On A Day Of Massive Flooding In Gowanus, Local Politicians Ask City To Evaluate Hydrological Impact Of Large Elevated Sites Like Lightstone Group's In Flood Prone Area

Rendering of proposed Lightstone Group's Project on shore of Gowanus Canal
image credit: Lightstone Group

It would seem appropriate that on a day that saw heavy rains and flash flooding in the Gowanus area, our elected officials sent a letter to City Hall to ask if the "potential for adverse hydrologic impacts upon surrounding properties resulting from re-grading of large sites within flood hazards areas" has fully been investigated.

In the letter addressed to Deputy Mayors Cas Holloway and Robert Steele yesterday , Councilmember Lander, Congresswoman Velázquez and State Senator Montgomery specifically mention the 12 story, 700-unit Lightstone Group's project at 363-365 Bond Street.

Lightstone intends to re-grade their building site by raising the site of the development by two feet at First Street to address FEMA's recently released post-Sandy Advisory Base Flood Elevations and to comply with changes to the Building Code.

Since the Gowanus Canal was originally engineered to drain the upland marshland surrounding the canal in order to keep water away from residences in Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, this change in hydrology raises serious concerns about flooding and drainage in the Gowanus area. It may mean more problems for nearby residents, who deal with flooded basements on an regular basis.

Lander, Velazquez and Montgomery are asking City Planning "if re-grading could-even in a limited set of circumstances- lead to such impacts, how will such impacts be evaluated?
For example, would the Department Of Buildings confer with the Department of Environmental Protection before approving building permits for a re-graded site in a flood hazard area, such as that planned for 363-365 Bond Street?"

Further, Lander, Velazquez and Montgomery believe that " it would be better to bring all stakeholders to the table to develop a comprehensive plan for the infrastructure, flood protection, and land use regulations needed for a safe, vibrant, and sustainable Canal area. We should seize this opportunity to create an innovative model for low-lying, mixed-use waterfront areas on a warming planet."

It is encouraging that our Electeds recognize the hydrological impact to surrounding areas if developers like Lightstone's are allowed to re-grade the Gowanus area.

We need a new hydrological study before any new development moves forward.

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Congresswoman Velázquez And FEMA Hosting Important Draft Flood Maps Forum Tonight

Thursday, April 4, 6:30 pm

FEMA Draft Flood Maps Forum

This is important information for Red Hook and Gowanus residents in particular and pertains to the just-released post-Sandy Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFE) flood maps.
Tonight, Congresswoman Velázquez hosting of meeting with FEMA and NYC on FEMA’s release odraft flood maps at Red Hook Miccio Center, 110 West 9th Street
According to a press release from Velázquez's office:

FEMA will explain its released Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFEs) to provide a better picture of current flood risk than the existing Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and the New York City’s Housing Recovery Office, Department of Buildings, the Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency and NYC Housing Authority will be there as well for breakouts and discussion. The meeting is of course free and open to the public.

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Columbia Waterfront Residents Get Opportunity To Meet New Red Hook Container Terminal's Stevedore

On February 9th, Columbia Waterfront residents will have the opportunity to meet with Phoenix Beverage Company, the new stevedore of the Red Hook Container terminal at a community meeting to "help build and maintain a good relationship between the port and its neighborhoods."

This past fall, the beverage distributor replaced American Stevedoring, Inc. (ASI) as the group responsible for operating the Red Hook Container Terminal on behalf of the Port Authority.

This meeting has been organized by the Columbia Waterfront Neighborhood Association (COWNA), Congressman Jerrold Nadler and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Councilmember Brad Lander, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Assemblywoman Joan Millman as well as Community Board Six.

The is an opportunity to talk with about building and maintaining a good relationship between the port and its neighborhoods.

Meet The New Stevedore!

Thursday February 9, 2012, 6:30 pm

Postgraduate Center for Mental Health

177 Columbia Street at Degraw Street

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Last Night At The Gowanus Canal CAG General Meeting

Gowanus Canal CAG Facilitator Jeff Edelstein

 Gardiner Cross of NYS Department Of  Environmental Conservation (DEC) 

New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery

Councilman Steven Levin

Last night's Environmental Protection Agency's Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group (CAG) gathered at the Brooklyn Historical Society for its monthly meeting. The evening's agenda included updates on the ongoing work done by the various CAG committees. 

