Southside of Williamsburg Recommendations Report Opportunities to Strengthen and Expand Open Space & Sustainable Economic Development Pratt Institute Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment Fundamentals of Planning Studio Spring 2017
Acknowledgements Southside of Williamsburg Recommendations Report Prepared by: Fundamentals of Planning Studio, Spring 2017 City and Regional Planning Graduate Program Pratt Institute, Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment Prepared for: El Puente Authors: Michael Bourque Anthony Budiman Jenady Garshofsky Haiyin Guo Sophiya Khan Collin Lee Yotam Melman Heba Nady-Mohamed Rohan Narang Nitisha Raje Kim Robledo Jay Skardis Faculty: Mercedes Narciso Juan Camilo Osorio Ayse Yonder
Table of Contents Introduction Existing Conditions and Context Inventory and Analysis
1 6 13
Objective 1
16
Recommendations: 1.1 Advocate for reclamation of open space lost through parkland alienation 1.2 Create a Greenpath to connect the neighborhood 1.3 Advocate for the creation of pedestrian plazas to improve existing open spaces 1.4 Promote the creation of Southside Pedestrian Superblocks for reducing pollution and traffic 1.5 Enhance safety and connectivity in Continental Army Plaza through protected bike lanes 1.6 Partner with the DOT to reduce truck delivery on congested routes and advocate for zero-emission buses at the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal 1.7 Advocate for greening the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal 1.8 Advocate for enclosing designated but unused space under the Williamsburg Bridge to create a multipurpose space 1.9 Enclose the BQE and ramp to the Williamsburg Bridge to stop noise and air pollution 1.10 Propose a water storage project through the creation of a sunken plaza Neighborhood Vision Sources
17 19 21 24 26 29 31 33 34 36 38 39
Objective 2 Recommendations: 2.1 Promote the creation of worker cooperatives to foster local economy 2.2 Create workshops and social activities in open spaces to promote active social recreation 2.3 Support economic development opportunities through local food businesses, and weekend flea markets in underused parks and open spaces 2.4 Encourage green programs in public schools through education and training 2.5 Partner with local companies to create high school internships for Southside students 2.6 Create a compost collection service in the Southside for youth employment and environmental awareness 2.7 Develop a program for a youth-led Environmental Justice Walking Tour to promote public interest and local culture 2.8 Advocate for a more inclusive Green Jobs Green New York Program Neighborhood Vision Sources
41
Conclusion Appendices Sources
60 62 64
42 43 45 47 48 50 52 54 57 58
Introduction The Client
Project goal
This project was prepared for El Puente, a human rights organization that promotes environmental awareness and justice in the Southside. It was founded by Luis Garden Acosta in the early 1980’s. El Puente is a human rights community based organization that promotes leadership for peace and justice. The community based organization seeks to “empower Latinos to build 21st Century community sustainability through climate resiliency plans that integrate change strategies in the context of culture, education, equity, and social justice.”1 El Puente organizes diverse events and promotes community solidarity through the Center for Arts and Culture, the Green Light District, and community wellness programs. The El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice is a nationally known public high school. There are also four leadership centers within North Brooklyn that help youth and adults engage in community projects and social justice issues.
El Puente has asked the studio to explore existing conditions in the Southside with a focus on the open space system and climate justice opportunities. The recommendations in this report propose innovative solutions to address air pollution, climate change, and additional threats from existing conditions research. Specific attention was given to priority parks identified by El Puente: Marcy Park, Rodney Park, La Guardia Playground North, and Continental Army Plaza. The recommendations in this report promote the overall goals of the Green Light District (GLD), a strategic ten-year initiative by El Puente that was developed in collaboration with a former Pratt Fundamentals studio, to sustain, grow, green, and celebrate the Southside of Williamsburg.
Figure 0-1: El Puente HQ, Hooper St, Study Area
Figure 0-2: Williamsburg Bridge Plaza, Study Area
1
Planning Process This report is the result of a collaborative planning process that started in January 2017. The planning students, their professors, and Ana Traverso-Krejcarek, the program manager of El Puente’s Green Light District, conducted the initial site visit on a snowy Saturday morning. From there, students spent over 40 hours returning to the Southside to conduct site surveys, take photo-documentation, locate and assess vacant lots and their conditions to build an inventory, and to interview key players and stakeholders. Part of this process involved the preparation of an existing conditions report, which greatly influenced the recommendations in the following pages.
NEIGHBORHOOD & SITE SURVEY
EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS
CASE STUDY RESEARCH
RECOMMENDATIONS
STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
Figure 0-3: Planning Process
2
Geographic Context The Southside of Williamsburg is located in Brooklyn’s Community District 01 (CD BK-01), along with the North and East Williamsburg, and Greenpoint neighborhoods. This community district is bound by the East River to the West, Newtown Creek to the North and East, and Flushing Avenue to the South. This report focuses on census tracts: 513, 519, 523, 525, 527, 529, 535, 547, 549, 551, 553, and 555. This report also examines issues within the Green Light District (GLD). The GLD is bound by Metropolitan Avenue to the North, Division Avenue to the South, Union Avenue to the East, and the East River to the West. In addition to the four priority parks, the GLD is the main geographical focus of this report. Figure 0-4: Study Area, GLD, Southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space GLD
3
The Southside: Assets and Opportunities The Southside is an old working-class, mixeduse neighborhood with a strong identity. The history is reflected in its urban fabric, as the area is culturally, ethnically, racially, and economically diverse. The community is filled with a rich culture and vibrant energy, as portrayed physically through stories painted on artistic murals, as well as emotionally through a strong sense of community and commitment to the Southside. The area benefits from established community based organizations, such as El Puente, and political representatives that have been fighting to preserve the Southside’s identity. There are many new incoming businesses within the area that can bring about new opportunities if inclusive, in addition to a young population, accessible transportation infrastructure, and the area’s central location.
Land Use The three main land uses (residential, commercial, and industrial) are an intrinsic feature of this neighborhood, which is reflected in its built fabric. 58% of the study area consists of mixed residential and commercial uses, while 26% consist of commercial and mixed residential uses. The study area has seen a decline in industrial and manufacturing uses, which accounts for 7% of the study area. Transportation and utility comprises up to 5%, public facilities and institutions account for 9% of the study area, and there is 3% of the land used for parking. Vacant lots, which will be discussed in the following chapter “Vacant Lot Inventory and Analysis”, accounts for 10% of land uses. Parks and open space represent 3% percent within the study area.
Urban Design The Williamsburg Bridge, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and an elevated subway cut through the neighborhood, dividing the built environment. There is a lack of open space and greenery, with existing open spaces located along the BQE, where pollution from truck traffic contributes towards pocketed concentrations of poor air quality. In addition, heavy manufacturing sites are located in close proximity to residential properties. The BQ Green proposal plans for a 3-acre park over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) to combat air pollution and lack of open space, has been strongly advocated for many years, and can greatly benefit the Southside.
Figure 0-5: Land Use, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016
Note: For more information on Land Use map, see Fig. 1-10 of Existing Conditions report, page 14.
4
Zoning The study area is zoned R6-R8, which consists of medium-density residential uses. Directly situated next to residential uses are M1-M3 districts, which allow light to heavy industrial uses. The 2005 rezoning introduced inclusionary housing and also rezoned the waterfront to allow for large residential towers development. However, it did not establish successful regulation to preserve existing affordable housing. Since the inclusionary zoning allows the affordable housing to be located offsite but within Community District 1, it is likely that luxury and market-rate housing has been developed at the waterfront, and affordable housing somewhere else within the district. This rezoning, as well as the 2009 contextual rezoning, may have further facilitated the gentrification of the area. Figure 0-6: Zoning, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016
Note: For more information on Zoning map, see Fig. 1-35 of Existing Conditions report, page 21.
Residential
5
Commercial
MX-8
GLD
Existing Conditions and Context As discussed above, and explored in depth in the Existing Conditions Report, there are six major issues in the Southside of Williamsburg. The following issues are the result of extensive existing conditions research and analysis. The recommendations, which were developed to address these issues, range from short-term to long-term and vary in terms of necessary costs for implementation.
1. Lack of open space Open space is essential for public health, cultural enrichment, and offsetting environmental hazards and industrial pollution. In the study area, there is a total of 0.3 acres per 1,000 residents, compared to New York City’s average of 1.5 acres per 1,000 residents. The four priority parks: Marcy Park, Rodney Park, La Guardia Playground North, and Continental Army Plaza, are all located along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) and in close proximity to the Williamsburg Bridge. As the Urban Lab Open Spaces report (2017) indicates, the air pollution levels in all these parks are above the standard recommended levels.
Figure 0-9: Study Area, GLD, Southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space GLD
Figure 0-7: LaGuardia South, Study Area
Figure 0-8: Marcy Park, Study Area
Figure 0-10: Continental Army Plaza, Study Area
6
2. Extreme economic disparities There is a large disparity between the census tracts in the north and south when it comes to median household income, educational attainment, and poverty levels. The population in the northern area has better socioeconomic conditions. Median income in some northern tracts are twice as high as the city average and a high percentage of the population has a college degree or higher. The southern area is the opposite with lower median income, higher poverty levels, and low educational attainment.
There has been a decline in unemployment in the area. Between 2000 and 2015, unemployment within the GLD decreased from 14% to 8%. However, there are two outlier census tracts, both of which are mostly located within the Hispanic/ Latino areas. Census tracts 551 and 527 have higher unemployment levels than Community District 1 and New York City. Although other census tracts in the Southside may have lower unemployment levels, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the job opportunities are great.
Over 30% of the population in census tracts 525, 527, 529 and 535 are living in poverty. These census tracts also have high unemployment rates and low educational attainment levels. Residents living in these census tracts have a drastically different reality than those living in northern parts of the study area.
Figure 0-12: Unemployment by Census Tract, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 High Unemployment Priority Parks GLD
Figure 0-11: Economic Disparities by Census Tract, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Vulnerable Census Tracts Priority Parks GLD
7
Figure 0-13: Median Household Income, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Less than 2K 25K-40K 40K-53K 53K-80K Priority Parks GLD + 80K
Figure 0-14: College Degree or Above, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Under 20% 20.1% - 40% 40.1% - 60% 60.1% - Above Priority Parks
GLD
8
3. Displacement While the population in the Southside has increased, it’s evident that residents of the Southside are being displaced overtime. The total population of the study area in 2015 was 55,556. This represents a 22% increase from the year 2000, significantly higher than New York City’s increase of 5%. However, the percentage of the Hispanic/ Latino population decreased from 50% in 2000 to just over 30% in 2015. The study area is ethnically very diverse. The northern area is predominantly White/NonHispanic and increasing. The central part within the GLD is still largely Hispanic/Latino, and the southern tracts have a large Hasidic population.
