Gowanus Group Proposes 'Sponge Park' to Soak Run-Off

The Gowanus Canal Conservancy unveiled a rendering of its proposed esplanade along the canal, adorably dubbed “Sponge Park” (you know, because it will absorb runoff that contributes to the sewage overflow problem). The above rendering, by local landscape architecture firm dlandstudio, is a view from Third Street looking north. The project assumes a 40-foot easement alongside the canal, consistent with waterfront access requirements elsewhere in the city. Like Williamsburg and Greenpoint, any rezoning of Gowanus would likely require public waterfront access and design standards so, for example, the street lamps and park benches are consistent along the entire esplanade. Gowanus presents a unique challenge because its crumbling bulkheads are expensive to replace and obtaining a waterfront permit is a complicated venture that has been one of many vexing issues for Whole Foods. The dlandstudio plan is interesting because, judging from the fast-moving slide show on their website, the waterfront is lined with retention basins and filtration systems that would prevent some runoff from pouring directly into the canal—although the main source of oily runoff is the Gowanus Expressway that looms above, creating grotesquely beautiful swirls of color the day after a long-awaited rain. Yum. The Conservancy will be hosting its public presentation April 21, 6:30 p.m. at P.S.58, 330 Smith Street at the corner of Carroll Street.
Gowanus Photo Gallery [Brownstoner]
DOB Puts Partial SWO on Whole Foods Site [Brownstoner]