-The Archeology Committee is planning a historic walking tour of the Gowanus Canal with EPA's Archeologist John Vetter this Friday. The tour will include such historically significant structures as the Coignet Stone building, the Carroll Street bridge, and the former site of Brouwer's Mill built in 1652. (I am taking part in the tour and will post about it afterwards.)

-The Water Quality and Technical Committees reported on a meeting they held recently with EPA's engineer for the Gowanus Canal, Christos Tsiamis.  The agency is planning to release its Feasibility study for the Gowanus Canal clean-up in December.

-Water Quality and Technical also reported about the presentation National Grid and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation gave to them last month regarding the proposed remediation at the heavily polluted former Citizens Gas Works MGP site on Smith Street between 5th Street and Huntington Street. 

At last night's meeting,  DEC's Gardiner Cross was asked to clarify some aspects of the clean-up plan. In particular, there was a concern about why the High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liner, which is meant to help manage storm water, is supposedly going to be installed 2 feet below grade on the site.  Surely, some CAG members argued, it would make more sense to install the liner deeper, especially if the City plans to build on the site. It would seem that the liner could easily be compromised by any digging on the site .  Cross promised that he will look into the possibility and will get back to the CAG with an answer. 

For further information on the remediation of the site, go to www.citizensmgpsite.com.

NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Councilman Steve Levin attended last night's meeting, as did representatives of Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez,  State Senator Daniel Squadron, Assemblywoman Joan Millman and Councilman Brad Lander.

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At Long Last, Victory For Red Hook And Columbia Street Waterfront Communities. Agreement To Bring Shore Power To Red Hook Cruise Terminal Reached

At a protest demanding end to idling cruise ship at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, January 2011

Good news! The New York Times just reported that a multi-agency agreement has been reached, which would supply cruise ships with shore power from specially built electrical port outlets at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook.

Currently, the ships dock for hours and sometimes days, continually burning diesel fuel to provide electricity onboard.

For more than two years now, Councilmembers Brad Lander and Steve Levin, State Senators Daniel Squadron and Velmanette Montgomery and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez have called for such a comprehensive shore power agreement. In January 2011, our local officials were joined by community organizations at the Red Hook Cruise terminal to demand an end to idling cruise ships and to the resulting pollution that chokes nearby residential neighborhoods.

Thank you to everyone who worked on getting this agreement. It will make a big difference right in our own community, but especially in Red Hook and the Columbia waterfront.

In a statement released earlier this morning, Senator Squadron stated:

"With this agreement to bring shore power to the cruise terminal, Brooklyn can finally breathe a little easier. The noxious diesel fumes that cruise ships in port have been spewing are bad for Brooklynites and bad for the environment. I have worked with Council Member Brad Lander, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, our colleagues in government and the entire community to advocate for an expedited agreement to implement shore power. I commend Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo, the Port Authority, the New York Power Authority, the Economic Development Corporation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Carnival Cruise Lines for working together to find this important solution."

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Local Politicians Start The New Year By Calling For Agreement On Shore Power For Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

On this clear, but cold first working day of the year, our local politicians gathered at the Red Hook Cruise Terminal with representatives from community associations to demand an end to idling cruise ships and to the resulting pollution that chokes nearby residential neighborhoods.

With the gargantuan Queen Mary 2 as a backdrop, Councilmembers Brad Lander and Steve Levin, State Senators Daniel Squadron and Velmanette Montgomery and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez called for comprehensive shore power agreement that would provide the necessary infrastructure to allow cruise ships docked in the harbor to plug right into an onshore electrical grid. Right now, the ships dock for hours and sometimes days, continually burning diesel fuel to provide electricity onboard.
According to the politicians, the money has been set aside to put the infrastructure in place, the Port Authority, Carneval Cruise Lines and the New York City Economic Development Corporation are all 'on board', but after two years of negotiations, a final agreement has yet to be signed. "It is a complex issues, but two years is too long." stated Councilman Lander.

Considering that a docked cruise ship running on diesel fuel puts out as much air pollution as 12,000 idling cars, two years is definitely way too long. As one Red Hook resident stated at the rally: " Why wasn't the infrastructure put in place when the cruise terminal went into operation in 2006?"

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Connect Neighborhoods By The B.Q.E.: An Invitation To A Community Design Workshop

The N.Y.C. Economic Development Corporation is hosting the first of three design workshops to improve the connection between Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and the Columbia Street waterfront .

The BQE Enhancement Project is a joint effort between New York City and our community to "improve the pedestrian environment between Atlantic and Hamilton Avenue."