Figure 0-16: Hispanic Or Latino By Race Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016, ACS 2015 (5-Year Estimates) Predominantly Hispanic Priority Parks
Figure 0-15: Hispanic Or Latino By Race Source: ACS 2015 (5-Year Estimates)
9
Predominantly White
GLD
4. Heavy truck traffic There is ample connectivity and access to transit within the study area. Residents in the Southside are located within walking distance to bus stops, and there are several subway stops nearby. However, given the strong infrastructure, critical improvements are needed. There is a greater amount of transit activity in census tracts 525, 527, and 535, than in the remainder of the study area. The BQE and Williamsburg Bridge bring pollution from heavy truck traffic through the study area, which can also pose risks for pedestrians and bicyclists. There is a high concentration of unsafe truck routes located near the BQE. Out of 17 accidents in total in 2016, three resulted in fatalities. Seven of the total accidents occurred within the vulnerable tracts in the southern part of the study area (shown in Fig. 0-11 Economic Disparities by Census Tracts).
Figure 0-17: Truck Traffic, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016, ACS 2015 (5-Year Estimates) Fatalities Bus Stops Ferry Stop Subway Routes Truck Routes GLD
Subway Station Priority Parks
10
5. Environmental Injustice: Existing Industrial Facilities Increased truck traffic is a result of diesel trucks driving through the study area to industrial facilities. There are 16 solid waste facilities in CD1, in addition to several industrial facilities that are required to report toxin pollution to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The solid waste facilities are predominantly located in Significant Maritime Industrial Areas (SMIA), further north in Greenpoint, where there is a heavy concentration of industrial and polluting uses. The facilities in this area are vulnerable to storm surge and can spread toxins and chemicals.
Figure 0-18: Existing Industrial Facilities, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016, ACS 2015 (5-Year Estimates) CSOs Outfall Truck Routes
11
Bus Stops
SMIA
CD1
6. Climate Justice: Storm Surge With the threat of climate change and past events like Hurricane Sandy, storm surge has become an issue, especially in coastal neighborhoods. A large portion of Williamsburg and portions of the study area are susceptible to storm surge. When sea level rises during hurricanes, it can cause flooding in low-lying areas. Within the study area, 42% of the buildings are located in storm surge zones. The blue areas in figure xx are the most likely to flood, and the different shades of blue indicate different hurricane categories. Sewer outfalls, also know as Combined Sewer Outfalls (CSOs), release runoff into untreated sewage when treatment plants receive too much runoff to process. This can cause negative health impacts from storm surge and spread of toxins.
Figure 0-19: Storm Surge , Study Area Source: FEMA 2006 Hurricane Cat. 1 Hurricane Cat. 4 Priority Parks Toxic Release - Air
Hurricane Cat. 2 Hurricane Cat. 3 Hurricane Cat. 2 Hurricane Cat. 3 Air Emissions CSOs Outfall GLD Water Toxic Release - Water
S.W.O.T. Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
1. 2. 3. 4.
Historic, mixed use urban fabric Cultural and ethnic diversity Strong CBO’s and political representation Transit infrastructure
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Socioeconomic inequality Decline in Hispanic/Latino population Neighborhood divided by BQE; pollution from BQE Impervious and polluted parks, open spaces Limited waterfront access
1. 2. 3. 4.
Young population Incoming new businesses for new opportunities Undeveloped and underutilized space BQ Green plans for greening neighborhood
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Gentrification and displacement Lack of open space Pollution High unemployment in GLD Waterfront luxury redevelopment
12
Inventory and Analysis An inventory of vacant lots was prepared for the assessment on whether these lots are eligible to be incorporated into the existing open space system for the Southside. This inventory is a detailed study of existing vacant lots based on a physical site survey, and GIS mapping. This assessment includes location, zoning, property ownership, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) numbers, as well as lot area. There are 39.1 acres of vacant lot in the study area, out of which 15.4 acres are currently undergoing development. Some areas are used for parking or storage, while some areas are inaccessible. The study identifies 11.2 acres of vacant lots, which are publicly owned accounting to 29 percent. These public lots can be considered “priority lots” for El Puente. Those around the four parks that are of top concern for El Puente, “priority parks” – Marcy Park, Rodney Park, La Guardia Playground North, and Continental Army Plaza - are small and scattered across the site. The vacant lot inventory partly aides in framing some recommendations.
Significance of Vacant Lots
Figure 0-20: Vacant Lot, Study Area
Figure 0-21: Vacant Lot, Study Area
13
While the existing conditions report has provided a relatively comprehensive analysis of existing open spaces, this report focuses more on vacant lots found within the study area. According to NYC PLUTO data, there are 39.1 acres of vacant lots, out of which 11.2 acres (486,623 sq ft) are publicly owned. In addition, a site visit confirmed that 15.4 acres, or 39 percent of the vacant lots, are undergoing development. This reduces the number of potential open spaces that could have been added to the inventory.
Figure 0-22: Vacant Lot Inventory, Study Area
A few of these sites have been identified to be of relative priority as they are publicly owned, and it would be easier for El Puente to work with its partners and communicate with the City in looking to create more open space. On the other hand, there are 28 acres of privately owned vacant lots, with 2.7 acres used for vehicle parking or storage. However, it may be more difficult for El Puente in terms of discussing with the owners the possibility of using these as public open space.
Regardless, it is important for El Puente to be aware of these lots, perhaps to advocate for more stringent zoning or land use regulations, possibly in partnership with other advocacy groups who are well-versed in these issues such as Los Sures. The rationale would be based on the observation of several high density luxury developments on such vacant lots. This includes the Domino Sugar Factory site, another lot right across from it along Kent Avenue, a site next to Giando restaurant, as well as a few others indicated in figure 0-22.
14
The trend is that vacant lots, particularly in the northern part of the study area and the waterfront, are being purchased by developers and built into new residential or commercial towers. This adds to the existing gentrifying impacts that have been affecting the study area. Therefore, while not directly related to El Puente’s work in the Southside, it may be crucial to be aware of and notify other advocacy groups who have the tools to address such a threat.
Figure 0-23: Vacant Lot Inventory, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Vacant Lots Priority Lots Priority Parks
15
Open Space
GLD
Objective 1 Enhance and expand the quality of open spaces to improve public health, multimodal transportation, and the environment in the community. The recommendations in this objective address issues related to accessibility to open space, the environment, and transit. The Southside has ⅕ the amount of open space in comparison to the New York City open space standards. The recommendations within this objective look to enhance and expand the existing open spaces in the area. Each of these recommendations are based on site-specific urban design interventions to enhance the open spaces through greening and mitigating pollution in the study area. Each can stand alone as a recommendation, but are intended to enhance and complement each other through their connection via a ‘Greenpath’ (recommendation 1.2). This Greenpath ties each individual recommendation together as a network of green spaces, creating a greater sense of place and space within the Southside.
Accessibility
Environment
Transit
1.1 Advocate reclamation of Open Space lost thorugh Parkland Alienation 1.2 Create a Greenpath to connect the neighborhood 1.3 Pedestrian plazas to improve existing open spaces 1.4 “Southside Pedestrian Superblocks” to reduce pollution and traffic 1.5 Safety & connectivity in Continental Army Plaza through protected bike lanes 1.6 Partner with DOT to reduce truck delivery and congested routes 1.7 Cover Williamsburg Plaza Bus Terminal with green roof structure 1.8 Multipurpose open space under Williamsburg Bridge 1.9 Enclose BQE and ramp to the Williamsburg Bridge 1.10 Propose water storage project
16
Recommendation 1.1
$$
LONG TERM
Advocate for reclamation of open space lost through parkland alienation As defined by the handbook on the Alienation and Conversion of Municipal Parkland in New York, parkland “alienation� occurs when a municipality wishes to sell, lease, or discontinue municipal parkland. Parkland alienation applies to every municipal park in the State, whether owned by a city, county, town, or village. Thus, as of right land sites that are zoned as parkland use should not be utilized otherwise, according to a recent case law (Capruso v. Village of Kings Point. See APPENDIX ).1 At any given point in time, total parkland within a region should remain constant, assuming the government provides no additional parkland. While land use may be changed, parkland spaces have to be replaced and provided elsewhere. El Puente can use this as a tool to reclaim any parkland space that is currently not used as public open space. One such example is the oneacre lot under the Williamsburg bridge, between Wythe Avenue and Berry Street, South 5th and South 6th Streets, which is utilized as vehicle storage by the Department of Transportation, but should be used as public open space for the neighborhood. Council Member Antonio Reynoso has mentioned the possible contamination of toxic substances or pollutants at this site. Fortunately for El Puente, Council Member Reynoso has also publicly stated his interest in fighting for reclamation of this space. His experience and political power would be invaluable for El Puente in pushing for the reclamation of parkland lost through park alienation. In addition, El Puente could also gather support from Council Member Stephen Levin, as well as other advocacy groups such as 596 Acres and the Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn to form a coalition to advocate for this.
17
Figure 1-1: Potential Alienation Sites, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space Existing Greenway Potential Alienation
GLD
Alternative recommendations for the site will be provided in the following sections. Several vacant lots that were identified earlier can be utilized for potential relocation as shown in figure 1-1. The circled site along the waterfront, as shown in figure 1-1, is also a site of interest. This site is publicly owned by the City of New York and is approximately 1.5 acres with a Facility FAR of 5.0. Although there is a small variance of 0.5 acres, this site has potential for relocation of the parkland site under the bridge. The proximity of the site to the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative2: a 26 mile bike and jogging route connecting Brooklyn’s waterfront, and the newly proposed Domino Sugar Waterfront Park, would also enhance its functionality as an open space. Its location in the Southside provides additional waterfront access and it would be closer for residents of the Southside to access than the two existing waterfront parks: Grand Ferry Park and the Edge Park near the North Ferry.
