Sauly Betesh, Renée Esses, Morris Hedaya, Tzivia Kleinbart, Josh Setton and Rachel Tawil
When the six of us set out on our Gowanus non-pod podwalk, we had a pretty good idea of what we were going to see (especially since Renée and Rachel had gone on a Gowanus pod walk before). But it was still striking to see the change in the neighborhood as we moved closer to the Canal:
Section I: Union Street from Grand Army Plaza to 5th Avenue
Walking down Union Street, besides for the many brownstone buildings that we saw, there were many businesses that support good health.
Some of these include a pharmacy, yoga, a bike-shop, a Laundromat, Park Slope Medical and Wellness Center, supermarkets with organic selections and a gym.
However, we also noticed construction workers on the street and some garbage, which could have a negative impact on residents’ health.
Section II: 5th Avenue to Nevins Street
After we passed 5th avenue, the buildings were generally not brownstones any more. There were fewer businesses that supported health. By the fourth avenue corner, there were places to get tacos, falafel, pizza and deli- all unhealthy. However, we still saw an eye doctor bike shop, martial arts place and organic juice place.
Section III: Union Street Bridge
Walking over the Gowanus Canal, we were shocked at how green the water was and how much garbage we could see in it. We also noticed lots of buses on the sides and around the canal, which would contribute to the pollution. However, we couldn’t smell anything, probably because it was so cold.
Section IV: Carroll Street Bridge
While we were on the Carroll Street Bridge, it seemed to be low tide and we could see algae on the walls of the water. If high tide was 3 feet higher, the banks of the canal would hold, it just might be really close to the edge.
The Lovely Air of the Gowanus
Some Nice Brownstones
Health and Wellness before the Canal
Some less-than-nice Brownstones
Fast Food near the Canal
…More Fast Food