The first workshop will take place on May 4th at Long Island College Hospital. During the session, designers will solicit advice and input from neighborhood residents.

Workshop 1

Tuesday, May 4th

6:30 Pm to 8:30 PM

Long Island College Hospital

Avram Conference Center

339 Hicks Street

Please RSVP at bqe@nycedc.com

The project is sponsored by Congresswoman Nydia Velàzquez and the New York City Department of Transportation.

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Cobble Hill Association To Host A Community Roundtable Meeting With Congresswoman Yvette Clarke

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke

Important Environmental Issue In Congresswoman Clarke's District:
The Gowanus Canal

The Cobble Hill Association will host roundtable meeting with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke on Monday, January 11th to discuss various issues pertaining to her district and will provide an opportunity for members of the community to take their concern directly to Congresswoman Clarke. The meeting will be free of charge and open to all.

I would like to thank the Cobble Hill Association and its president Roy Sloane for organizing the event.
I will certainly be in attendance. I believe that Congresswoman Clarke owes her constituents an explanation for her failure to take a stand on the proposed listing of the Gowanus Canal as a Superfund site. She has been tiptoeing around the issue for months claiming she is doing due-diligence. As opposed to Congresswoman Velázquez's strong pro-Superfund statement, Ms. Clarke's fence-sitting has been deplorable.

I had lengthy conversations with the Congresswoman's staff about this very important environmental issue and hope to have an opportunity to finally hear directly from Ms. Clarke.

Cobble Hill Association's Community Round-Table Meeting
with Congresswoman Yvette Clark

Monday, January 11th
7:30PM
Christ Church
326 Clinton Street
(at the corner of Clinton and Kane Streets)

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Congresswoman Velázquez: "Make The Right Decision And Designate Gowanus Canal A Superfund Site."

Thank You, Congresswoman Velázquez!

I am sure most of you have seen this op-ed piece by Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez which appeared in the Daily News Brooklyn section on Tuesday, but just in case you have not, I am posting it here.

Velázquez has been an outspoken supporter of the EPA Superfund designation for the Gowanus Canal. She was also the first representative who put in question the feasibility and funding sources for the City's Alternative plan.

In this op-ed piece she clearly asks for the Gowanus Canal to be listed.

(Hear that, Congresswoman Clarke?)

OP-ED: Gowanus needs Superfund status to ensure restoration

New York Daily News – Brooklyn Insert

December 8, 2009

by Rep. Nydia Velázquez

The Gowanus Canal has earned its place in the pages of Brooklyn history. First a creek and later expanding into a canal, it served as a hub for New York’s Industrial Revolution.

Even today, Gowanus stands at the core of local industry. It is an integral thread in the fabric of our community, and has been referred to as "the Jewel of Brooklyn."

Neighborhoods like Park Slope and Carroll Gardens could not have been built without its waters, which ferried wood, brick and brownstone from New Jersey and the Upper Hudson. With its location just steps away from the homes of thousands of New York families, it is critically important that we protect the canal and restore integrity to its waters.

Pollution within Gowanus is not a new problem. Brooklynites have been calling for its cleanup since the 1880’s and, by 1911, Mayor William Jay Gaynor activated a flushing tunnel.

Today, several suggestions have been made for its remediation.

One proposal by the Mayor’s office, which came to light after the EPA’s Superfund nomination, would use federal funding through the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). But those dollars are already vastly overextended.

In fact, the Army Corps of Engineers has a WRDA backlog of more than 1,000 projects, totaling $61 billion. Gowanus, if approved for WRDA funding, would go straight to the back of that 1,000 project line.

The canal wasn’t contaminated overnight, and it won’t be cleaned overnight, either.

In reversing decades of pollution, there is no such thing as a quick fix solution. At this point, the best thing we can do is identify a timely, effective plan moving forward--a plan that ensures a clean future for South Brooklyn, and requires polluting parties to pay their share of remediation.

That’s why I worked to secure funding for a study to identify methods for restoring the canal. And that’s why I am calling upon the EPA to designate Gowanus as a Superfund site.

The Superfund program was established as a means for cleaning the country’s most hazardous waste sites. Since its inception, it has helped restore many of our nation’s most polluted areas. With $1.89 billion in authorized funding for 2009, the Superfund budget dwarfs that of the Army Corps. And, unlike WRDA, EPA resources don’t depend on tax payer dollars alone.

Rather, the agency has the authority to recoup costs from polluters. That means the large corporations that contributed to Gowanus’s contamination will help pay for its remediation. That seems fair.

