Bette Stoltz, president of the South Brooklyn Local Development Corporation, began a campaign in 1984 that culminated with a 12-year rebuilding campaign and brought Smith Street and Boerum Hill back to life.
Neighborhoods
Brooklyn Heights
Considered to be the first suburb in America, Brooklyn Heights boasts the greatest views of lower Manhattan and brownstone mansions that rival anything on Fifth Avenue.
Carroll Gardens
Charles Carroll, a Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence who never lived in Brooklyn, is honored with Carroll Street, Carroll Park, and finally, Carroll Gardens.
Cobble Hill
Originally named Ponkiesbergh by the Dutch farmers who settled the cobblestoned area in the 1600’s, the neighborhood gained its present name, Cobble Hill, from a variation of the English translation, Cobles Hill.
DUMBO
Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass – DUMBO for short – is the new art mecca of New York City. Brooklyn Bridge Park begins its Waterfront run and has turned DUMBO into a Brooklyn playground.
Gowanus Canal
How did a Superfund site end up in South Brooklyn? Originally a series of tidal creeks, the native Americans named it Gowanes Creek in honor of Chief Gowanes of the Canarses tribe, who lived, hunted, and fished along its length.
Park Slope
Grand Army Plaza, the northern entrance to Prospect Park, is of special interest to Civil War enthusiasts with the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch, a colossal granite Arc de Triomphe.
Red Hook
Today’s Red Hook is much smaller than its original boundaries. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Red Hook point was a shipping destination and is today the home of Fairway grocery store.