One current issue with this site is the lack of access, as it is blocked by an adjacent restaurant named Giando by the River. However, next to this is a building owned by the City of New York, allowing for the possibility to work with the City to provide alternative access to the site. The main advantage of having the City provide the parkland would be the lack of any land acquisition costs. The only major investment required would be to lay the structural foundations to build a new park, which might require some work, especially at the waterfront. As noted in the aforementioned handbook, park alienation is a very complex process and can inevitably be time consuming. For instance, it took the City about 22 years from Common Council authorization to initiate the process in 1984, and alienation was only completed in 2002.3 While financially it would not be that substantial, El Puente must be able to persevere in maintaining the advocacy for the open space reclamation.
Figure 1-2: Potential Site Along Waterfront, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016
18
Recommendation 1.2
$$$
SHORT TERM
Create a greenpath to connect the neighborhood This is an umbrella recommendation that proposes greening a main artery to connect the network of parks and green initiatives in the following recommendations. The Greenpath is a 1.2-mile-long corridor from Grand Ferry Park on the East River, along South 4th Street, that extends to Union Ave at the edge of the Green Light District, and potentially, further east towards Sternberg Park. The proposed Greenpath would link together existing open spaces and parks in the area, including Marcy Park, Rodney Park, La Guardia Playground North, and Continental Army Plaza, as well as the network of community gardens and other green and open spaces around South 4th Street. The Greenpath will serve several purposes. First, it will connect - socially and physically - the eastern section of the GLD and the Southside, currently divided by the BQE, to the waterfront, forming a green, pedestrian friendly east to west axis. Potentially, in the future, it could also connect the planned Domino Waterfront Park to the BQ Green. It is currently unclear how the recently revealed plans for the Domino Waterfront Park will impact the Southside, and whether it will help connect the community to the East River waterfront. However, it could be integrated into the Greenpath. Within the Greenpath, pedestrian safety and comfort could be enhanced through street furniture and urban design interventions, such as curb extensions at every corner between Kent and Union Avenues, and ribboned sidewalks as shown in figure 1-3. Planters and DOT Street Seats4 are examples of street furniture that can be used within the curb extensions and in proximity to the parks along the Greenpath. 19
Figure 1-3: Greenpath Proposal, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space Existing Greenway Greenpath
GLD
gS t
gS t
Roe b lin
El Puente
hS
t
S 4t
hS
S 4t
Continental Army Plaza
t
hS
t
hS
gS t
gS t Roe blin
S 4t
LaGuardia Playground
t
Roe blin
S 4t
Roe b lin
Los Sures
Figure 1-4: Hazardous Intersection, Roebling St & S 4th
Figure 1-5: Curb Extensions & Green Ribbons, Roebling St & S 4th
Second, planting additional trees in key sections along South 4th Street, especially between Driggs Ave and Keap Street, and additional greenery around the boundaries of Rodney, Marcy, LaGuardia, and Continental Army Plaza, could help mitigate pollution5, absorb gaseous emissions and hazardous particles, and release more oxygen to the air.
For the Greenpath to be successful, in connecting both sides of the BQE and in providing pedestrian safety and connectivity, the Department of Transportation will need to address the dangerous intersection between Havemeyer street, South 4th street, and Borinquen Place in proximity to LaGuardia Playground North.
El Puente’s Urban Lab Report recorded PM2.5 levels (particulate matter that lodges in the lungs causing asthma and pulmonary disease) around the BQE, at a level 6 times higher than what is recommended for human safety. According to the US Forest Service, trees absorb PM2.5 - “100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year.”6 Essentially, by absorbing polluting particulates, the Greenpath could function as a filter for pollution, in addition to being a neighborhood connector and beautifier. The New York tree census shows lack of medium and large sized trees along South 4th street (with exception of the Rodney and Marcy Park areas). Therefore, the community could benefit greatly from planting trees around this location.7 Benefits include reduced noise, storm water interception, energy conservation and carbon dioxide storage, as well as aesthetic value, as listed by New York City’s Department of Parks. 8
El Puente could partner with organizations such as the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), Trees New York, the Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn, and Transportation Alternatives to advocate for this initiative.
Figure 1-6: Streets Covered with Trees, Brooklyn Source: Blogography
20
Recommendation 1.3
$$$
SHORT TERM
Advocate for the creation of pedestrian plazas to improve existing open spaces El Puente has expressed the need for open space where the community can gather. They envision a plaza where the community can come together regularly to strengthen and maintain their cultural ties and identity within the neighborhood. There are two open spaces across the street from El Puente’s offices, LaGuardia Playground North and Continental Army Plaza, that if connected, could serve as this plaza. Continental Army Plaza is not used by the community, save for occasional skateboarders and cyclists passing through. LaGuardia Playground, though, is considered valuable open space in the community. It is located directly across the street from El Puente, and serves as the playground for children from P.S. 50, located two blocks to the north. The open space is currently divided by Roebling Street, with heavy truck traffic travelling to the ramp of the Williamsburg Bridge, located on the south side of these spaces, and next to the exit ramp for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, as seen in Figures X and Xa. The truck traffic pollutes the air, and is a safety hazard for pedestrians and bicyclists. Closing Roebling Street to traffic would bridge the two open spaces to create a large space for El Puente’s plaza objective, mitigate pollution by redirecting truck traffic (see recommendation 1.6) and address safety issues for pedestrians and bicyclists (see recommendation 1.5). This recommendation offers three components. The first phase would involve partnering with a university or a planning firm to conduct a traffic study and analysis. The objective of the study would be to look at the best options to redirect traffic from Roebling Street. One possibility for this would be to redirect all traffic from the entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge to Borinquen Place, which runs along the south side of both of these parks. The second phase recommends partnering with the New York City Department of Transportation Plaza Program to create a permanent pedestrian plaza on Roebling Street to bridge the two open spaces, bringing them together to create a large plaza which would create a sense of place for the community (also see recommendation 2.2).
21
Figure 1-7: Pedestrial Plazas Proposal, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space Existing Greenway Greenpath
GLD
Figure 1-8: Hazardous Intersection, Roebling St & S 4th
The third phase recommends partnering with the Department of Parks to plant more trees and a green wall on the south side of LaGuardia Playground North and Continental Army Plaza, on Borinquen Place, to mitigate pollution from truck traffic heading to the Williamsburg Bridge. Partnering with the Department of Parks to create a green wall (see recommendation 1.2) along this side of the park for safety and noise reduction, and several rows of trees to sequester emissions, would ameliorate pollution from this traffic. Implementing these same strategies on the south side of Continental Army Plaza would add to this recommendation, and create a green wall-forest that would buffer the resulting Plaza from the BQE and the Williamsburg Bridge to bring the design of the two open spaces together.
Figure 1-9: Before Intervention, LaGuardia Playground
Figure 1-10: After Intervention, LaGuardia Playground
22
Figure 1-11: Before Intervention, LaGuardia Playground
Figure 1-12: After Intervention, LaGuardia Playground (Rendering)
The Department of Parks, after a visioning session last October, is currently in the design process to renovate LaGuardia Playground. El Puente and members from the community that were at this visioning session will be invited to see the design proposal. Depending on whether the Parks Department has a tree buffer, and any extra trees in their design, El Puente could consider asking their Council Member to advocate for these additions.
23
With the traffic study findings, El Puente could consider partnering with the DOT Plaza Program, with which they have have had success in collaborating on their summer streets and weekend walks programs (as referenced in the following recommendation, 1.4).
Recommendation 1.4
$$
SHORT TERM
Promote the creation of Southside Pedestrian Superblocks for reducing pollution and traffic The superblock concept prioritizes and works towards the pedestrianization of streets by reducing or limiting vehicle access in a network of combined blocks. This initiative will reduce pollution, improve air quality, increase walkability, and can enhance social bonds. The superblock is a grid composed by 3-5 horizontal streets and 3-5 vertical streets, or 9-15 contiguous blocks. Within it pedestrians have priority over vehicle traffic. Using this strategy, the intersections inside the grid could become lieus of community activity, alternative plazas where children can walk and play safely, and air pollution is controlled. To implement this, a three phase program is recommended, where each individual phase can stand on its own for the creation of a network of superblocks. El Puente can build upon the Department of Transportation’s five existing Pedestrian Enhancement Programs, and partner with the Department to develop Southside superblocks (see appendix for additional information). The first phase involves prohibiting trucks and heavy vehicles inside the superblock zones and limiting the speed within the block to 5-10 MPH. The second phase would be to close the area inside the superblocks to traffic during the weekends. The final phase would be to completely pedestrianize these blocks, with the exception of residents and local business owners. Paris, Barcelona, and London have all successfully implemented different variations of superblocks. The streets and intersections within the superblock can then become locations where social bonds are promoted and activities take place.