Despite its clear benefits, not everyone is in favor of Superfund status. Real Estate developers argue that the term "Superfund" carries too much of a stigma. They are worried that the name alone will curb consumers’ appetite for luxury condos in South Brooklyn.

But is a Superfund site, by any other name, less polluted? The fact of the matter is, Gowanus Canal is toxic--whether it’s deemed a Superfund or not. As New Yorkers, we need to be focused on restoring Gowanus and protecting Brooklyn families, not bickering over semantics.

With the comment period for Superfund status now closed, the EPA has an opportunity to complete its review. I urge the agency to make the right decision and designate Gowanus a Superfund site. Doing so will ensure the canal is cleaned up in a safe, timely, cost effective manner.

Brooklyn deserves no less.

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No Listing Announcement, But Lots Of Science (Sans Politics) At EPA's Informational Meeting Regarding Gowanus Canal

Team EPA Region 2

Walter Mugdan, EPA District 2 Director

Christos Tsiamis, Remedial Project Manager for the Gowanus Canal

Natalie Loney, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator

If many in the audience at P.S. 32 last night thought that the EPA was going to make a statement on whether the federal agency would list the Gowanus Canal as a Superfund site, no such announcement was made.
Right from the start, Walter Mugdan, EPA Region 2 Director, stated that there would be " no Aha! moment tonight. Instead, we will talk about the work already going on."

And for the first time, the community was able to listen to EPA's Region Two Team talk science and field work in regards to the heavily polluted Gowanus Canal without Mayor Bloomberg's politics muddying the water. And what a pleasure it was.

Regardless of the fact that the canal has not been listed yet, Mugdan explained that his team has the money and the legal authority without the listing to proceed with work "up to the step before placing a shovel into the ground." He added: "No one has asked us to stand down or slow down. The goal is to get the work going as quickly as possible."

Christos Tsiamis, Remedial Project Manager, gave a thorough presentation on the work currently underway and the various steps in the scientific field work which will be performed in the next few months.
Though much data already exists on the canal, the EPA will conduct further tests to evaluate human risk and the effects of the pollution on wildlife.
The field activity will include:

*A Bathymetric survey (measuring the various depths of the canal)

*Surface sediment sampling (EPA will sample the top 6 feet of the 10-12 feet of industrial sediment)

*Surface water sampling

*Air sampling

*Fish and crab sampling

*Sediment core sampling

*Sampling of CSOs and other outfalls ( measuring the contamination from the city's combined sewer overflow into the canal as well as determining the origin of over 200 pipes that lead into the canal)

*Groundwater sampling and water level measurements

Mr. Tsiamis concluded by saying that he had come to this country to study, had stayed and made New York City his home and sees his work on the Gowanus "as an opportunity to give back." As a public servant, he has the community's interest in mind. "We take this work very seriously."

Natalie Loney, Community Involvement Coordinator, gave information on the Community Advisory Group (CAG), a public forum for community members to present and discuss their needs and concerns related to the Superfund decision-making process. She also briefly discussed the difference between the Technical Assistance Grants (Tag) and the Technical Assistance Service For Communities (TASK) which both provide technical assistance and education to the community to explain and interpret EPA's reports, site conditions and proposed clean-up decisions.

During the presentation, the audience listened intently. It was clear from the questions directed at the EPA staff, that the community had done its homework and was amazingly well informed.
I would venture to say that most in the audience were firmly behind the agency's listing of the Gowanus Canal as a Superfund site. If there were any nay-sayers in the crowd, they did not speak up last night.

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez who was one of the first politicians to come out in support of the listing, receives a thunderous round of applause, when she said that this needs to be a transparent process. Later, when the merits of New York City's "modified Alternative Superfund Plan" were discussed, Nydia stated in no uncertain terms that the city did not have the money to undertake any thorough clean-up.

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, who also was an early supporter of the Superfund listing, expressed her complete confidence in the EPA and was cheered by the crowd.

Ultimately, it is up to the EPA's headquarter in Washington to make the final decision. One thing is for certain: there is ample scientific evidence that the Gowanus canal should be listed.
It remains to be seen if Mayor Bloomberg's politics and shameless lobbying against the Superfund designation will pollute what should be a scientific decision.

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Velázquez Urges Superfund Designation for Gowanus Canal And Newtown Creek

****News Flash****

“Securing a healthy environment for New York City families is the single most important factor in choosing a course of action for cleaning both the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek."

