Tag: gowanus-canal

It’s a small, small world: Meet the microbes cleaning up the Gowanus Canal

gowanus canal sludge microbes

Apr. 17, 2025 By Kirstyn Brendlen The bottom of the Gowanus Canal is not, strictly speaking, a hospitable environment.  It’s covered in a thick layer of contaminated sediment, the product of more than 150 years of industrial pollution and combined sewer overflow. The toxic sludge, nicknamed “black mayonnaise, is packed with coal tar, heavy…

As Gowanus rezoning takes shape, locals move to form BID to protect biz, longtime residents

gowanus canal development

Nov. 25, 2024 By Kirstyn Brendlen Three years after the Gowanus rezoning was formally approved, its impacts are sweeping through the neighborhood. Construction is underway at dozens of sites across the neighborhood and some all-new buildings have already topped out and filled with tenants.  But the rezoning included more than just new residential buildings.…