Gowanus Seeks Local Stakeholders To Provide Oversight

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — Local residents are being summoned to help make sure the Gowanus Rezoning stays true to its commitments.

As part of the rezoning plan for the 82 blocks in Gowanus, the city agreed to establish an independent oversight task force to ensure that major components of the plan are adhered to, especially the 56 Points of Agreement, which outline pledged community investments.

Last month, officials announced the facilitator for the task force.

This month, they are looking for you, dear reader, to join in the fun task of oversight.

Local stakeholders are being encouraged to apply to join the task force as founding members, the application reads, "to help ensure a more just, inclusive, and resilient Gowanus."

Details are scant, but the announcement says that members will participate in "at least three" public meetings each year, and will serve on committees directly alongside city agency representatives and other experts and stakeholders.

The announcement describes the task force as a "unique opportunity to build a collaborative platform, one that encourages a trustworthy, frank, and continuing discourse and could become a standard for future rezonings."

That should be music to any civic-minded ears across Brooklyn.

To apply, click here and apply by Nov. 30.