GCC Findings

The most important finding for me was the extensive pollution the canal has faced. From late 1800’s when a coal burning factory (supplying the MTA) dumping their garbage, the sewage waste entering the canal to the cement factory (until recently) washing their trucks and having the run-off water enter the canal. A continuous pollution of the area will take years and years to restore a clean and safe environment for the people leaving in the area.

A second unexpected finding was the rezoning of the surrounding area. Allowing a zoning change from commercial to residential is a testament to the gentrification of Brooklyn. Allowing a low-income housing building to be erected “40 feet” from the canal was very surprising. Seeing the advertisement on the gate surrounding the construction site depicted the canal water as a serene “tropical” looking color, when the reality is that the contamination will remain in the soil for many years to come.

My last important finding was the extent Whole Foods has gone to be the most environment conscious company in the area of GCC. Their combination of solar energy, wind turbines, a greenhouse atop the store and their continuous commitment to the community has made their store “The greenest supermarket in NY State”.  The use of permeable pavement was also an important step in assisting with the prevention of run-off water entering the canal. These findings have taken an interest to me as how to implement them my QueensWay project proposal.