the plan are expected to pitch it to state and city officials soon. The state Transportation Department has also considered turning the expressway into a tunnel.

$3.2 Million Secured for Brooklyn/Queens Projects

Friday, December 28, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Finance

Congresswoman Nadia M. Velazquez (D) has recently secured $3.2 million in federal grants for several education, environmental and economic development projects in Brooklyn and Queens. The funding, granted under the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, will be used for the Gowanus Canal restoration, Red Hook’s Green Roof Project, and several education and public space programs, among others.

Residents Press for Cleaner Gowanus

Saturday, December 15, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Environment

Residents are hoping that government agencies will beef up their plans for clean-up of the Gowanus Canal, so people can enjoy the water, not just fish. Decades worth of pollution must be cleaned from the canal in order to make it livable for fish and to support recreational activities such as kayaking in anticipation of the real estate growth surrounding it. Some residents are hoping that the agencies involved in cleanup will raise their standards to make the canal suitable for swimming. Officials of the State Department of Environmental Conservation say that such standards would be extremely expensive because of the city’s current sewer system.

Rezoning Study for Gowanus Canal

Sunday, December 02, 2007 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Housing

The city is undertaking a rezoning study of the area around the Gowanus Canal, one of the last true industrial waterfronts in New York City. Amanda Burden, City Planning Department Director has expressed interest in developing the area into a mixed use site with housing, commercial and industrial uses. Some in the community agree that a special mixed-use district could help retain the local artists and businesses already in Gowanus while spurring economic development. As the rezoning efforts continue, large plots of land are being bought and some being built as-of-right in anticipation of new growth. Many existing business owners worry that the rezoning may lead to displacement.

Developers Hope to Get a Head Start in Gowanus

Wednesday, November 28, 2007 | Brownstoner | Topic: Economic Development

The Toll Brothers development firm is planning to construct approximately 500 units of townhouses, condos, and apartments in Gowanus. While the neighborhood has not been rezoned yet, Toll Brothers have been working with the City to ensure that their plans fall within the requirements of the anticipated rezoning. While community residents are not completely in accordance with the plans, Toll Brothers hope to begin construction prior to the official rezoning of the neighborhood.

Gowanus Canal Cleanup To Begin in July

Sunday, November 18, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Environment

Beginning in July, the City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will begin undertaking a $125 million project to further clean up the contaminated Gowanus Canal. The canal has been plagued with contaminated water that has affected the surrounding communities for years. Plans include widening a tunnel and installing new pumps to increase fresh water flow through the canal and redirecting almost 1/3 of the canal’s sewer overflow to a treatment plant. Officials expect the tunnel project to be completed by 2012, while timelines for other portions of the plan have yet to be determined.

Developer Reveals Residential Plans for Gowanus Canal

Saturday, November 03, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Housing

Recent attempts to rezone and develop the Gowanus Canal into a residential area have finally come to fruition. Toll Brothers Development unveiled preliminary plans for a mixed housing development that would include at least one 12-story high rise residential building. According to those familiar with the plan, 20% of the housing will be affordable housing and all will have access to refurbished green space along the Canal. Representatives of Toll say that the building height is consistent with what the city is planning for the area around the Canal. Some who attended the private meeting were concerned that many area residents would want to see more than 20% below market rate housing.

Gowanus Coalition Defines Their Standards for Rezoning

Thursday, October 25, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

A coalition of groups interested in the development around the Gowanus Canal submitted a set of standards that they believe the City should consider when developing the area. The group includes unions, non-profits housing groups, and community development organizations and they outlined six guiding principles for development. The assortment of recommendations include: a mandated minimum of 60% affordable housing, creation of industrial jobs, a new storm water management plans, and focused restoration of the Canal.

Gowanus Canal Cleanup Delays

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Environment

Scheduling problems between the City and Army Corps of Engineers are holding up the decontamination of the Gowanus Canal. However, developers are set to begin building housing along the water, whether or not the cleanup process has begun. There is concern that residents will have to clean up their lands again once the developments are completed.