Nydia Velázquez

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez is the latest elected official to release a pro-EPA Superfund statement for the Gowanus Canal. By doing so, she joins fellow politicians

NYS Senators Daniel Squadron and Velmanette Montgomery, as well as Assemblywoman Joan Millman, who already openly support the Superfund listing of the dangerously polluted waterway.

My thanks goes out to Representative Velázquez, Squadron, Montgomery and Millman for putting the health of their constituents above all.

Lets hope that Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, still-Councilman Bill DeBlasio, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand will follow suite.

Read Velázquez's statement below:

Velázquez Urges Superfund Designation for Gowanus, Newtown

Says EPA Has Resources, Expertise to Clean Up Polluted Waterways

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) issued the following
statement today urging the Environmental Protection Agency to complete
its review and designate the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek as federal
Superfund sites:

“Securing a healthy environment for New York City families is the single
most important factor in choosing a course of action for cleaning both
the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek. Superfund designation will
thoroughly remove hazards and transform these waterways into a source of
pride for our community.

“Among the most contaminated sites in the country, the Gowanus Canal and
Newtown Creek have threatened the health of New Yorkers for long enough
and kept these neighborhoods from realizing their full potential. With
nearly three decades of experience, the EPA has the expertise and
resources to carry out a comprehensive remediation of these sites,
creating a safe place for New Yorkers to live and work. Through the
EPA’s help, these local treasures will become a revitalized waterfront
for the people of Brooklyn.

“The Superfund program establishes an equitable process for restoring
accountability and invigorating the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek.
What we have before us is a means to fully protect the well being of New
Yorkers, as well as ensure future growth and responsible development in
our neighborhoods.

“Efforts to transform Brooklyn’s waterfront have brought the community
together and have resulted in the many innovative projects underway.
Superfund designation will complement these efforts. By working together
we will fully restore both the functionality and beauty of these sites.”

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According To 'Crain's Insider', Patterson Is Last Hope For Gowanus Superfund Naysayers

Time To Send Letters To Governor Patterson???

Crain's New York published a very interesting article on the Gowanus Canal proposed Superfunding. It's entitled: "Gov Is Last Hope For Gowanus Builders."
(If link does not work, access article here)

It's a worthwhile read.

It describes Mayor Bloomberg's opposition to the listing of the waterway as a Superfund site and his political wrangling to convince the EPA that the city's questionable, more developer-friendly alternative plan is viable. So far, he has not been successful, though he personally called and lobbied Administrator Jackson, the head of the EPA in Washington.

The article also described the hesitation of some of our elected officials, namely Representative Nydia Velázquez, who has yet to issue a statement for the Superfund listing, though she seemed to be leaning for the designation.
Representative Yvette Clarke has been mostly absent from the debate.
Senator Schumer seems to be among the fence-sitters, while Bill de Blasio has been against it from the start. (I hope you will remember that when you go to the polls for the run-off election today)
Only Daniel Squadron, our State Senator has clearly expressed his preference for letting the EPA handle the clean-up.

Which leaves Governor David Paterson, who is, according to the article: "the last hope for Superfund opponents—led by developers who say banks won't finance their projects if the canal area gets Superfund status, which can linger for decades."

None of the political maneuvering by our elected officials has anything to do with environmental science, which should be the only criteria on whether the polluted canal is worthy of being placed on the list reserved for the most polluted sites in the nation.

To access the Crain's article, click here:

To contact Governor Paterson to ask that he support the community rather than to listen to Mayor Bloomberg and developers, write, phone or email :

David A. Paterson
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

518-474-8390

to email, click here

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Mark Your Calendar: EPA Update Meeting On Superfund On May 26th

The Waters Of The Gowanus Canal




Click Image To Enlage

As promised, Congresswomen Nydia Vélazquez and Yvette Clarke, together with Community Board 6, are bringing the EPA back to the neighborhood for a second informational meeting on the proposed Superfund Site designation of the Gowanus Canal.

Craig Hammerman, the District Manager for C.B.6 writes:

Greetings!

Congresswomen Velazquez and Clarke, together with the CB6 Executive and Public Safety/Environmental Protection/Permits&Licenses Committees, are pleased to host...

SUPERFUND FOR THE GOWANUS?
An informational update by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on a proposal to designate the Gowanus Canal and environs as a Superfund site.

Join us as we hear from EPA representatives directly to find out what a Superfund designation would mean for our community and learn more about the process used to make such a determination.

