Brooklyn's Progress
April 2003

By Brooklyn Borough Hall

At long last, site work began the week of March 2 that will lead to the clean-up of Public Place, a long-blighted brownfield in Carroll Gardens.  Borough President Markowitz, Assemblymember Joan Millman, Councilman Bill de Blasio, community residents and Keyspan Energy joined together at the site to announce this historic development.

The 8-acre site, located between Smith Street, Fifth Street and the Gowanus Canal, has stood largely unused since it was used as a gas plant from approximately 1858 through the mid-1950’s.  Development has been hindered by the finding of contaminants.

Following the urging from public officials, including Borough President Markowitz, Councilman de Blasio, and Assemblymember Millman, Keyspan has agreed to pay for the first phase of the site’s clean-up – an environmental remedial investigation.  Measurement work on the site began on Monday, March 3, and removal of debris to permit the assessment to go forward began on Monday, March 10. 

A number of interesting ideas for future uses for the site have been suggested, from affordable housing to a senior center.