The Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group’s Land Use Committee met on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the offices of the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, at 232 3rd Street.
CAG Members present:
David Briggs
Katia Kelly
Louis Kleinman
Steve Marcus
Andrea Parker
Peter Reich
Brad Vogel
Maryann Young
Susan Yung
Guests:
Diana Gruberg
Terri Thomson (National Grid)
Item 1
Brad drafted a resolution for the CAG to request the entirety of the former 5th Street turning basin (located at the east side of the Third Avenue bridge) to be excavated during the course of the Superfund cleanup. The turning basin aligns with the 4thStreet turning basin directly south of Whole Foods on the west side of the bridge.
Action
Dave suggested adding a map and clarification on the turning basin’s location to the resolution. It was decided that Brad, Andrea, and Mike of Riverkeeper will contact Christos Tsiamis of the EPA about the following:
a) How did EPA arrive at an excavation length of 25’, as currently planned?
b) How many borings were done and where? What were the results?
All agreed that since there is an ecological benefit for restoring the full length of the original turning basin, a strong case could be made to excavate it under NRDA requirements.
Item 2
Temporary pool location. It was suggested that the private swim school opening on Degraw Street could be an option since it provides year-round access.
Action
None required since National Grid is evaluating several options.
Item 3
Andrea presented Gowanus Canal Conservancy’s Lowlands Master Plan. There was a discussion about the importance of habitat diversity.
Action
Based on committee feedback, GCC will amend plan to include more habitat and clarify some of the information it contains.
Item 4
Louis asked for a status update on safe access to and egress from the canal.
Action
None required. A resolution has already been passed by the CAG and this topic was included, at the Gowanus Dredgers’ request, in Gowanus by Design’s zoning strategies submitted to DCP.