The prime areas of rezoning interest in Gowanus will be the area around the Gowanus Canal itself, where some of the biggest projects might someday rise. City Planning envisions a canal that will someday have a 40′ foot wide public esplanade on both side (a Sponge Park has also been proposed independently) and buildings rising up to 12 stories tall. The city divides the area into “Waterfront North” and “Waterfront South,” with the taller buildings being allowed in “Waterfront South.” The North part would run between the Canal and Bond Street, from Carroll Street to just north of Union Street. The South part would run from Third Avenue, across the canal to Bond Street and from Carroll Street South to Third Street. This is where some the biggest developments (such as the Toll Brothers plan, which is being proposed with its own zoning) and the former Gowanus Village might rise. Buildings here would go up to 12 stories in places. A city planning making the presentation said the plan would “create a sense of openness around the Canal that doesn’t exist” because it would require a public esplanade and setbacks. Residents, however, voiced concerns that buildings in this area would be too tall, out-of-scale with the surrounding area and cast the canal in permanent shadows in places. Buildings fronts along the Canal would be about six stories tall. Buildings in Waterfront North would top out at six stories.