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

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

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.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business