Cross the Gowanus Canal on Union Street Bridge and enjoy the view on Downtown Brooklyn. This canal played an important part in early 20th century harbor industry. After the mid 20th century it declined, only being used for industrial refuse. Locals in the neighborhood complain a lot about the color and bad smell of the water, calling the water black mayonaise. The city is working hard to recover the quality of the water and from the bridge the canal gives a very cool impression of the neighborhood and Brooklyn