Figure 1-13: Superblock Proposal, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space Superblock
GLD
24
Three locations within the Green Light District (GLD) have been identified for potential designation as super blocks, due to their key locations. The eastern superblock, between Borinquen Place, Union Avenue, South 4th Street, and Keap Street, can build upon the existing network of community gardens around South 4th Street, east of the BQE (Keap 4th Street Garden, Southside Community Garden, and Ten Eyck Garden), and its proximity to Rodney Park and the Brooklyn Arbor Public School. The central superblock is situated at the heart of the GLD, encompassing South 3rd Street, Roebling Street, Hope Street, and Marcy Avenue. El Puente’s head office, La Guardia Park, and Continental Army Plaza, are along its borders. This area is especially prone to pollution, as identified in this studio’s Existing Conditions Report and El Puente’s Urban Lab Report. It would benefit greatly from limited vehicle and truck access. The southwest superblock includes NYCHA’s Berry Street Development and is bordered by Broadway and Division Avenue, Wythe Avenue, and Bedford Avenue. Over 35% of the population in this area is under 18 years of age, making this an ideal location. The three proposed sites will also complement and enhance the recommended Greenpath. Additionally, data shows that only 29% of people in proximity to the recommended superblock sites own a vehicle (2014/15 ACS), compared to 44% in Brooklyn9, making these suitable locations for such an initiative. The superblocks will also complement the Grand Street Peopleway initiative designed to mitigate projected congestion and commuting issues expected with the closure of the L train for renovations.10
25
Figure 1-14: Superblock Diagram, Study Area Source: Google Maps
Figure 1-15: Weekend Walks Brooklyn 2013 Source: DOT Weekend Walks
Figure 1-16: Weekend Walks Brooklyn 2013 Source: DOT Weekend Walks
Recommendation 1.5
$$$
SHORT TERM
Enhance safety and connectivity in and around Continental Army Plaza through protected bike lanes The Southside of Williamsburg experiences a high volume of heavy truck traffic, as designated truck routes cut through the study area to access the Williamsburg Bridge, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and industrial sites. This makes it unsafe for bicyclists to safely access the Williamsburg Bridge. As shown in (Fig. 1-17), bike routes are predominantly located to the west of the study area near the waterfront. To the east of Continental Army Plaza, there are no bike routes. Bicyclists coming from the east do not have a designated spot assigned on the road to access the bridge. Additionally, census tracts 525, 527, and 535 have limited to no bike routes. Specifically leading up to the Williamsburg Bridge, surrounding Continental Army Plaza, and near the BQE there are multiple recorded fatalities from truck incidents, as shown in figure 1-17. The red circle indicates the boundaries around Continental Army Plaza lacking bike connectivity. For each recorded fatality, there are no bike lanes present on the map, however there are truck routes. To address bicycle safety near Continental Army Plaza, this recommendation calls for enhancing safety and connectivity in and around Continental Army Plaza through protected bike lanes. This recommendation is to ensure the safety of bicycle riders and strengthen the existing transit infrastructure through added bike connectivity. However, this recommendation also aims to address safety concerns for pedestrians inside Continental Army Plaza. Since there is only one access ramp leading towards the exit to the Williamsburg Bridge, the influx of bicyclists cutting through the park presents an issue for pedestrians in need of the ramp. To implement this recommendation, El Puente could consider connecting with Transportation Alternatives, Times Up, or the Department of Transportation to advocate for enhanced safety measures such as protected bike lanes to the east of Continental Army Plaza and more bike lanes extending towards Union Avenue.
Figure 1-17: Multi-modal transit activity near Continental Army Plaza, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Fatalities Truck Routes Priority Parks Open Space GLD NYC Bike Routes
26
Once a connection is established, a data count could be conducted to measure how many bicyclists use Continental Army Plaza to get off and on the bridge. Additionally, pedestrian counts could be conducted too. Once this information is counted, along with an advocacy campaign, El Puente could consider contacting the Department of Transportation to conduct their own assessment on the need for more bike lanes. Adding more bike lanes, specifically protected bike lanes, will also work towards the larger picture of creating a network of connectivity. This recommendation can also complement the Greenpath as previously mentioned, by prioritizing pedestrian uses over vehicular traffic. Additionally, design interventions are needed inside Continental Army Plaza to protect bicyclists and park uses for safe access to the Williamsburg Bridge. Figure 1-18 shows the bicyclist patterns in and around Continental Army plaza. It shows what bicyclists are doing to protect themselves, and in addition this design can protect pedestrians. This is an example of where open space can be used to improve traffic safety for multi-modal users. Inside the park, there is a conflict area where both pedestrians and bicyclist riders overlap on the access ramp. The design intervention calls for designating the ramp for ADA accessibility uses through means of paint or a clearly placed sign. To address the needs of bicyclists, advocating to create an additional ramp next to the current ramp is first necessary. Since there are two large staircases in the middle of the park, the middle staircase could be used for a bicyclist only ramp, which could lead to innovative ideas such as creating a permeable ramp to soak up rainwater.
27
Figure 1-18: Multi-modal transit activity near Continental Army Plaza, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Observed Bike Route Pedestrian Path
Existing Bike Lane Hazardous Intersection
Figure 1-19: Design Intervention Continental Army Plaza, Study Area Figure 1-20: Design Intervention Continental Army Plaza, Study Area
Since this will be costly and require specialized technicians or architects to construct, once enough support is created, El Puente could contact architecture graduate schools in New York City to design mock ideas. Then at a later date, El Puente could work with the Department of Transportation to send request for proposals. Another design intervention calls for adding planters in the park adjacent to the ramp to guide bicyclists and protect pedestrians from the influx of cyclists. This assumes that both bicyclists and pedestrians will continue to share the access ramp.
A group of cyclists advocating for safer streets created a group (and Twitter handle) called the Department of Transformation. This group aimed to address the need for protected bike lanes from heavy truck traffic and vans. The group put cones around unprotected bike lanes with flowers on top. Then, the Department of Transportation agreed to study the area with unprotected bike lanes due to the advocacy campaign.11 Similarly, in other large cities such as Toronto and Boston, flower planters have been placed as a buffer between truck traffic and bicyclists.
28
Recommendation 1.6
$$$$
LONG TERM
Partner with the DOT to reduce truck delivery on congested routes and advocate for zero-emission buses at the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal There is a high concentration of truck routes within the study area, as trucks make deliveries and access main infrastructural connectors, such as the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE) and the Williamsburg Bridge. This presents a safety hazard for pedestrians, along with the air pollution spread from diesel trucks. In 2016, there were 17 accidents, of which 14 occurred on truck routes. Additionally, there were seven fatalities within the census tracts identified as vulnerable, and more recently, three fatalities in 2016.12 To address heavy truck traffic, this recommendation calls to reduce truck delivery on congested routes, thereby improving pedestrian safety, and air quality in the study area. This recommendation suggests that El Puente creates an off-hour plan for truck delivery. The off-hour plan, which is a short-term and low cost plan, would allow for reduced truck traffic on streets in the study area during congested daytime hours, improving business operations of participating vendors and receiving businesses, and improving air quality. Large trucks with a length of 20 feet or more would only be allowed on Kent Avenue, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the BQE (See Fig. 1-21). This would mainly be for semi-trucks and dump trucks. An example of this is the Manhattan Off-Hour Delivery plan13, a pilot program that takes place between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m, when more than 400 businesses across Midtown and Lower Manhattan have shifted portions of their deliveries to off hours. The plan has reduced truck deliveries in the daytime, which has also improved pedestrian safety and mobility since less trucks are on the road.
29
Figur 1-21: Truck Routes, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space Greenpath
Truck Routes
GLD
Figure 1-22: Electric Zero-Emission MTA Bus Source: NY Daily News
Figure 1-23: Zero-Emission Bus Batteries Source: NY Daily News
El Puente could also consider working with the DOT to replace buses at the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal that run through the area to zeroemission buses (See Fig. 1-22), in order to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
This has been done as part of the MTA’s ZeroEmission bus pilot program.14 The MTA ZeroEmission bus is an all-electric, zero-emission electric bus, which ultimately could benefit the city’s air quality. It could lead to pivotal change for the MTA and for the city’s environmental footprint. The plan has reduced the use of bus fuel, which can thereby reduce the CO2 emissions, and improve air quality.
30
Recommendation 1.7
$$$
SHORT TERM
Advocate for greening the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal This recommendation advocates for the greening of the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal. The Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal is located at the entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge between Broadway and South 5th Street on Havemeyer Street, at the intersection of several transportation routes. The Bus Terminal’s location near La Guardia Park and Continental Army Plaza, which both have very high PM2.5 levels according to El Puente’s Urban Lab Report, as well as close to the greenpath discussed in recommendation 1.2, create an opportunity to improve air quality and enhance connectivity. The New York City Department of Parks Street Tree Map15 shows a lack of medium and large sized trees in the area, providing an opportunity to mitigate pollution, reduce energy usage, and improve the area both functionally aesthetically. The short-term goal of this recommendation is to connect it to the greenpath, and work with the zero-emission buses suggested in recommendation 1.6. The Bus Terminal is currently a concrete slab in the middle of the Southside. Planting trees and vegetation, and creating permeable surfaces between bus lanes and near waiting areas, instead of the concrete and asphalt paving at the bus terminal, would lessen the impact of the air and noise pollution and improve conditions for waiting customers, pedestrians, and park users in the surrounding area. Additionally, a user-friendly design that includes a sheltered waiting area would also make the terminal more engaging.
Figure 1-24: Williamsburg Bridge Plaza & Bus Terminal, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space Bus Terminal GLD
31
The long term goal would be to move the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal elsewhere, possibly to a low-density, industrial area. The Williamsburg Bridge, the BQE, and the elevated subway line all run in the same area, and the Bus Terminal is an added burden on the community in the Southside. El Puente could gather the support of community members, council members, and other community organizations to put pressure on the City. A transportation study would also need to be conducted to measure the feasibility of moving it.
To implement this recommendation, El Puente could lead a coalition of of local community groups and other citywide environmental justice groups to advocate to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Parks, using data about the pollution levels in the terminal, current use of the terminal, and the potential impact of increased trees and vegetation. El Puente could partner with an organization such as the Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn to gather this data.
Figure 1-25: Bus Terminal - Current State, Study Area
Figure 1-26: Bus Terminal - Potential State, Study Area
32
Recommendation 1.8
$$$$
LONG TERM
Advocate for enclosing designated but unused space under the Williamsburg Bridge to create a multipurpose space A 0.975 acre (42,471 square feet) space under the Williamsburg Bridge, located between Wythe Avenue, Berry Street, South 5th Street, and South 6th Street is designated as open space but not used as such due to high levels of noise and air pollution. The space, owned by New York City, could potentially be a good location for an enclosed multi-purpose public space. As Council Member Antonio Reynoso has previously discussed, this space is an area of concern due to its inappropriate use and location for a green open space. El Puente could use his support in advocating to the Department of Parks to enclose the space and consider alternatives for its use. As the space is currently designated as parkland, the Department of Parks is the agency in charge of its use. A similar project was developed under the Manhattan side of Queensboro Bridge, where there is an event space, and a space that was formerly occupied by a Food Emporium, but is currently vacant.16 However, these are privately owned spaces. Another consideration for the use of enclosed space includes urban farming, which has been done just south of the study area, in BedfordStuyvesant, Brooklyn, in shipping containers by Square Roots, an urban farming accelerator.17 A similar multi-purpose concept was also done at La Marqueta in East Harlem, and renew Lots in East New York.18 El Puente could partner with or reach out to those behind Square Roots, La Marqueta, and reNew Lots to ensure the space is used appropriately, as well as with other community organizations.
Figure 1-27: Unused Space Under Bridge, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space Truck Routes Space Under Bridge Greenpath
Figure 1-27a: Unused Space Under Bridge, Study Area
33
GLD
Recommendation 1.9
$$$$
SHORT TERM
Enclose the BQE and ramp to the Williamsburg Bridge to stop noise and air pollution To address air and noise pollution that has been affecting residents in the study area since the 1960s, it is recommended to advocate for the covering of the elevated section of the BQE and the Williamsburg Bridge entrance ramp, from the waterfront to Metropolitan Avenue (see Fig. 1-28 and 1-29). Unless the BQE is fully enclosed, even with the planting of trees to improve the air quality and quality of life, the environmental injustice of air and noise pollution will continue. The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and the Williamsburg Bridge ramp cut through the heart of the Green Light District and the larger study area. These major transportation routes produce heavy pollution and cast hazardous particulate matter throughout the study area.19 Pollution is linked to high rates of asthma and respiratory disease amongst the population.20 Noise pollution from truck and vehicle traffic is constant and pervasive. “Traffic noise triggers a complex chain of responses affecting human health and well-being”,21 such as sleep disruption, heart attack and hypertension,22 and “cognitive impairment in children”.23 Some of the worst noise and air pollution in the study area is concentrated at the few open spaces available to the community, as they are located alongside the BQE. The parks with the worst air quality include LaGuardia Playground and Continental Army Plaza.24 This is a long-term recommendation that would require several stages: conducting a noise pollution study to show the level of environmental injustice the noise pollution is causing, in conjunction with El Puente’s open air lab; and working with an architectural firm for the design, a civil engineering firm for a filtration system, the NYC Department of Transportation to cover the Williamsburg Bridge entrance ramp, and with the NYS Department of Transportation to cover the BQE.
Figure 1-28: Williamsburg Bridge Exit Ramp, Study Area Source: Google Maps
Figure 1-29: Williamsburg Bridge Exit Ramp (Rendering) Source: Google Maps
34
There are several examples of noise and pollution barriers, both proposed and in existence, to reference. One of these includes a proposal to cover the trenched portion of the BQE on either side of the the proposed site of the BQGreen (see XYa and XYb). There is also a covered highway in Warsaw, Poland, the S8 (see Fig. 1-30), that functions as a noise and air pollution barrier. Other examples can be seen in Italy, India, and Australia. Figure 1-30: Highway, Warsaw, Poland Photo: Alik Keplicz
Figure 1-31: BQE Trench Source: http://www.kisscathcart.com/BQE/overview.html
35
Figure 1-32: Covered BQE Trench (Rendering) Photo: http://www.kisscathcart.com/BQE/overview.html
Recommendation 1.10
$$$$
LONG TERM
Propose a water storage project through the creation of a sunken plaza This recommendation proposes using the area under the Williamsburg Bridge from Kent Avenue to Wythe Avenue to create a sunken plaza that can flood in wet conditions and be used as water storage. The area can be dug down and then rimmed with concrete, creating an area that can store water runoff during high-rain periods in order to relieve the pressure on the water treatment plant, as well as contain storm surge during hurricane episodes. In dry weather, when the plaza does not have water in it, the area could be open to the public, and contain such uses as a skating park, a playground, or seating. An addition to the project could be a structure on top of the plaza to protect the park users from falling objects, paint, and possibly, to reduce the noise from the bridge. El Puente would need to obtain the rights to use the space from the City, which it currently uses as storage. It may be helpful to provide alternative locations to move the storage to, or suggest the possibility of building a structure as far inland as possible to create new storage. El Puente would work to convey jurisdiction of the space to the Department of Parks and work with them in getting such a structure built.
Figure 1-33: Water Plaza Proposal, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space Proposed Plaza GLD Hurricane Cat. 1 Hurricane Cat. 2 Hurricane Cat. 3 Hurricane Cat. 4 Hurricane Cat. 2 Hurricane Cat. 3
CSOs Outfall
36
There are “water plazas� in Amsterdam, which serve the purpose of holding excess rainwater to prevent areas from flooding.25 When these parks are not holding water they serve practical uses such as playgrounds and courts. A similar size project (9,000 square meters, pictured above) in Rotterdam cost around just over $5 million.26 Based on this, it is estimated that this project would cost around the same price, assuming it is similar in features. Creating a shelter structure would increase that cost. Figur 1-34: Space Proposed for Water Plaza, Study Area
Figure 1.35: Water Plaza, Dry Condition Source: publicspace.org
Figure 1-37: Water Plaza Concept Source: urbandesignnaba.com
37
Figure 1-36: Water Plaza, Wet Condition Source: publicspace.org
Neighborhood Vision
Figure 1-38: Objective 1 Recommendations Diagram, Study Area Source: Google Maps
38
1.11 Sources Recommendation 1.1 1. “Capruso v. Village of Kings Point.” Justia Law. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://law.justia.com/cases/ new-york/court-of-appeals/2014/102-0.html. 2. “Brooklyn Greenway Initiative: What We Do.” Brooklyn Greenway Initiative. December 10, 2015. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://www.brooklyngreenway.org/about-bgi/what-we-do/. 3. Paterson, D. A. “Site Reconnaissance Report Southern Tributaries to Cayuga Lake”. 19.2 Legal and Regulatory Constraints on Site Selection: Parkland Alienation & the Use of City Parkland as a Dewatering Site. 2010. http://ccetompkins.org/resources/southern-tributaries-to-cayuga-lakedredging-project Recommendation 1.2 4. NYC Department of Transportation, http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/streetseats. shtml 5. According to the EPA and NYC Department of Parks trees have many environmental and health benefits: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/ochp_2015_near_road_ pollution_booklet_v16_508.pdf, and NYC Department of Parks, https://tree-map.nycgovparks.org/ learn/benefits 6. US Forest Service, https://www.fs.fed.us 7. “NYC Parks Street Tree Map.” NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. 2017. https://tree-map. nycgovparks.org/. 8. NYC Department of Parks, NYC Tree Street Map, https://tree-map.nycgovparks.org/learn/benefits Recommendation 1.3/ 1.4 9. Vehicles available, American Community Survey 2014 (5-Year Estimates)(SE), ACS 2015 (5-Year Estimates), Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau 10. Grand Street Peopleway, 2017. DNA INFO, https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20161101/ williamsburg/l-train-shutdown-transportation-mta-grand-street-transportation-matthew-von-ohlen, and https://campaigns.transalt.org/petition/grand-street-peopleway Recommendation 1.5 11. Whitford , Emma. “Safe Streets Activists Are Planting Flowered Orange Cones Along Bike Lanes.” Gothamist. October 7, 2015. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://gothamist.com/2015/10/07/bike_lane_ flower_power.php. 12. Vision Zero View. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2017. http://www.vzv.nyc/ Recommendation 1.6 13. Donohue, Pete. “Electric, Zero-emission MTA Bus Hits the Road.” NY Daily News. N.p.,14 Sept. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2017. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/electric-zero-emission-mta-bus-hitsroad-article-1.1455731 14. Off-Hour Deliveries, http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/ssi10-offhour.pdf Recommendation 1.7 15. “NYC Parks Street Tree Map.” NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. 2017. https://tree-map. nycgovparks.org/.
39
Recommendation 1.8 16. Warerkar, Tanay. “Under the Queensboro Bridge, a beloved retail space is set to be revitalized.” Curbed NY. January 24, 2017. http://ny.curbed.com/2017/1/24/14375164/queensboro-bridgelandmark-michaels-food-emporium. 17. “Square Roots.” Square Roots. Accessed May 31, 2017. https://squarerootsgrow.com/. 18. “ReNew Lots.” NYCEDC. May 17, 2015. Accessed May 31, 2017. https://www.nycedc.com/program/ renew-lots. Recommendation 1.9 19. “Green Light District Overview.” Green Light District Overview | El Puente. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://elpuente.us/content/green-light-district-overview. 20. “Green Light District Overview.” Green Light District Overview | El Puente. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://elpuente.us/content/green-light-district-overview. 21. “Turning Down the Volume on Road Traffic.” Road Traffic Technology. August 4, 2011. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/features/feature126199/. 22. Kim, Minho, Seo I. Chang, Jeong C. Seong, James B. Holt, Tae H. Park, Joon H. Ko, and Janet B. Croft. “Road traffic noise: annoyance, sleep disturbance, and public health implications.” American journal of preventive medicine 43, no. 4 (2012): 353-360. 23. Communications, NYU Web. “NYU Launches Research Initiative to Combat NYC Noise Pollution.” NYU. November 7, 2016. Accessed May 31, 2017. https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/ news/2016/november/SONYC_Launch.html. 24. “Green Light District Overview.” Green Light District Overview | El Puente. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://elpuente.us/content/green-light-district-overview. Recommendation 1.10 25. “Water Square Benthemplein.” De Urbanisten. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://www.urbanisten.nl/ wp/?portfolio=waterplein-benthemplein. 26. Bravo, David. “Water Square” in Benthemplein.” Public Space. 2013. Accessed May 31, 2017. http:// www.publicspace.org/en/works/h034-water-square.
40
Objective 2 Support small businesses, provide training, and create employment opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic development. The recommendations in this objective address issues related to the environment, education and culture, and sustainable economic development. Objective two focuses on promoting local small businesses and providing employment opportunities through revitalizing underutilized parks and open spaces. The interventions build further on objective one’s pedestrian initiatives to promote better safety and quality standards for commuting and existing open space. Recommendations in objective two also encourage youth and community members alike to be a part of community activities, internships opportunities, youth-led and youth run activities, and overall promote active membership within the Green Light District. These recommendations encourage Southside community members to support each other, as well as link the socio-economic disparities that currently prevail in the neighborhood. Each recommendation in this objective build on each other, but can also be implemented separately, thus creating a better link and support system to form a greater vision for the Southside community.
