HOMETOWN NEIGHBORHOODS
Carroll Gardens Brownstone Enclave Keeps Old-World Flavor
Ample front gardens lining deepset brownstones helped give Carroll Gardens its name.The other half is derived from Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who commanded a regiment during the American Revolution that defended the Old Stone House at Gowanus, a local landmark, against the British.
Although gentrification has changed the population, Carroll Gardens still has a palpable Italian inf luence evidenced by bakeries and restaurants — par ts of “Moonstruck” were filmed on Henry Street.
Originally settled in the 17th century by the Dutch, the area was later a stronghold for Irish immigrants. After World War II, Italians moved in and many of their descendants remain, including some third- and fourth-generation Italians who have moved back to the area, mixing well with relocated young professionals from Manhattan.
Carroll Gardens maintains a momand-pop charm. Despite the cafés and funky stores of Smith Street that have made the area a destination, there are still shops along Court Street where the owner behind the counter sells authentic and delicious homemade pasta, cheese and breads. Wide welcoming streets are lined with poplars, maples and pin oaks that provide shade and serve to accent the area’s brownstones.
Many of Carroll Gardens’ original three- and four-family dwellings have been converted into spacious one- or two-family homes. Along with beautiful architecture and a cozy neighborhood feel, the 30-minute subway ride to midtown and adjacent neighborhoods of Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill have added to this South Brooklyn neighborhood’s cachet. The most desirable streets are located in the northern section, which has been designated a historic district.
P ublic schools serving the area include P.S. 58, T he Carroll School, and P.S. 146, The Brookly n New School. Students attend I.S. 293 i n Boerum Hill or John Hay High School i n Brooklyn Heights. Many residents send children to parochial schools, including Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and St. Stephen Roman Catholic Parish School. The area is also home to many beautiful churches, including St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, where Al Capone was married in 1918.
The Gowanus Canal, formerly a malodorous neighborhood eyesore, was successfully cleaned up and now offers a retreat for kayakers. The neighborhood’s sole park, Carroll Park, features a playground that serves as a gathering place for many families.