The Old Stone House in Brooklyn
The Old Stone House in Washington Park—an enduring site of history, education, and civic life—is home to one of The Dear Neighbor Project murals. This mural features the story of Jesse Novik, a Gowanus-based artist, who recalls scrubbing every inch of her studio with bleach after a flood left behind layers of brown residue. Additional voices at this site include neighbors Kelly Hayes and Rekae Mina, who speak to the emotional toll of repeated flooding on everyday life in Gowanus.
Kelly Hayes
When you think of a flood zone in Brooklyn right here, you don't think of the streets filling with water and cars being swept away…
Kelly Hayes
You saw the whirlpools in the middle of 4th Avenue? That was in front of my bar.
Dear Neighbor,
how has the community shown up for you during flood events?
Kelly Hayes
I just sent a text out to everybody I know. It said, it's really bad this time guys, if anybody has any time, we're going to be here all day and probably all day tomorrow. It'd be greatly appreciated – any help you could offer.’ 25 people showed up. It was amazing.
Jesse Novik
There was just this brown residue everywhere. I was on my hands and knees scrubbing every square inch of the studio with bleach.
Juri Rhyu
Every time I get a flooding warning or I see heavy rain. I'm like, okay, I need to go to my studio no matter what time… I need to make sure all my work is above the ground.
Hear all the interviews that inspired this mural
Kelly Hayes, Co-owner of Gowanus Gardens Bar & Kitchen in Brooklyn
Conducted 2025-01-29 by:
- Crystal-Angelee Burrell
Jesse Novik, Gowanus-based Artist
Conducted 2024-12-16 by:
- Naeem Douglas
Rekae Mina, long-time Brooklyn resident
Conducted 2025-01-21 by:
- Naeem Douglas
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