I thought this article was significant because of the high hopes that this area has even though it’s one of the most contaminated bodies of water in the country. Bridging Gowanus, a nonprofit organization, has a blueprint for manufacturing and commercial areas, as well as affordable housing. After checking out Bridging Gowanus’s website, they seem to have a good plan for what is necessary to create a sustainable neighborhood in which all types of people can afford to live there, such as strengthening the manufacturing sector within the neighborhood, so the people can live and work in the same area. But as waterfront areas become more and more popular, I think it is more likely that it will become an area for tourists and young hipsters, as Williamsburg did. I have generally noticed this trend of neighborhood near a body of water being places of high interest for luxury and tourist development, such as Williamsburg and Hudson Yards.
The biggest problem with this area developing is that the slow cleanup is hindering the growth of the area. The EPA might run out of funds to clean up the area due to proposed budget cuts. Also, organizations who were responsible for polluting the area has not yet paid the requisite funds. The environment of Gowanus Canal was really neglected, and now it’s paying a price for it. This really highlights the necessity of putting environmental factors and effects into consideration when projects are being proposed.
Sugar, Rachel. “Gowanus Has Potential to Become the ‘Venice’ of Brooklyn, Experts Say.”Curbed NY. Curbed NY, 29 Dec. 2016. Web. 10 May 2017.
Warerkar, Tanay. “EPA’s Gowanus Canal Cleanup Will Move Forward despite Budget Cuts.” Curbed NY. Curbed NY, 31 Mar. 2017. Web. May 2017.