Education & Culture
Environment
Economic Development
2.1 Promote creation of worker co-ops to foster local economy 2.2 Cultural workshops and social activities in open spaces for active social recreation 2.3 Local food businesses and markets in underused parks and open spaces 2.4 Green programs in public schools through education and training 2.5 Partner with local companies to create high school internships for Southside students 2.6 Create a compost service in the Southside for youth employment and environmental awareness 2.7 Develop a program for a youth-led Environmental Justice Walking Tour to promote public interest and local culture 2.8 Advocate for a more inclusive Green Jobs Green New York Program
41
Recommendation 2.1
$
LONG TERM
Promote the creation of worker cooperatives to foster local economy The Southside of Williamsburg has high unemployment rates, in addition to high levels of socio-economic inequality. Promoting the creation of worker cooperatives in the community has the potential to generate increased economic development at the local level. A worker cooperative is an employee owned and democratically run enterprise formed by a group of people to meet their self-defined needs and goals. There are three main benefits. First, worker cooperatives build local wealth through the pooling of limited resources. Second, worker cooperatives can create quality jobs through organization based skills training, improving wages in the long term. Third, worker cooperatives create an impact for underserved populations, through social and economic justice, in means of good employment and living wages.1 Worker cooperatives, “employ sustainable business practices that do not harm the local environment often, and profits are more likely to remain and circulate within the community. As democratically run organizations, cooperatives help memberowners develop critical leadership skills and practice direct, grassroots decision-making. They allow employees to accumulate wealth and build assets through having an ownership stake in the cooperative.�2 Examples of co-ops would be food service, compost, crafts, and others.
El Puente could do community outreach to local residents and entrepreneurs and provide them with information and training sessions on a regular basis to foster the creation of cooperatives within the community. El Puente could also offer scheduled times to provide continuing free guidance or provide workshops on starting, growing, and maintaining a cooperative. They could partner with New York City Network of Worker Cooperatives, the Working World, and Solidarity NYC, which offer workshops and training for starting and running a worker cooperative. The worker co-ops would use research and policy analysis, peer learning networks, and awareness through education to gain support.3 Some examples of cooperatives in the New York CIty area include: The Green Worker Cooperatives, Si Se Puede in Sunset Park, Beyond Care: Childcare Cooperative. 4 5 6
Figure 2-3: Co-op Source: workersjustice.org
Figure 2-1: Co-op Source: communitywealth.org
Figure 2-2: Co-op Source: sisepuede.com
42
Recommendation 2.2
SHORT TERM
$$
Create workshops and social activities in open spaces to promote active social recreation In order to promote community engagement within the Southside, it is important for local residents to develop social attachments to open spaces in their neighborhood. The implementation of cultural workshops, such as arts (e.g. painting, dance, music lessons) or fitness (e.g. pilates, zumba, salsa, yoga) in existing open spaces is an example of such attachment. These activities could be organized by El Puente, in collaboration with other community organizations such as Los Sures, Southside Community Mission, and Spaceworks (Williamsburg Library). This partnership could recruit local instructors to teach these workshops for a voluntary fee, which would be paid by the community.
1
The location of these workshops could be within El Puente’s priority parks, and other open spaces within the GLD. However, they could also be expanded to different areas within the neighborhood. This could enhance the unification of different areas of the Southside, providing the opportunity for residents to strengthen social relationships. These workshops could promote the public use of the waterfront, as open spaces on the waterfront are not frequently used for social purposes.
3 2
4
5 6 Figure 2-4: Potential Spaces for Workshops, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space GLD
43
1
Grand Ferry Park
4
Marcy & Rodney Parks
2
Jaime Campiz Playground
5
Roberto Clemente Ballfield
3
Maori Triangle
6
Jacob’s Ladder Playground
In order to incorporate the suggested open spaces into the same network, this recommendation also proposes to expand the boundaries of the Green Light District from Division Avenue to Clymer Street, along Kent Avenue and Bedford Avenue. This action would add Roberto Clemente Ballfield and Jacob’s Ladder Playground to the GLD, and include them in the parks network around the Greenpath proposed in recommendation 1.2. The implementation of cultural workshops is also an opportunity for sustainable economic development. The revitalization of these spaces could attract more residents into these parks, providing the possibility to host local markets and small food businesses. This can be related to recommendation 2.3.
Figure 2-5: Salsa at Coney Island Boardwalk Source: www.travellingbananas.com
Some examples where this has been done in the past includes salsa on the Coney Island Boardwalk 7 ,paper arts and crafts at Poe Park in the Bronx8, and yoga hosted by the Prospect Park Alliance in Prospect Park.9
Figure 2-6: Paper Arts & Crafts, Poe Park, Bronx Source: www1.nyc.gov
44
Recommendation 2.3
$$
SHORT TERM
Support economic development opportunities through local food businesses, and weekend flea markets in underused parks and open spaces This recommendation promotes economic development of local small business in the neighborhood, by encouraging organization of local food businesses and weekend artist and flea markets. The idea is to promote economic development for local vendors through cultural promotion and preservation. This would provide the community with local employment opportunities and income, and enliven currently underutilized spaces. El Puente could host, organize, and promote these small local businesses. They could consider partnering with NYC Small Business Services to support community members with access to affordable kitchen space, training programs, and foodcooperative education for local food markets and food related businesses. El Puente could also help its community members, in attaining the Secondhand Dealer General License from Department of Consumer Affairs for weekend local artist and flea markets.
1
2
Potential locations for this recommendation include Marcy and Rodney Parks for local artist and flea markets, where each park could have its own special theme of flea market presentation, from antiques, to hand crafts, to jewelry, furniture, clothes, and even paintings by local artists. A food market could also be set up, with food trucks along Grand Ferry Park to revitalize the currently underused waterfront.
45
3
Figure 2-7: Potential Spaces for Workshops, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space Potential Spaces Greenpath
1
Grand Ferry Park & Precinct
2
Williamsburg Bridge
3
Marcy & Rodney Parks
GLD
The proposed Greenpath could act as an axis and connecter for the artist and flea markets, to the food markets, providing residents a pedestrian friendly path to access. The suggested enclosed space under the Williamsburg Bridge as presented in recommendation 1.8 could be used for these businesses in winter, thus allowing these to be year round economic opportunities. Some case studies that have successfully implemented the above stated ideas include the Brooklyn Flea Market, the Vintage Flea Market in Soho and Chelsea, and La Marqueta. 10 11 12
Figure 2-8: Brooklyn Flea Market, La Marqueta Source: fundreds.com
Figure 2-9: Food Festival Source: fundreds.com
46
Recommendation 2.4
$$
LONG TERM
Encourage green programs in public schools through education and training This recommendation is to encourage, train, and generate awareness among public school students about green programs such as urban farming practices, composting, sustainability, and growth and nutrition cycles, as a part of the school curriculum. The benefits of this recommendation include improved awareness among school students about the implications of climate change, and the importance of a green and clean environments, starting from an early stage. It would also provide students a way to be a part of initiatives that support greening their neighborhood and involve students with composting for community gardens.13 14 15 El Puente currently hosts workshops for garden cleanups, volunteer days, and community workshops on topics such as rain gardens, composting and growing, and eating healthy. El Puente could partner with the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA), to expand its current Environmental Education Program to include training and awareness of green programs in urban farming practices, sustainability, composting and the importance of nutrition and growth cycles.
47
Currently the neighborhood consists of 11 public schools. El Puente could help and encourage these schools to reserve a space in the school garden for urban farming and composting, which students can actively be a part of, and see the everyday progress of their work. Through practice and training, El puente could also encourage students to be a part of compositing for the community garden developments within the neighborhoods.
Figure 2-10: East New York Green Schools Program Source: schools.nyc.gov
Recommendation 2.5
LONG TERM
$$
Partner with local companies to create high school internships for Southside students Socioeconomic inequality and the decline in the Hispanic/Latino population pose a threat to the community in the Southside. Partnering with local tech companies to create internships for high school students could encourage diversity in various industries within the Southside community. This could prepare students to stand out as candidates for college, and receive work experience and training to enhance opportunities towards future careers. By interning in these prospective fields, students can aid future socioeconomic equality within the study area, especially amongst the Hispanic/Latino population. Internships could also help students who want to be future entrepreneurs and promote their culture in the community, helping to tackle diversity issues in various professional fields. Students could be selected from El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice and high school students who live in the Southside.16 These students could intern with creative companies within Williamsburg that were main contributors towards gentrification in the neighborhood. Companies such as Vice, Colossal Media, Fuzz, and Ghost Robot are examples, but the list could continue depending on the companies El Puente chooses. Vice is a large mass media company, Colossal Media is a company that creates hand painted media for various clients, Fuzz is a mobile app development company, and Ghost Robot is an advertising agency. These creative companies are in various work fields such as graphic design, art, advertising, business, and information technology.
1
2
3
4
Figure 2-11: Local Prospective Businesses for Internships , Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space GLD
1
Colossal
2
Fuzz
3
Vice
4
Ghost Robot
48
The program could potentially last for six weeks in the summer, while students are on their summer vacation from school. El Puente could build a mentorship program that would guide the students prior to going into the internships with resume building, appropriate work ethics, confidence building, and basic computer skills to prepare them for the internships. These mentorship sessions could be handled on a few evenings a week, for a month before the internships starts. Throughout the internship, students could meet with a mentor once a week to go over the process and bring up any issues or concerns. At the end of the internship, students could take part in a ceremony where they would receive a certificate and small celebration.
Figure 2-12: Student Internship Source: Politic365
One or a few mentors should be compensated for helping the students and the payments would solely be up to El Puente, and is not necessary since mentors can volunteer. The mentors could alternatively be paid evenly in one set amount; a small payment per mentor for the summer, if El Puente choses to compensate the mentors. Students would ideally be paid via the internship from the company. The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s Ladders for Leaders Program is a relevant case study. “The Internship Program serves hundreds of high school and college students, each year as part of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s Ladders for Leaders Program. Students receive real-world experience while exploring career options, as well as training, mentoring, the opportunity to build their résumé, and earn money toward their future.”17 Students in this program earn money as well.
49
Figure 2-13: Student Internship Source: Genesysworks
Recommendation 2.6
$
SHORT TERM
Create a compost collection service in the Southside for youth employment and environmental awareness Income inequality and economic disparities are prevalent themes within the Southside. This recommendation aims to employ youth in the Southside by creating a compost service program. This will create customer service, social media, compost, and bike delivery positions, and engage youth through environmental awareness. Establishing a compost program in the Southside of Williamsburg will not only benefit community residents through employment, but also offer an opportunity for El Puente to connect and organize with other members of the community. This program also addresses sustainability by encouraging residents to avoid throwing out garbage into landfills and be more conscious about the larger food network.18 This recommendation aims to be a locally owned initiative to develop a sustainable local economy. It also aims to inspire all residents and workers to think about food security and larger food systems and develop an understanding for garden processes, as well as appreciation in basic foundational systems. To build off the previous recommendation, the compost and urban farming skills that youth could learn in educational programs can then be transferred into a paying job. An estimated five to eight jobs could be created from this program. Additionally, down the line, youth and other workers can establish a local worker’s co-op. El Puente can get started by generating interest for jobs and the compost service. El Puente could consider a partnership with BK Rot to develop a compost service program in the Southside. BK Rot created the compost service program, but their current boundaries do not extend to Williamsburg. This service can be replicated from BK Rot, but also offer the opportunity for El Puente to carry out the initiative on their own and add their own ideas how they best see fit.
