I’d like to pitch around one of if not the most polluted canals in our nation- that by the name of the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn. Once located in an industrial area where factories were located and polluted the water ways, the canal has long contained chemicals and heavy metals that are poisonous to humans. A great renovation has taken place, but so has rezoning for residential housing, which some in the community have no taken kindly of. Groups such as VoiceOfGowanus have made clear stances against the desire to develop an 82-block zone of 3000 affordable units in the neighborhood- which opposers say would have people living on poisoned land- which is still a danger to future inhabitants.

Part of my research and contribution to the story will be collecting opinions from blogs, contacting organization members such as VoiceOfGowanus and contacting any institution/ organization with influence in the area for their opinion on the proposed housing developments in the area. I’ll present points of interest from both sides, and the data collected showing the dangers for possible residents.