Parking Spaces Give Way to Stormwater-Collecting Dumpsters in Gowanus

A project proposal from Alloy Development and the Gowanus Canal Conservancy makes creative use of space to achieve stormwater benefits in the neighborhood surrounding the Gowanus Canal.

1 minute read

June 21, 2016, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Gowanus Canal

The Gowanus Canal, located in Brooklyn. | Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

"A developer wants to install six dumpsters filled with dirt and plants in parking spaces around Gowanus this summer," reports Lauren Gill. Alloy Development, the developer behind the project, promises the dumpsters "will help soak up rainwater to keep it from flooding the canal…"

Gill notes a snarky response to the proposal from residents of the neighborhood, who express surprise at a developer proposing something other than luxury condos. The Transportation Committee of Community Board 6 has already approved the proposal, which would "install six 11-foot-long, 4-feet-6 tall dumpster gardens across the nabe…" Each of the installations would take up two parking spots and can absorb 2,000 gallons of water.

Alloy Development is partnering with the Gowanus Canal Conservancy on the project. One of the hopes for the project is that the dumpsters improve the smell of the canal until federal workers can complete a larger canal cleanup project.

Monday, June 20, 2016 in Brooklyn Paper

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

30 minutes ago - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

2 hours ago - The Washington Post

Bird's eye view of studio apartment design.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet

With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.

4 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive