Gowanus Residents Meeting to Create Development Plan

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As Gowanus transforms with major developments — from Whole Foods to luxury hotels to Lightstone Group’s 700-unit apartment complex and the EPA’s long-anticipated cleanup of the canal — local politicians are inviting residents to map out a vision for change in the area at a series of public meetings starting Monday, December 9. The blogger behind Pardon Me for Asking, which was the first to report on the upcoming events, said she doubted the public could have much influence over development, though, citing Mayor Elect Bill de Blasio’s longstanding support for the Lightstone project.

At the meeting, called by State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, State Assemblywoman Joan Millman, Council Member Steven Levin and Council Member Brad Lander, the Pratt Center for Community Development will present findings from previous invitation-only meetings. The goals of the series of meetings are to facilitate consensus, influence de Blasio’s thinking on the area, air a variety of viewpoints and, finally, outline a community-based plan for a “safe, vibrant and sustainable Gowanus area,” said Pardon Me For Asking.

The events will “tackle major questions,” said a story in DNAinfo, including “whether residential development should be allowed in the industrial neighborhood, how to protect Gowanus from flooding and how to preserve the area’s thriving manufacturing and artisanal businesses.”

The first meeting will take place at The Children’s School at 512 Carroll Street from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. What do you think should happen in the area?

Rendering by Lightstone Group via DNAinfo

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