We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed a healthy and happy wind-down to 2025.
The Gowanus Oversight Task Force (GOTF) is a diverse and representative group of community volunteers that help advance a more just, inclusive, and resilient Gowanus. For the past three years, GOTF members have advocated proactively and collaboratively with NYC agencies to advance timely and equitable implementation of the commitments detailed in the 56 Points of Agreement (POA) outlined in the Gowanus Neighborhood Plan.
Thank you, GOTF members, for your hard work in 2025! (applause!)
In 2025, our top wins were...
1. The Opening of New Public Spaces
300 linear feet of new pedestrian walkways and plazas along the Canal were permitted for construction.
Arts Gowanus worked with the Department of City Planning (DCP) and developers to commission local artists to produce public art for these new Waterfront spaces.
2. The Construction of New and Affordable Artist Studios and Housing
Construction of thousands of units in Gowanus with 1,223 permanently affordable* apartments completed or in development.
First six subsidized artist studios are now open and in use at 420 Carroll Street, with more than a total of 100 planned.
Construction of Kay’s Place 100% affordable housing is complete, and the housing lottery is now open.
3. The Reopening of the Gowanus Houses Community Center
NYCHA Gowanus Houses Community Center opened after approximately 20 years of being closed.
1. Advancing the Remediation and Construction of Gowanus Green
Gowanus Green is a planned 955-unit, 100% affordable, mixed-use development that will include a new public school and a waterfront park.
All Gowanus Green commitments are on hold until National Grid and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) resolve a dispute about the environmental remediation plan.
GOTF will convene a public meeting in Q1 of 2026 to address the community discussion about the site's remediation plan and pressure agencies to present more information and progress towards a resolution.
2. Advancing Sewer Improvements
Updates to the sewer system, including planned improvements to the Bond–Lorraine sewer, will mitigate flooding risks and further contamination from combined sewer overflow (CSO).
GOTF seeks data from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to monitor the implementation of the Unified Stormwater Rule (USWR) to verify its impacts reducing CSO.
GOTF will work with DEP to advance sewer upgrades and ensure implementation of the USWR.
3. Tracking NYCHA Renovations
NYCHA Comprehensive Modernization renovations are underway at Gowanus and Wyckoff Houses after being delayed for over a year.
GOTF will continue to monitor progress and support public housing residents to advance renovations at Gowanus and Wyckoff Houses.
4. Establishing the Gowanus BID
The City continues to support community efforts to create a Gowanus Business Improvement District (BID) focused on supporting local businesses & residents, advocating for a more resilient neighborhood, and creating thriving waterfronts, parks and streets.
For the updates of the status on every POA click here.
Announcements
Starting this last quarter, WXY Studio was hired to be the new Gowanus Oversight Task Force facilitator. WXY is here to support members with administration, organizing, and City agency coordination.
Want to join a committee?
The Task Force has a total of five committees that meet on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. They include:
Housing
Sustainability + Resiliency
Open Space + Waterfront Access
Economic + Workforce Development
Public Infrastructure
We invite members of the Gowanus community to join GOTF in our work to secure community benefits for our neighborhood. If you’re interested, please email info@gowanustaskforce.net to learn more.
Happy new year from the Gowanus Oversight Task Force!
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Gowanus Oversight Task Force 621 Degraw St Brooklyn, NY 11217 USA
