The Municipal Art Society of New York is bringing back Jane’s Walk NYC, which is part of “a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by urban activist Jane Jacobs,” with tours happening in all five boroughs this weekend. See the tours happening in Greenpoint and Williamsburg:
Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.:
Join author of ” The Rise and Fall of the Sugar King” Geoffrey Cobb as he explains the history of the Domino plant, which was the largest sugar refinery in the world and the linchpin in the “Sugar Trust.” The tour focuses on the brutal conditions for the thousands of workers who toiled and died working in the landmarked building now undergoing a controversial luxury renovation.
Saturday at 11 a.m.:
Rezoning Brooklyn: “Where’s Our Park?!”:
Written into the rezoning of the Williamsburg-Greenpoint’s waterfront was a promise of a park. Ever since area residents have steadily chanted; “Where’s Our Park?!”
Join Lynn del Sol, a native New Yorker and twenty year resident of the area, in a discussion about the rezoning North Brooklyn’s waterfront and what happens when city government, private interest, and community residents duel over two miles of land.
From Industry to Luxury: A Walk through Greenpoint’s Industrial Legacy:
For over 150 years, North Brooklyn was a powerhouse of manufacturing. Today many of Greenpoint’s former industrial sites have given way to luxury towers. Building on North Brooklyn Neighbors’ environmental justice program documenting this industrial legacy, we will tour surviving artifacts of Greenpoint’s industrial past, see how it has been transformed in this century, and consider the environmental issues that lie beneath.
Saturday at 3 p.m.
From Industry to Luxury: A Walk through Williamsburg’s Industrial Legacy:
For over 150 years, North Brooklyn was a powerhouse of manufacturing. Today many of Williamsburg’s former industrial sites have given way to luxury towers. Building on North Brooklyn Neighbors’ environmental justice program documenting this industrial legacy, we will tour surviving artifacts of Williamsburg’s industrial past, see how it has been transformed in this century, and consider the environmental issues that lie beneath.
Design and Nature at the Naval Cemetery Landscape:
Come learn about and experience the award-winning design and native flora habitat of the 1.7-acre Naval Cemetery Landscape on the site of the former Naval Hospital Cemetery at the Brooklyn Navy Yard from its landscape architect and horticultural specialist. Be immersed in its tens of thousands of native plants and pollinators along the elevated meandering boardwalk, along the stepping stones, and in the Sacred Grove and Memorial Meadow.
Sunday at 11 a.m.
Join us for a thorough tour through Greenpoint Brooklyn to witness and discuss a number of key environmental issues from the largest underground oil spill, the Superfund cleanup of Newtown Creek, and the City’s largest sewage treatment plant. The tour will begin at the McCarren park Demonstration Garden and conclude at Kingsland Wildflowers, a 24,000 sq foot green roof on the shores of Newtown Creek. Please wear sturdy shoes; 2.5 miles total.
Sunday at 1 p.m.
Rezoning Brooklyn: A Waterfront Story:
After a decade-plus in the making, modern-day Greenpoint can be seen rising along the East River. Join Lynn del Sol, a native New Yorker and twenty year resident of the area, in a discussion about rezoning North Brooklyn’s waterfront and what happens when city government, private interest, and community residents duel over two miles of land.
Sunday at 1 p.m.:
Medicinal Tree Walk in McCarren Park:
Greening Greenpoint is teaming up with local herbalist Maya Robinson for a medicinal tree walk through McCarren Park. We will take a closer look at the park and street trees we walk by every day in our city and explore their amazing healing properties and the medicines that can be made from them. We will also learn to ground ourselves with a tree meditation.