Gowanus Canal Clean Up Will Take a Long Time

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Environment

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Army Corps of Engineers updated the Community Board 6 Environment Committee on the current status of the Gowanus Canal. The government plans to implement various procedures to clean up the water. Serious efforts to clean up may not begin until 2013, and may not be completed until 2020.

Artists in Gowanus Willing to Compromise in Rezoning

Monday, October 22, 2007 | Metro New York | Topic: Land Use

A group of artists and other community activists are scheduled to meet with the Department of City Planning to discuss plans for rezoning in Gowanus. The group, called the Gowanus Summit, is working to preserve the manufacturing aspect of the neighborhood by protecting art and industrial space while also adding middle-income housing in a trade-off for higher and denser buildings in the community.

Tenants Anxiously Await Gowanus Rezoning

Sunday, October 14, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

Manufacturer and Artist Tenants of Gowanus are anxiously awaiting the official release of the Department of City Planning’s rezoning proposal. The new zoning is expected to more than quadruple property values in the industrial area by allowing for residential space to be developed. Current prices and long-term leases are in flux until that announcement. Many tenants are concerned that the change could lead to residential displacement as a cause of rising property values in relation to a rezoning. One potential zoning tool allows for light manufacturing and studio space on the lower levels and residential space in the floors above.

Research Raises Speculation if Gowanus is Clean Enough to Live Near

Friday, October 05, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Environment

Two Professors at City Tech have spent the last three years researching the Gowanus Canal and have concluded that the Canal is full of “aggressive strains of bacteria” that can be harmful to humans. These scientists say that they would not want to live near the polluted canal, which has never been properly dredged and still has raw sewage dumped into it. The city is currently seeking bids for residential development of the Public Place site and many other developers have purchased property overlooking the Canal that they hope to build condos on.

Proposed Beautification Rezoning in Connection with Gowanus Redevelopment

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

The Department of City Planning announced a zoning proposal this week regulating the composition and use of front yards of single-family houses in order to beautify the neighborhoods and reduce the amount of sewage runoff that finds its way into the Gowanus canal. While few people oppose this proposal, some believe that that it will not do enough to improve the Gowanus area.

City Accepting Bids for Development of Public Place

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

Development at Public Place in Gowanus may soon become a reality, as city officials have begun soliciting bids to develop the stretch. Proposals will likely include market-rate as well as affordable and senior housing, and will likely include a waterfront park. Public Place has been essentially unused since 1959, when a gas-plant on the location closed. The city is still considering rezoning of Public Place.

Carroll Gardens Explores Pairing with Gowanus Canal for Rezoning

Saturday, June 16, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

With City Planning short on staff and a long list of projects in the pipeline, it may be some time before the Carroll Gardens rezoning can be completed. Residents are concerned that by that time, the character of the neighborhood will already have been lost. One controversial suggestion has been to link the rezoning of the neighborhood with that of the Gowanus Canal, allowing for taller buildings near the canal while maintaining the low-rise nature of Carroll Gardens.

Concrete Plant May Be Evicted

Monday, June 11, 2007 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Economic Development

The owner and employees of the Ferrara Brothers plant in Gowanus are beginning to fear eviction in the wake of the burgeoning development in the district. The concrete plant lies on an 11.5-acre, city-owned parcel of land that is slated for development into affordable housing. Proponents of the eviction plans claim the plant needs to be relocated in order to clean up the site, as well as to make room for new developments.

Park Slope Residents to Whole Foods: Get Green

Monday, June 04, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Environment

The new store that organic grocer Whole Foods Inc. is planning to build in Park Slope is not as environmentally sound as neighborhood residents would prefer it to be. The company is already at work cleaning up the site near the Gowanus Canal, yet residents are pushing Whole Foods to eliminate some of its planned parking and include a “green” roof in its designs: Whole Foods hasn’t responded to these requests.

