Gowanus, Carroll Gardens residents question big development plans

As details emerge from Toll Brothers’ big planned development along the Gowanus Canal, residents are questioning whether the plan is environmentally sustainable and how the surrounding neighborhoods could absorb so many new residents. Because of flooding problems, Toll Brothers wants to build a 12-foot high hill above the canal, which some residents deride as an “open sewer.” During storms, combined sewer overflows dump sewage into the canal. Along with the contaminated Public Place site in Carroll Gardens, the planned developments would add 1,600 housing units. Toll Brothers has angered residents by calling for the canal area to be upzoned before a wider Gowanus rezoning happens.