Help Place The Gowanus Canal Corridor On The National Register Of Historic Places

Linda Mariano of FROGG

Friend, activist and Gowanus resident Linda Mariano is one of the co-founders of Friends and Residents Of the Greater. FROGG is a grass roots organization that is dedicated to promoting the history and preserving the unique character of the Gowanus. The group helped to designate the Gowanus Canal a Superfund site.

In the last few months, FROGG has been working to place the Gowanus Canal Corridor on the National Register of Historic Places as an Urban Industrial District and is currently seeking funds to accomplish this goal.

Linda writes:

Designating the Gowanus as an Urban Industrial District will help

*preserve the buildings, structures, places, and open spaces for adaptive re-use (new

light industrial, residential, and recreational)

*preserve the landmarks and architecturally significant structures for future generations

*preserve the natural and industrial beauty of the Gowanus

*protect the Gowanus Canal Corridor from overdevelopment.

In addition, owners of historic commercial and rental properties listed on the National Registermay qualify for a preservation tax credit.

The major prerequisite for this designation will be to conduct a survey by a certified architectural historian of the significant buildings, other structures, and scenic vistas of the Gowanus Corridor. The anticipated outcome of the survey will provide justification that the Gowanus possesses a concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites to make up an historically significant

industrial district.

FROGG recently received a $10,000 grant from the Elizabeth R. and Robert A. Jeffe Preservation Fund for New York City, with the provision that a match of $10,000 be obtained within one year. FROGG is now seeking donations for this matching fund. FROGG is a 501(c) (3) not for profit organization. Any contributions made are fully tax deductible.

If you would like to contribute to this matching fund please make a check payable to FROGG and send to:

Linda Mariano, 393 President Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231.

Your generosity and commitment will help ensure the heritage of the Gowanus for the present and future generations.

Please support FROGG's efforts and help protect Gowanus' unique industrial history.