Whole Foods in a Battle for Brooklyn

Friday, June 01, 2007 | Bloomberg.com | Topic: Environment

Whole Foods Market Inc., the organically themed chain grocer, is facing local community opposition over its plan to build a store between the Park Slope and Gowanus neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The thrust of criticism stems from a fear that the environmental cleanup at the site will simply push harmful contaminants into the ground, hurting the area water supply. In addition, some opponents object to the quantity of proposed parking spaces and the lack of environmentally friendly design, like a green roof or a community garden. The store complies with area zoning regulations and, therefore, does not require local community board approval.

City Officials Attempt to Address Community Goals in Planning Future of Gowanus

Sunday, April 29, 2007 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Land Use

In designing the rezoning for Gowanus, the Department of City Planning says it is attempting to find a consensus of priorities in the community around which it can develop its plan. Give sub-areas have been identified, two of which may be targeted for residential and mixed use development. They believe that development could target goals such as creation of affordable housing, clean-up of the canal, and encouragement of harmonious mixed uses where possible. However some critics believe that the Department of City Planning is not truly listening to the community and is just pushing its own agenda to benefit developers, as some question whether or not residential development should even be considered in some of the areas where it is proposed.

Community Input Offered during Discussion of Gowanus Rezoning

Friday, April 20, 2007 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Land Use

Brooklyn’s Community Board 6 hosted a land use community meeting in which Amanda Burden, head of the city’s Planning Department, and other top city officials listened to local community concerns and hopes for the coming rezoning of the Gowanus area. The blog Gowanus Lounge reports that the affair was “polite,” allowing for civil dialogue between the city representatives and the Brooklyn community. In particular, residents were interested in preserving the canal’s industrial history, providing waterfront access to encourage a vibrant canal, mitigating localized pollution issues, and establishing mixed-used development with a focus on affordable housing. A local organization, the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corp., applauded the city’s initiative to gauge community input in the rezoning process.

Luxury Hotel Among New Gowanus Developments

Thursday, April 19, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

Coming as a surprise to some, among the new development projects for Gowanus will be a luxury boutique hotel. The hotel, which is to be built on the former sight of a plumbing supply company, will have 48 rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop lounge. The developers expect to be able to take advantage of the views of Manhattan and the Statute of Liberty as well as lush hotel design and amenities to make the location a luxury destination. The hotel is scheduled to potentially open as soon as July 2007.

Are Measures to Deal with Environmental Contamination Sufficient?

Tuesday, April 10, 2007 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Environment

The method of choice to clean up sites contaminated with toxins such as Public Place in Gowanus is drawing some questions about its safety and long-term effectiveness. As reported by Gowanus Lounge, sites are often cleaned by removing top layers of contaminated soil and sealing the lower levels beneath a membrane, a process called “capping”. Costs are much lower than a full cleanup, but some question the process’ safety since little is known about the lifespan of the caps or the risks breakage and leaks.

A Clean Gowanus Canal: What Else Lies Ahead?

Sunday, April 08, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

With conditions improving at Gowanus Canal, developers have taken a second look at the land and have begun proposing projects with could include rezoning the area for commercial or residential use. The Department of City Planning is expected to meet with the local community board this month to decide the neighborhood’s future. Hopes are that future rezoning would allow residential construction to exist with industrial uses and potentially some park space. Difficulties in developing in the area include consistent drainage problems and a poor understanding of the full extent of land contamination.

Borough President Promotes Tourism in Brooklyn

Friday, March 30, 2007 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Economic Development

Speaking to joint community councils in southwestern Brooklyn, Borough President Marty Markowitz intimated that the major chain grocer Trader Joe's would come to Brooklyn in the near future. He also commented upon Brooklyn's increasing attraction to tourists because of the development plans occurring throughout the borough. In particular, Markowitz praised the new plans for Coney Island saying, "We want to preserve it for this and future generations." The president believes that adding a mix of retail, residential housing, commercial, and time-share space will achieve that objective. Markowitz also touted the entrance of an Ikea store in Red Hook, a Whole Foods Market in Gowanus, the redevelopment of the Albee Square Mall, and the Atlantic Yards Plan.

