Following the rezoning of the Gowanus Canal Neighborhood, local stakeholders decided to create a new and ambitious Business Improvement District. Under the leadership of the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, developers, community organizations, government and residents allied to create an organization with a steady funding stream to ensure a quality public space, parks maintenance, and the protection and improvement of the ecosystem of the Gowanus itself.

Over the next ten years, almost 10 million square feet of new residential and commercial space will be added to the area. Gowanus will additionally see big investments in public space over the next few years. This includes both approximately 12 acres of waterfront esplanades developed on private properties, and approximately 6 acres of new public parks on top of CSO tanks and planned for Gowanus Green. Together, these can become a cohesive and vibrant 30 acre network of parks centered on the Gowanus Canal. We are mindful that a coordinated approach to the maintenance and programming of existing and future waterfront esplanades, parks, streets, and other public spaces is necessary to ensure the long-term care, accessibility, and vibrancy of this network and the public realm.

Town Square is the partner Gowanus Canal Conservancy chose to help steer them through the creation of the BID. It is a privilege to work alongside this wonderful organization to ensure the success of the goals of the future Gowanus BID.

Community-driven place-making in Gowanus that centers public art, biodiversity, and resilient history of the neighborhood
Consistent maintenance for all open spaces, including existing and new parks; waterfront esplanades; and streetscapes and street ends
A resilient and sustainable future for Gowanus

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A vision of the future public Gowanus waterfront.

Land use in the newly rezoned Gowanus

Proposed public spaces and their classification for Gowanus

Typology of the “street ends”

Detail of “street ends”