Since El Puente is already a non-profit organization with 501-C3 status, this service can pick up in a few short-months. First El Puente will need to advertise on social media, on their website, and consider doing a flier campaign throughout the Southside to attract residential and commercial buildings to join the compost program, but also to enlist interested youth to join the program. While New York City recently developed a municipal compost program, composting is only provided for North Williamsburg and Greenpoint.1 If El Puente wants to consider partnering with BK Rot, they should first seek out a connection and explain the benefits of BK Rot expanding to the Southside. This connection could offer BK Rot the opportunity to collaborate with El Puente, expand their network and access, and align with their missions and values. Additionally, such a connection can offer El Puente the opportunity to expand their network, and learn skills about compost. The compost service program can be an initiative run out of the Green Light District or Latino Climate Network. Youth employment preference is given to youth living within the study area, with specific preference to those living in the Southside, and amongst identified economically vulnerable census tracts 525, 527, and 535. The type of employment would be seasonal and consist of bike pick up of compost, customer service for managing subscriptions, payment, and any inquiries, and a social media position to promote, advertise and maintain all social feeds and the website. Additionally, there will be a network to work with the six community gardens in the study area to receive the compost and work with the gardens.
50
BK Rot is a non-profit located in Bushwick/BedfordStuyvesant that picks up compost from residential and commercial buildings, and offers the option to purchase compost for additional projects. The compost service benefits Know Your Wastelands, a community garden located at 1278 Myrtle Avenue. The current boundaries of BK Rot compost service represented in figure 2-14 offer the opportunity to expand pick up to the Southside.
Figure 2-14: BK Rot Boundaries Source: bkrot.org
51
BK Rot has an economic model that pays youth wages through membership fees, and could easily be replicated to suit El Puente’s needs. This model allows for transparency and self-sufficiency of the program. Additionally, grants and donations can help subsidize extra costs should it be needed. BK Rot’s economic model charges a monthly fee for compost pick-up and services. In addition to employment opportunities, the non-profit also offers volunteer positions and community service, as well as academic credit for students. Additionally, BK Rot has a horizontal model that allows for total transparency and self-sufficiency amongst the workers and customers.
Recommendation 2.7
$$
SHORT TERM
Develop a program for a youth-led Environmental Justice Walking Tour to promote public interest and local culture El Puente has strong ties and commitments to community organization and environmental justice. This recommendation builds on previously established walking tours, but specifically focuses on sustainability, involves youth, and could gain revenue through ticket sales. The tour will highlight local community gardens, campaigns, future green initiatives, and murals/cultural sites as shown in figure 2-15. This recommendation works with the Southside’s strengths including its young population, incoming new businesses for new opportunities, and cultural and ethnic diversity. This tour could highlight the improvement, effort, and promise of the neighborhood that focuses on green initiatives. The youth would lead the tour and gain skills in program management, public speaking, and research. It would be educational, fun, and could involve their own family history. Youth could also receive compensation for being tour guides. The tour could promote local business, encouraging guests to eat or buy merchandise in the Southside. Local businesses could also use produce from urban farming and implement better waste management systems as a demonstration of sustainable practice. The steps of this recommendation are to develop sites and substance of the tour, engage youth to be involved, advertise through online platforms, and target audiences. El Puente can work with youth in its programs, local residents, and businesses. They could partner with the Brooklyn Historical Society, the Historic Preservation or SES Departments at Pratt, the Municipal Art Society of New York, and NYC-EJA for promotion or substance if needed.
Figure 2-15: Potential Sites for Tours, Study Area Source: PLUTO 16v2, September 2016 Priority Parks Open Space GLD
Greenpath
Murals
52
Another goal of this recommendation is to initiate a long-term partnership with a university such as Pratt Institute. If funding is necessary, the organizations listed could assist and revenue could be gained through ticket sales. Selling environmental products such as recycle bins or earth balls is also a possibility. Some examples of successful implementation of recommendation include Places that Matter, the South Bronx environmental justice walking tour, and Jane’s walk in Boston. 19 20 21 22 Figure 2-16: EJA Walking Tour Source: www.lvejo.org
53
Recommendation 2.8
$$
SHORT TERM
Advocate for a more inclusive Green Jobs Green New York Program Previous recommendations advocated for the creation of sustainable worker cooperatives to develop jobs and agency for workers in the Southside. This recommendation builds upon these broader initiatives by advocating for a more inclusive Green Jobs Green New York program. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) developed the Green Jobs Green New York (GJGNY) program to help New Yorkers with “access to energy assessments, installation services, low interest financing, and pathways for various green-collar careers.”23 This recommendation will provide research to show that El Puente could consider partnering with the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA) and NY Renews to revitalize the defunct green apprenticeship program. Research has also indicated that there is a need to address the shortcomings presented by the lowto-moderate income (LMI) working group of the Green Jobs Green NY program. The final aspect of this recommendation will discuss how El Puente could train workers from the Southside to form cooperatives and build a green economy with green jobs. Partner with NYC-EJA and NY Renews to revitalize the green apprenticeship training as part of the NYS Climate and Community Protection Act. In 1995, NYC-EJA launched the City’s first green jobs training program, then known as the Minority Workers Training Program.24 The program was successful and met targeted benchmarks, however once the funding expired, the program took a back step to other pressing priorities. While El Puente does offer job training and development with their Global Justice Institute since 2012, the program is predominantly education based and misses an opportunity to focus on more hands-on, skillsbased approach training.
Given both El Puente and NYC-EJA are members of NY Renews, a climate change coalition with more than 100 community based organizations, this recommendation calls for a more active involvement in asserting a green job skills-based training program to help disadvantaged workers in the Southside. Currently, the New York State Climate and Community Protection Act calls for “good jobs and climate justice with 100% clean, renewable energy.”25 Now as part of recently enacted legislation, climate commitments are part of the law and “resources are equitably reinvested in disadvantaged communities.” This legislation provides the perfect opportunity for El Puente to partner with NYC-EJA and NY Renews to hold legislation and Albany accountable in creating a green apprenticeship program by providing funds, training, and opportunities for members of the Southside. El Puente could support NY Renews, but also work with NYC-EJA to make sure that residents from the Southside benefit from this opportunity, as well as actively connect training opportunities with the other recommendations presented regarding worker cooperatives. If successful, other community based organizations in disadvantaged communities seeking to provide training, access, and opportunities to low income communities in predominantly environmental justice areas could use approaches set forth by El Puente as a model.
54
Green Jobs Green New York More Inclusive El Puente could also advocate for the reforms put forth by Green Job Green New York, Low & Medium Income Advisory Council to make sure that disadvantaged communities are included in all initiatives for green jobs and loans for retrofit projects. Since the establishment of the Green Jobs Green New York program, made possible through the Green Jobs Green New York Act of 2009, there has been successes. Under the program, El Puente has successfully pursued energy retrofit projects of 12 multi-family residence buildings in the Southside. However, there are many criticisms of the Green Job Green New York program that hinder the success and limit opportunities for populations in need. In fiscal year 2015-2016, the LMI working group published a report discussing key recommendations for the future success of GJGNY. The ineffectiveness of GJGNY is a combination of failures to procure financing and unreliability data. Loans meant to help disadvantaged communities, instead kept people out of the process. Participants were required to have very high credit scores, as well as a 50% debt to income ratio, and slow reimbursement processes made it difficult for contractors to be reimbursed.26 The report also said that the loans did not cover health and safety insurance, nor did the program serve customers living in manufacturing areas.27 The lack of financial literacy and knowledge of complex application processes also contributed towards the failure of receiving loans for energy retrofit projects that would ultimately produce sustainable green jobs. The LMI working group also stated that there was “inadequate employment and labor data available to assess the impact of GJGNY in creating good jobs for disadvantaged workers and struggling communities.”28 Additionally, the report questioned how successful the path for job training and development was, as it was “not clear” to the working group. 55
Even if the GJGNY program may be on path to expiration, as focus is currently being channeled into New York Reforming the Energy Vision (NY REV), El Puente could publically advocate for reforms put forth by the LMI of Green Jobs Green New York program to ensure future energy programs to be successful. This could mean a public letter to Cuomo or NYSERDA supporting and advocating reforms put forth by the LMI working group to show support for necessary reforms and make sure that NY REV can be more inclusive than GJGNY. NYC-EJA can also lead a data collection process on energy jobs within the Southside to highlight a missed opportunity and show there is need for more green jobs. Finally, whether it is information for the GJGNY program or NY REVs, research indicates that there is need for informational one-pagers which can be printed or digitally distributed. This simply means that El Puente can create bilingual, neatly designed brochures to help community members interested in obtaining loans or seeking green job training to have access to information about the application processes. Train Southside Workers to Form Co-ops and Establish Green Jobs El Puente could train workers from the Southside to form cooperatives, and co-own their businesses instead of looking for jobs. This will maximize benefits to a local inclusive economy and create agency amongst the Southside workforce. El Puente can be influential in incorporating previous lessons on worker co-operative training information and use that to develop training program and workshops for green-oriented jobs that prioritize energy efficiency and green solutions. Alternatively, El Puente could partner with green organizations to train green workers.
Case Study: The Minority Worker Training Program, Chicago This recommendation explored a case study about the minority workers environmental training program in Chicago as an example of how larger green apprenticeship programs can operate to provide green jobs for economically vulnerable and disenfranchised populations. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences hosts a 13-week job training program for environmental remediation and construction job training.29 The program focuses on professional studies, environmental, health & safety training, and practical hands on experience within the field. Workers receive free meals during the program, as well as free transportation. At the end of the 13week job training program, workers are equipped with over eight licenses and certifications to allow future success in a variety of fields. With limited requirements, there is accessibility for a wide array of people with various levels of income to participate in the program. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED equivalent, that the applicant be unemployed or underemployed, and have a valid driver’s license.
