Carroll Gardens/Gowanus Has Lost An Enormous Community Advocate: Linda Mariano

It is with the greatest sadness that we at CG CORD write of the passing of community advocate and activist, Linda Mariano.  CORD worked alongside with Linda Mariano on various community issues in both Carroll Gardens and Gowanus over the years. We will so much miss her.  Linda's courage to speak truth to power as well as her warmth and zest for life made a deep imprint on us. Linda was a tour de force in our community who worked tirelessly as well as unselfishly on our community's behalf.

Linda Mariano of FROGG and Gowanus Landmarking Coalition

Gowanus' very own Jane Jacobs 2019 courtesy PMFA

Katia Kelly of the PMFA blog writes:

"Most neighborhood residents might remember her from Yesterday's News, the Court Street vintage store, where she worked on week-ends for many years."

"Linda moved to Gowanus with her husband Joseph Mariano and daughter Rachel over 40 years ago from Manhattan. They bought a dilapidated house on President Street in the 1970's, which they lovingly restored into a welcoming home. They displayed a black and white photo of what the building had looked like when they first laid eyes on it, as a reminder of how they had saved this piece of neighborhood history.  In the spring, Linda would plant her window boxes with the brightest fuchsia geraniums, making the house the prettiest on the block."

"Linda was one of the founding members of Friends Of Greater Gowanus (F.R.O.G.G.), a group that was founded in 2002 to safe the Green Building on Union Street near the canal when the old brick building was slated for demolition to make way for a high rise."

"Together with F.R.O.G.G., Linda became a very vocal supporter of the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund designation of the Gowanus Canal and was a founding member of the Gowanus Superfund Community Advisory Group after the designation in 2010."

"However, as passionate as she was about the environment, it was preservation of the neighborhood that was always her main focus. She tirelessly worked with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), the Historic Districts Council (HDC), and the NYS Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), to pursue historic designation of the Gowanus Corridor as an Urban Industrial District."

"In 2019, because of her perseverance, five important Gowanus buildings were landmarked by New York City.  But of course, she wanted to save many more. It comes at no surprise that she vehemently opposed the massive rezoning for Gowanus which is currently being discussed" LINK

Katia Kelly also writes these poignant words:

"To have known Linda will forever be one of the greatest privileges of my life. She could brighten the cloudiest day with her huge smile and laugh. She was a fearless activist, and passionate advocate for Gowanus. She always spoke truth to power and taught many that one never gives up fighting for what is right.  Over the years, she became a mentor to many of us and we all aspired to become just like her. She was fiercely loyal to her friends and her house was always open for a glass of wine, some food and stimulating discussions." LINK

We agree with her and can affirm that Linda Mariano was an inspiration to us as well. Her presence was a reminder of what a truly community-engaged citizen looks like.  And what one civic-minded community member role model can do for others in the community.

We at CORD feel we should remember Linda Mariano and honor the enormous contribution she made to this community.

CG CORD