Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation - GCCDC

The Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation (GCCDC) is a not-for-profit neighborhood preservation organization that was formed in 1978 to revitalize the communities of South Brooklyn, with particular emphasis on the geographic area surrounding the Gowanus Canal. GCCDC’s neighborhood efforts are focused in the areas of housing, the environment, and commercial and social development.
The Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation has been an active participant in South Brooklyn for twenty-four years. In 1978, community leader Buddy Scotto and elected officials gave purpose to the effort to clean and develop the Gowanus Canal and environs by establishing the GCCDC as a not-for-profit entity. Our dedication to improving the neighborhoods surrounding the Canal is made evident by the remarkable rebirth of the Canal itself which now supports wildlife and recreational use, the restoration of residential property, and the revitalization of Court Street as a viable commercial strip. The GCCDC’s history in housing development dates back to the late 1970’s. We have extensive experience in converting dilapidated industrial buildings into affordable apartments and housing for the elderly. The commitment of the GCCDC and its board members to rebuild the neighborhood’s housing stock has breathed new life into the community.
Environmental issues have been at the foundation of the GCCDC’s objectives. The GCCDC successfully leveraged $478 million in funds to reactivate the Gowanus Flushing Tunnel and construct the Red Hook interceptor sewer treatment facility. The Flushing Tunnel has played an integral role in the environmental restoration of the Gowanus Canal, and GCCDC continues to pursue activities that will revitalize the Canal and its adjacent waterfront properties. As a result of these continuing efforts, the stagnant waters of the Gowanus Canal are again flowing, thereby attracting new life to the Canal.
The GCCDC hopes to build upon these successes by developing a working plan for the entire Gowanus Canal area, in collaboration with the local community. The rebirth of lower Court Street is a source of pride for the GCCDC. In 1995 we actively began to develop programs to assist small business owners, and created the Court Street Merchants Association. Every year GCCDC organizes and sponsors the Court Street “Summer Fest” street fair to promote the local merchants and engage the entire community.