Canarsie was known as "the Sh-thouse" back in the day because all of the sewage exited Brooklyn into the bay near where Canarsie pier sits today. Let's also remember the fact that the nabe is largely quicksand and landfill, so the houses are sinking (as is JFK airport, btw).
As for the Rockaways, John Lindsey should be dug up and slapped for taking prime beachfront property and building projects.