Developers Eye Gowanus Canal

Tuesday, March 13, 2007 | The Real Deal | Topic: Land Use

As Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal waits for a city rezoning, prominent real estate developers are buying parcels of land in anticipation. Two prominent developers, Boymelgreen and Toll Brothers, have already purchased large parcels along the canal, creating resistance to their arrival by some in the community. Considerations of Gowanus Canal's rezoning have been controversial to this point, highlighting the area's delicate land uses, industrial past, and environmental concerns. The city is currently in the framework stage of the process, dividing Gowanus Canal into five subregions (3 of which contain industrial uses) based upon analysis of the site's existing conditions. While Gowanus has not been as popular for residential construction as its neighbors Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, impending development will likely change the neighborhood's landscape.

City Plans for Gowanus; Community Board has Concerns

Tuesday, March 06, 2007 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Land Use

The city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has recently briefed many members of Community Board 6 on its plans to both remediate and redevelop a contaminated, 11.5-acre site in Gowanus, known as Public Place. The city proposed several possible uses for the area, which is located at the corner of Smith and 5 streets, including open space, affordable housing, senior housing, retail, and community facilities. Many members of the Community Board reacted skeptically to plans that they believed were "already decided upon." The city intends to hold another public forum by the end of the month, and release Request for Proposals to developers in the second quarter of 2007.

Whole Foods Market Denies Citizen Petition in Gowanus

Friday, February 23, 2007 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Environment

According to the blog Gowanus Lounge, the Whole Foods Market has denied a citizen petition to reconsider aspects of its construction plan for a 68,000-square-foot store in Gowanus at the corner of 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue. In particular, petitioners asked the company to minimize the size of its proposed 420-space parking garage as well as build a green roof on top of the store. The project is controversial for another reason, as well, because it is located on an environmentally contaminated site. Many believe that the store will not fully decontaminate the area before building at the location.

Clean-Up Plan for Gowanus Released

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Environment

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a plan for cleaning up 11-acres of city-owned land on a site known as the Public Place in Gowanus. Long unused, the parcel of land has been the subject of discussion between the DEC, the city, and local Gowanus residents and groups about possible redevelopment plans for the site. Once a location for a manufacturing gas plant, significant environmental worries remain about toxic residue left over in the area. A public meeting later this month will likely demonstrate the varied opinions about the feasibility of putting housing in the parcel.

Empty Land in Gowanus Set for Clean-up and Development

Sunday, February 11, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

An 11-acre plot near the Gowanus Canal known has Public Place has remained undeveloped since the 1950’s due to ground contamination from a gas plant which used to be located on the property. However, city officials are expected to meet with KeySpan and the Environmental conservation this month to discuss an agreement to cleanup the land and future development options, which may include housing, commercial space, or a public park. Individuals are divided on the best use for the site, with some favoring mixed-use development or affordable housing to take advantage of the publicly owned land, while others believe that the level of contamination should exclude residential development and that therefore a public park may be a better use of the space.

Gowanus Rezoning to Mix Affordable Housing and Retain Industy

Friday, February 02, 2007 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Land Use

A new rezoning plan for Gowanus introduced last week includes designations for affordable housing and retail use in what was traditionally an industrial area. In the proposal, Gowanus has been divided up into five sub-areas, all of which are being targeted for development. It is expected that three of the sub-zones will still contain industrial areas, even outside the Industrial Business Zone. The city must still conduct an environmental impact statement and no development has yet been planned. Residents stress that a proposal to clean the Gowanus Canal remains a top priority for the area.

Residents Weary of Whole Foods Store in Gowanus

Friday, February 02, 2007 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Environment

Plans by Whole Foods to construct a store in Gowanus at Third Street and Third Avenue has elicited negative responses from many Brooklyn residents, who fear that construction will create more environmental hazards than already exist on the plot. A group known as Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus has petitioned the Department of Environmental Protection to reject Whole Foods' attempt to build 80% of the store below ground. In addition to fears of clearing out contaminated soil, the group fears that building on that site will harm the local wetlands area, making the area vulnerable to flooding.