Figure 2-17: Training for Workers Source: OIA Inc
56
Objective 2 - Neighborhood Vision
Figure 2-18: Objective 2 Recommendations Diagram, Study Area Source: Google Maps
57
Sources Recommendation 2.1 1. “The Benefits of Worker Cooperatives.” Democracy at Work Institute. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://institute.coop/benefits-worker-cooperatives. 2. “Worker Cooperatives.” Community-Wealth.org. June 24, 2015. Accessed May 31, 2017. http:// community-wealth.org/content/worker-cooperatives. 3. “SolidarityNYC.” SolidarityNYC. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://solidaritynyc.org/ 4. “Cooperative Economic Alliance of New York City: Summary of Findings.” Solidarity NYC. April 2014. http://solidaritynyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/CEANYC-Final-Report.pdf. 5. Ink, Social. “About Us.” New Economy Project. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://www. neweconomynyc.org/about-us/. 6. “Renewable Energy Co-ops.” Renewable Energy Co-ops | Community Power Network. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://communitypowernetwork.com/node/9220. Recommendation 2.2 7. Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk. NYC Parks. 2017. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/coneyisland-beach-and-boardwalk/ 8. Paper Arts and Crafts. NYC Parks. 29 April 2017. https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2017/04/29/ paper-arts-crafts-sun-and-moon-in-warm-and-cool-colors 9. Prospect Park Yoga Summer 2017 Series. Bend + Bloom Yoga. 2017. http://www.bendandbloom. com/park-yoga/ Recommendation 2.3 10. Brooklyn Flea. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://brooklynflea.com/. 11. “Artist, Designer and Vintage Markets.” Artists & fleas. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://www. artistsandfleas.com/. 12. “La Marqueta.” NYCEDC. October 05, 2015. Accessed May 31, 2017. https://www.nycedc.com/ project/la-marqueta. Recommendation 2.4 13. “Welcome.” Green School: An Academy for Environmental Careers - New York City Department of Education. February 15, 2017. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://schools.nyc.gov/schoolportals/14/ k454/default.htm. 14. “Home.” Washington Youth Garden. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://www.washingtonyouthgarden. org/. 15. “Mission.” ROCHESTER ROOTS, INC. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://www.rochesterroots.org/. Recommendation 2.5 16. “El Puente Academy for Peace & Justice | Overview & History.” El Puente . Accessed May 31, 2017. http://elpuente.us/content/el-puente-academy-peace-justice-overview-history. 17. “Internship Information for Students.” PENCIL.org. March 10, 2017. Accessed May 31, 2017. http:// pencil.org/internship-program-for-students/. Recommendation 2.6 18. “Organics Collection In Houses & Small Buildings (1-9 Units).” DSNY - Zero Waste. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/zerowaste/residents/organics-collection-in-houses-andsmall-buildings-1-9-units.shtml.
58
Recommendation 2.7 19. “Jane Jacobs in the West End.” Home. Accessed May 11, 2017. http://janeswalk.org/united-states/ boston/jane-jacobs-west-end/. 20. “Place Matters: Mission .” Mission | Place Matters. Accessed May 11, 2017. http://www. placematters.net/mission. 21. “Environmental Justice Waterfront Tour (Landmark South Bronx).” Home. Accessed May 11, 2017. http://janeswalk.org/united-states/new-york-city-ny/environmental-justice-waterfront-walkingtour-landmark-south-bronx/. 22. “MYTOWN: Leaders of the Future Learning the Lessons of the Past.” Mass Humanities. Accessed May 11, 2017. http://masshumanities.org/about/news/f01-mt/. Recommendation 2.8 23. “Green Jobs – Green New York .” NYSERDA. Accessed May 31, 2017. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ Researchers-and-Policymakers/Green-Jobs-Green-New-York. 24. Site research from 1995 apprencticeship program 25. “Green Jobs – Green New York .” NYSERDA. Accessed May 31, 2017. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ Researchers-and-Policymakers/Green-Jobs-Green-New-York. 26. “ GJGNY Low- to Moderate-Income (LMI) Working Group .” NYSERDA. Accessed May 31, 2017. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Researchers-and-Policymakers/Green-Jobs-Green-New-York/GJGNYLMI-Working-Group. 27. Annamarya , Scaccia , and Brooke L. L. Williams. “NYS’s Green-Energy Loans Played Hard to Get.” City Limits. March 20, 2017. Accessed May 31, 2017. http://citylimits.org/2016/01/26/nyss-greenenergy-loans-played-hard-to-get/. 28. “ GJGNY Low- to Moderate-Income (LMI) Working Group .” NYSERDA. Accessed May 31, 2017. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Researchers-and-Policymakers/Green-Jobs-Green-New-York/GJGNYLMI-Working-Group. 29. “Posts about minority worker training program on Real Talk.” Real Talk. Accessed May 31, 2017. https://ccounty.wordpress.com/tag/minority-worker-training-program/.
59
Conclusion The recommendations presented in this report are the result of a collaborative effort to address the disproportionate lack of open space in the Southside, and the economic challenges this community faces, as initially identified by El Puente. The magnitude of El Puente’s sustained efforts is a testament to the power of collective community resiliency, and the members of this studio have appreciated the opportunity to join in this important conversation.
Figure 3-1 shows the distribution of recommendations by time and cost. It shows the amount of investment needed and how long it would take for each recommendation to be implemented. The most expensive and long term recommendation is to the proposal to enclose the Brooklyn Queens Expressway & Williamsburg Bridge exit ramps to stop noise and air pollution. The least expensive recommendation is to create a compost service in the Southside for youth employment and environmental awareness.
Figure 3-1: Recommendations Scatter Plot
60
This map shows the links between all of the design interventions and recommendations proposed for consideration throughout this report. When viewed in the context of a neighborhood vision, together the recommendations can enliven and unify the community.
Figure 3-2: Overall Neighborhood Vision Source: Google Maps
61
Appendices APPENDIX 1: Capruso v. Village of Kings Point (June 12, 2014) The highest court ruled that legislatively unauthorized “non-park” uses of public parkland by municipalities are continuing wrongs that can be challenged at any time by the public or the state, and that statute of limitations and laches defenses may not be asserted by municipalities to block efforts to enjoin such violations of the Public Trust Doctrine. This ruling applies even where the municipal misuse of parkland has been ongoing for decades.1 In 1938, the Village leased Kings Point Park to the Great Neck Park District with the understanding that the Park District would manage and maintain the park. The Western Corner of the park was reserved for a pistol range for local police and for storage of highway materials and supplies.1 In 2008, the Village adopted a proposal to deforest, regrade and enclose the Western Corner and build a Department of Public Works facility. The proposed facility, approximately 12,000 square feet in area, would include a diesel truck garage, a road-sign shop, administrative offices, and crew quarters, and be enclosed by a chain-link fence. The proposal also envisaged the construction of an asphalt roadway and parking area, and yet did not seek legislative authorization.1 In March 2009, plaintiffs Daniel Capruso, Alan Berkower and Elizabeth Allen, who live near Kings Point Park, commenced an action against the Village, its Mayor and its Board of Trustees. Eventually, in the Supreme Court, the Village concedes that the Western Corner is dedicated parkland and that the present and proposed uses of it have not been authorized by the State Legislature and thus violate the public trust doctrine.1 The State’s “legislative approval is required when there is a substantial intrusion on parkland for non-park purposes”. In addition, under the continuing wrong doctrine, plaintiffs are able to challenge defendants’ ongoing violation of the public trust doctrine at any time while the violation lasts, without being barred by the statute of limitations.1
62
Current DOT Pedestrian Enhancement Programs Summer Streets (currently a Manhattan only program) An annual celebration of New York City’s streets. On three consecutive Saturdays in August, nearly seven miles of NYC’s streets are opened for people to play, run, walk, and bike. Summer Streets provides space for healthy recreation and encourages New Yorkers to use more sustainable forms of transportation. In 2016, nearly 300,000 people took advantage of Summer Streets.2 Shared Streets Pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles share the historic streets of Lower Manhattan and motorists are encouraged to drive at 5 mph. Partnering with many community based organizations, a wide range of local business offerings, and free historic and cultural programs to offer bicycle and walking tours and live performances.3 Weekend Walks Multi-block, multi-day events on commercial corridors that promote the use of streets as public space, running from April through December. Community based organizations apply to close commercial streets and provide active programming that highlights local businesses. In 2017, DOT is partnering with over 60 community based organizations to offer over 120 days of car-free programming.4 El Puente will host Weekend Walks on 9/23 Plaza Program DOT works with select organizations to create neighborhood plazas throughout the City to transform underused streets into vibrant, social public spaces. The NYC Plaza Program is a key part of the City’s effort to ensure that all New Yorkers live within a 10-minute walk of quality open space.5 Neighborhood Slow Zones A community-based program that reduces the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph and adds safety measures within a select area in order to change driver behavior. The ultimate goal of the Neighborhood Slow Zone program is to lower the incidence and severity of crashes. Slow Zones also seek to enhance quality of life by reducing cut-through traffic and traffic noise in residential neighborhoods. DOT creates Slow Zones in response to applications from communities. After each round of applications, DOT selects appropriate locations and works with the community to devise a plan to install the Slow Zone. Slow Zones must be approved by the local Community Board. DOT has worked with communities throughout the city to create Slow Zones.6
63
Sources 1. “Village of Kings Point - Decisions.” New York Courts. 2014. https://www.nycourts.gov/ctapps/ Decisions/2014/Jun14/102opn14-Decision.pdf. 2. “Summer Streets.” New York City Department of Transportation. Accessed June 04, 2017. http:// www.nyc.gov/html/dot/summerstreets/html/home/home.shtml. 3. “Shared Streets: Lower Manhattan.”New York City Department of Transportation. Accessed June 04, 2017. http://home.nyc.gov/html/dot/summerstreets/html/sharedstreets/shared-streets.shtml 4. “Weekend Walks 2017.” New York City Department of Transportation. Accessed June 04, 2017. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/weekendwalks/html/home/home.shtml 5. “Plaza Program.” New York City Department of Transportation. Accessed June 04, 2017. http:// www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/pedestrians.shtml 6. “Neighborhood Slow Zones.” New York City Department of Transportation. Accessed June 04, 2017. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/slowzones.shtml
64