How Brooklyn Greens: Michelle Gluck, Masters Candidate, Pratt Institute Advisor, Alec Applebaum

Transcription

1 How Brooklyn Greens: Michelle Gluck, Masters Candidate, Pratt Institute Advisor, Alec Applebaum AN ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS IN, AND IMPACTS OF THE GREENEST BLOCK IN BROOKLYN CONTEST ORGANIZED BY BROOKYLN BOTANIC GARDEN INCLUDING CITIZEN PARTICIPANT GREENING EFFORTS, ECOSYSTEM AND SOCIAL SERVICES CO-BENEFITS, AND SYNERGIES WITH CITY-WIDE POLICIES AND INITIATIVES.

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4 Urban Stressors Litter and debris Dog urine and feces Vehicular Traffic Noise pollution Minimized solar rays CSO Events/Stormwater Air pollution Urban Heat Island Effect Nature Deficit Disorder Isolation

5 Participant Survey Community Roundtable Discussions Field Observations Participant Interviews Block Association Meetings

6 Image obtained from:dot Street Design Manual

7 A Formula for Urban Community Greening as observed through evaluation of the Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest: LUEK + (2-5) Dedicated Individuals (Greening Leaders) + Active Civic Association + Resources (Water, Land, Soil, Mulch, Compost, Availability of Plants, Monetary Funding) + Energy Commitment+ Time Commitment + Sharing of Knowledge and Resources = An Established Green Block

8 Knowledge of appropriate plant selection that can survive in block micro-sites and climates. Knowledge of plant cultivation, propagation, and plant care. Development of a system for watering plants on block and knowledge of what to water and how often. Knowledge about where to obtain resources for block greening including plants, mulch, compost, and gardening supplies. Knowledge of appropriate methods for soil enhancements. A heightened awareness of environmental surroundings such as wind patterns, climate conditions, topography (water flows), and sun patterns. Awareness of and commitment to block cleanliness and litter prevention A form of community organizing and knowing how to fundraise for block improvements and engaging other neighbors to participate in greening efforts

9 Gained from BBG Training Program Learned and improved from experiential education Obtained from family Acquired from community garden membership LUEK Acquired from community greening workshop Learned from neighbor

10 To what extent do these efforts by Brooklyn residents mitigate urban stressors and contribute to a greener, more livable, Brooklyn?

11 Ecosystem Services on GBB Blocks Living Plant Biomass: Wildlife Habitat, Urban Temperature Regulation, Noise Reduction Permeable Surface: Runoff Mitigation Proper Tree Guards and Well Cared-for Street Tree Beds: Reduced Litter and Runoff Mitigation

12 Social Impacts I m new to the block this year. You cannot see people out taking care of their plants and their space without it catching on. Its contagious Living on a block like this that is very beautiful with a lot of trees and divine smells is very uplifting for your spirit. It makes it very hard to do things like argue or litter, or be upset with your neighbors because your neighbors are helping to beautify the block. ~ Kalalea, Bainbridge Street

13 The New York City Department of Environmental Protection s Green Infrastructure Plan Goal: to reduce combined sewer overflows and meet water quality standards by implementing green infrastructure retrofits to the City s streets and sidewalks and grant program for private property owners New York City Department of Parks and Recreation s Parks Without Borders Goal: to expand city parks into streets, making them more welcoming through redesigning where parks meet streets. New York City Department of Sanitation s NYC Compost Project Residential Food Scrap Drop Off Program Goal: to bring organics collection to residents with street side drop off locations thereby helping to reduce waste in NYC.

14 Image obtained from:dot Street Design Manual

15 Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. ~ Clarissa Pinkola Estes