ULI states 4,000 public housing tenants live in Gowanus. It notes they tend to be lower-income, older, and having higher rates of asthma and other chronic diseases compared with the general population. The US Census Bureau reports 25% to 50% of Gowanus residents live below the poverty level.

Urban heat islands particularly affect the poor and underserved populations, as most do not have air conditioning and are vulnerable to heat-related health problems.

In addition, the report points out that extreme heat increases energy demands, air conditioning use, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution.

“Offsetting the impacts of this UHI phenomenon should be a high priority during any redevelopment plan for Gowanus,” says TAP chairman, James Lima, president of James Lima Planning + Development. “Gowanus faces a series of complex challenges ranging from UHI effect to Superfund site toxicity, and poor air quality, among other public health concerns. The anticipated rezoning process presents a timely opportunity to coordinate and implement numerous important measures that can help ensure the health and vitality of Gowanus residents for years to come.”

ULI NY Chairman Marty Burger, CEO, Silverstein Properties, commends the ULI NY TAP process for bringing together land use experts who provided advice and solutions on a volunteer basis. Burger also commends the process for including residents to share their concerns and ideas on making neighborhoods more livable.