Meeting details, including a downloadable flyer for the event, are available by clicking here, or at the following link:
http://www.brooklyncb6.org/calendar/#26


Also, anyone wanting additional background on the Gowanus Superfund application, process, and directions for submitting public comment which is due by July 8, 2009, can click here, or visit the EPA website at the following link:
http://www.epa.gov/region02/superfund/npl/gowanus/


Best, Craig

Craig R. Hammerman
District Manager
Brooklyn Community Board 6
250 Baltic Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201-6401

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Regarding Gowanus Superfund Designation, Our Local Pols Are Showing Incredible Lack Of Leadership

From the moment it was made public that the E.P.A. had proposed the Gowanus Canal as a Superfund site, our local politicians have shown an incredible lack of leadership and an amazing disregard for their constituents' health. Pardon me for asking, but are they collectively committing political suicide?

Since Walter Mugden, of the US EPA stated at a public forum two weeks ago that the Gowanus Canal was so severely polluted that it easily fit the criteria to be included on their list of Superfunds, our politicians have been spinning this as a "complex issue" that needs careful consideration.

Now, truly, what exactly is there to consider?
It is all rather simple, I think.

Our city government has neglected the canal for decades and has contributed to its pollution by allowing raw sewage to flow into its waters every time it rains. That makes the city one of the canal's biggest polluters. There is a half-hearted clean-up attempt being proposed by the city, but it was never going to dredge the whole canal to remove toxic materials. Even if it wanted to, New York City doesn't have the money anyway to do a thorough job. Instead, Mayor Bloomberg, with the support of our (mostly absent) City Councilmember Bill DeBlasio, had the glorious idea of opening up the Gowanus Canal area for residential use and allowing individual developers to clean their building sites (uplands only) themselves. What a concept: bring entire families to the shores of a terribly polluted waterway and hope for the best! Now that is real advocacy for one's constituents.

The NYS Dept. Of Environmental Conservation wanted to do a more thorough clean-up, but realized that it was too big and complex of a job, so they reached out to the federal government and asked for help. I tend to think that someone at DEC had a conscience and realized that our politicians were going to put people's lives at risk by having them live in apartments next to an open sewer, so they wisely brought in the EPA.

According to Walter Mugden of the EPA, it only took his agency one of its tests to determine that the Gowanus canal met the requirements for a Superfund site. More were not needed after the first reading. Yes, it is extremely toxic, probably more so than residents even imagined.
The EPA has stepped forward and has promised a comprehensive clean-up.

Now, one would think that our elected officials would say "Thank You Very Much For Your Help" to the EPA, but that is not the case. Mayor Bloomberg immediately announced that his administration didn't need any &%^$#@ help from the EPA. Councilmember DeBlasio was a little more subtle, but stated that the Feds would "just get in the way" of a Gowanus Canal clean-up. He opined that "You don't want to drink out of it, you don't want to eat fish out of it, but it is not a danger to live near it."
Well thank you, Professor DeBlasio!

But DeBlasio must have had a moment of self doubt when he wrote a letter to Lisa Jackson of the EPA in Washington DC on April 22nd 2009 to ask:

" Is part of the basis of the proposed designation that people eat fish caught at the mouth of the canal? Is there a clear causal link between the canal sediment and levels of toxins in fish caught in NY Harbor? Is there any other predicted risk to the health of the residents or workers along the banks of the Gowanus under normal living or working conditions now?"

Maybe, Mr.DeBlasio should have asked EPA these questions a long time ago, before he advocated rezoning the area to residential.

And how about our other elected officials?
Just today, it was announced that the EPA had extended the 60 day public comment period by an additional 30 days after Councilmember deBlasio, Assemblywoman Joan Millman and Congresswoman Nydia Vélazquez requested more time to consider the risks to our citizens which have not concerned them until now.
Ms. Millman explains her request to EPA by stating: "This is a complicated situation, with a sad history of neglect and inactivity."
Exactly my point, Ms. Millman!
Had these officials reached out to the EPA when they first took office, the canal might be clean already.
Now they are dragging this out even longer. Funny that the community never received more time to comment on the Toll Brothers' spot-rezoning. That was a 'complex' issue as well.

It sure feels as though this community is fighting its own politicians. Silly me, all this time, I thought that they were representing us.
I have written off deBlasio, but I sure hope the others will get off the fence soon and follow their conscience. And that includes newly-elected NY State Senator Daniel Squadron and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.





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