Japan’s “Big U” implemented!!!

Very interesting article!!!!

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/35d608bb1ebe4766b33146e39b6044ba/japan-opts-massive-costly-sea-wall-fend-tsunamis

NYC should implement this with new developments

see link below with additional information

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/20/france-decrees-new-rooftops-must-be-covered-in-plants-or-solar-panels?CMP=share_btn_fb

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.

Gowanus Canal Conservatory Site Visit

I had no previous knowledge of the severity the Gowanus Canal is facing.  Taking this tour and learning of its past history has empowered me to realize the many issues the canal presents to the surrounding community. The canal has been polluted for over 150 years by the various surrounding businesses and run-off water. Having the tour guide explain that the ground itself is polluted over 5 feet under, I can’t imagine how such a clan u can be reached to one day have clean (safe) water.

The pollution came from run-off water and multiple businesses such as: a coal company, a cement, human waste and uncontrolled dumping. The EPA has called the site a Superfund and has allocated over $500 million dollars for its cleanup. The Gowanus Canal Conservatory is assisting in transforming the surrounding street along the canal to prevent run-off water to enter the canal by planting green spaces, trees and plants. The Whole Foods store has implemented various energy saving technologies; such as solar panels, wind farms and a greenhouse atop the store. Rezoning has allowed new building developments along the canal and surrounding businesses are more conscious of their impact; such as the cement company not washing their trucks on premises so the runoff water does not enter the canal.

Answer to Q1:  More business investment, government spending and more exports will not be able to increase fast enough or could lead to overpass consumer spending, which constitutes the largest part of the economy.

Answer to Q2:

US had a 70% consumer expenditures of the GDP in comparison of Canada’s 56.4%
US investment was lower by almost 3% in comparison to Canada
US net exports were -4.5% for the 10 years and close to 7% lower than Canada
US government expenditures were close to 4% lower than Canada

Overall US was lacking in 3 out of 4 sectors to Canada, only showing bigger Consumer expenditures.