Area of Detail Map of Rockaway Peninsula Also known as The Rockaways Part of the Borough of Queens in New York City
The Goal: Creating More Green Spaces for Far Rockaway After decades of urban blight and broken promises, finally a chance for a higher quality of life In partnership with the city of New York, we can transform the landscape
Introducing To VACANT LOTS GREEN PLOTS A Plan for Urban Renaissance
The Inspiration & Vision Living in the Rockaways Driving past a vacant lot landscape Vacant Lots to Green Plots Seeing the potential in transforming these spaces
More Inspiration Case Study: The High Line in Manhattan Once an elevated freight route snaking a mile through the lower west side, the last train graced its tracks in 1980. Since then, nature has flourished on the abandoned railroad tracks. Facing demolition by Mayor Giuliani, a few visionaries would see its potential as a functional green space for the city. Today it is a case study for urban renewal in the U.S. and around the world and one of NYC s most impressive parks.
A Success Story in Pictures The Highline -Before The Highline - After
Moving Forward To Making the Far Rockaway of Our Dreams Far Rockaway Before Implementation Far Rockaway After Implementation A New Sense of Community is on the Horizon
The Five Learning Outcomes: Their Application in Vacant Lots to Green Plots Communication Analysis Global Perspective Sustainability Ethic Energy Industry Knowledge
Learning Outcome I: Communication This proposal in itself serves as the main communication vehicle in addition to speaking with respective stakeholders that will set the stage for the implementation of this project. Identify city agencies that must be involved for project to go forward. Begin with contacting MOEC (Mayor s Office of Environmental Coordination). This office assists city agencies in their environmental reviews, as well as serving as liaison to state and federal agencies on environmental matters. In addition, the office advises the Mayor on environmental policy. Furthermore, MOEC implements the city s green building law.
Learning Outcome II: Analysis Absolutely vital to the project is the analysis of all possible scenarios that will or may affect the project, such as: Lot ownership City agency that has jurisdiction Obstacles with private owners Environmental hazards on property Research if land is already designated a brown field by the city.
Learning Outcome III: Global Perspective Vacant Lots to Green Plots works In tandem with worldwide movements to preserve and create more green spaces in urban centers for the good of the citizenry and the planet. The benefits: Enhanced air quality Reduced respiratory illnesses Will aid in floodwater management by absorbing and recharging rainwater, instead of being managed by sewer systems only to become a waste product. Flora will enhance quality of life and well-being, as well as provide habitat for local wildlife. Implementing community gardens that will foster a farming movement so that residents have access to local produce.
Learning Outcome IV: Sustainability Ethic Vacant Lots to Green Plots will serve as a model of sustainability by presenting solutions to urban decay and societal negligence. Introduce weekly farmers markets to promote sustainable farming practices and its importance to the community, the world and future generations. Create organic vegetable gardens that will be maintained by neighborhood residents and foster a passion and curiosity for local farming It will educate the public about renewable energy by making it obvious and accessible throughout the green space, such as: Solar-powered Wi-Fi Playground equipment will educate children on the science of various forms of energy See-saws and swings that will demonstrate kinetic energy Interactive games that will teach the glories of hydro and wind power.
Learning Outcome V: Energy Industry Knowledge Due to the multi-complex nature of this project, the most innovative and experienced minds must be employed in the creation of these green spaces. My own knowledge garnered from the Penn State ESP Program that includes aspects of all of the five learning outcomes will play a large part, as I will act as a key consultant on the project. In addition to myself, other Individuals taking part will be: Landscape architects Water management professionals Renewable energy experts Soil scientists Green builders
Reflection One is compelled to say the entire program experience will apply in bringing this venture to fruition. Although this is true, there are particular aspects of the program that will play a larger role. These are: Intro to Energy Economics Renewable Energy Eng. & Entr shp Energy Conservation Foreign Studies/Internship Energy Policy Geological Perspectives on Sustainability Energy Industry Applications of GIS The multi-disciplinary approach in the program is invaluable. The combinational exposure of business, science, policy and foreign studies is a necessity, particularly in sustainably-focused projects such as Vacant Lots to Green Plots. Business and policy acumen will be mandatory in building the foundation for this project s inception, especially the City of New York. Navigating the city s many bureaucratic channels will be that much easier if your are armed with this knowledge. Add to this, scientific knowledge and foreign energy policy experience and you have a salvo of dexterity with which you can utilize in a panoply of projects of this kind.
Energy Industry Professionals Students and Professors at City Colleges Local Politicians People and Resources Contacting these agencies and individuals will the be the first stage of development in the project. NYC Dept. of Environmental Conservation Mayor s Office of Environmental Coordination NYC Parks & Recreation After further analysis, it will be determined what fundraising, if any needs to take place. This will depend on whether it will be public or privately funded. Only after all obstacles are revealed, will we have a clearer picture to determine this. These initial stages can be long and arduous, but with passion and resilience, it is the hope that we will move forward and create brighter days for Far Rockaway.