Originally settled by the Dutch in the 1640s, Gowanus Canal became an industrial center in the early 1800s. However, the rise of container shipping in the 1970s led to the decline of larger businesses, replaced by smaller enterprises. Despite this shift, the canal's notorious pollution issues date back to the 1880s, attracting persistent community advocacy for a comprehensive cleanup. Today, local activists are focused on reviving the canal's health and its surrounding environment, sparking discussions about urban renewal and ecological restoration.
Gowanus Canal, once a hub for heavy industry, transformed into a site of pollution and neglect, spurring local activists to push for its cleanup.
Developers initially flocked to Gowanus Canal for industrial opportunities but left in the 1970s as containerized shipping rendered it less viable.
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