Proposal to Make Gowanus “Green”

Friday, January 26, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

The Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation (GCCD) has outlined a proposal that would revitalize the area, focusing on environmentally sensitive solutions for the long contaminated canal. The plan calls for a mix of local industry, retail, and residential uses, as well as a remodeling of the subway stop at Smith and Ninth street, a public market under the viaduct near the Lowe’s store, and “green” industries. GCCD likens their vision to the San Antonio Riverwalk, with an additional emphasis on residential development north of Third Street. The group is awaiting not only the response of the Department of City Planning but also local residents and groups.

Toxins at Gowanus Whole Foods Site Not a Threat

Monday, January 22, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Environment

The Department of Environmental Conservation has declared that toxins at the proposed Whole Foods site in Gowanus do not pose a health threat after completing a 2 ½ year investigation. The agency believes the cleanup plans adequately contain the risks. The cleanup plans calls for removal of tainted soil for up to 10 feet below ground level and a protective membrane around the foundation to prevent vapors from seeping into the store. Some opponents are still concerned that the cleanup plan does not go far enough to mitigate the danger.

Whole Foods Store Headed to Gowanus

Friday, November 17, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Economic Development

Brooklyn is set to be home of its first Whole Foods Market located at the corner of Third Street and Third Avenue. The store will be the first of its kind in New York City outside of Manhattan. Construction is expected to begin in February, and the store is expected to open in Spring 2008. While local officials cheer the store’s arrival, some are concerned about traffic-related issues.

Brooklyn Community Boards in Need of Professional Urban Planners

Friday, November 10, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Land Use

Brooklyn Community Board 6 Chair, Jerry Armer, and District Manager, Craig Hammerman, insisted this week that their community board, and others in Brooklyn, need urban planning expertise to sort through the complex development proposals that come to their attention. Both Armer and Hammerman believe that Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer, is right to argue for a reform package to provide each community board in Manhattan with a professional planner. Only Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz can argue for similar reform in Brooklyn.

A Grocery Store Grows In Brooklyn

Thursday, October 26, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

Whole Foods is planning a 68,000-square-foot store at Third Avenue and Third Street on the Gowanus end of Park Slope. The grocer plans to build a three-story, 430-car parking garage as part of the project. While area residents are concerned about the traffic impacts of the new store, the company says that the additional parking space will help mitigate the negative effects of additional vehicles in the neighborhood. The store is planned to open in spring 2008.

Checking-In Near The Gowanus Canal

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 | Brooklyn Downtown Star | Topic: Economic Development

A 115-room hotel has opened near the Gowanus Canal. With only 1,000 hotel borough-wide, city officials hope this is the beginning of a trend. The area just to the east of the hotel site, along 4th Avenue, has recently been upzoned for high-rise residential.

Finding Space For New Housing

Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Housing

A study commissioned by the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) proposes creating thousands of units of housing built on platforms above existing highways and rail yards. The study – which has not been officially released – has implications all over the city. A local Brooklyn paper discusses potential sites in that borough.

Private Development Cleaning the Canal

Tuesday, May 02, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Environment

A prominent developer, Shaya Boymelgreen, has recently increased his portfolio of land owned along a northern stretch of the Gowanus Canal, in Brooklyn, to include more than two contiguous acres, Ariella Cohen reports for the Brooklyn Papers. The developer plans to build a mixed use neighborhood called Gowanus Village on the land.

Bringing Park Slope to Gowanus

Monday, May 01, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

A powerful real-estate developer has bought the Jewish Press building near the Gowanus Canal — the latest in a series of moves that could transform the industrial area into a village of housing, stores, art galleries and waterfront esplanades.

Gowanus Surprise

Saturday, November 13, 2004 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

A local developer backed by an Israeli real estate development company plans to turn a contaminated site along the Gowanus Canal into 350 condominium and rental units, The Brooklyn Papers has learned.

A service of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at New York University

A capstone project of the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Feedback

Community District

All Projects

QUICK LINKS

Gowanus Development