Open Space and Sustainable Economic Development in the Southside of Williamsburg Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment | Fundamentals of Planning Studio | Spring 2017 Students: Yotam Melman, Nitisha Raje, Sophiya Khan, Jenady Garshofsky, Rohan Narang, Kim Robledo, Anthony Budiman, Heba Nady-Mohamed, Jay Skardis, Collin Lee, Michael Bourque, Haiyin Guo Faculty: Mercedes Narciso, Juan Camilo Osorio, Ayse Yonder
Today’s Presentation
1 2 3 4
Introduction Issues Objectives & Recommendations Conclusion
Rodney Park
1 Client and Project Goal The Client El Puente seeks to empower Latinos “to build 21st century community� sustainability plans that integrate climate change strategies in the context of culture, education, equity, and social justice Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Depot
Project Goal Explore existing conditions in the Southside with a focus on the open space system, including four priority parks, in order to develop recommendations to promote the overall goals of the Green Light District initiative
El Puente Mural Source: www.elpuente.us
1 Geographic Context Southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn Community District 1 The Green Light District:
• • • •
Environmental Awareness Personal Health Social and Educational Justice Cultural Conservation
Priority Parks: 1.
Marcy Park
2.
Rodney Park
3.
LaGuardia Playground
4.
Continental Army Plaza
Priority Parks Open Space Study Area GLD Geographic Context: Census Tracts Map Source: NYC Pluto, September 2016
1 Planning Process Neighborhood and Site Survey
Existing Conditions Analysis
Case Study Research
Recommendations
Stakeholder Interviews
1 The Southside Strengths and Assets:
• • • • • • •
History reflected in urban fabric Cultural, ethnic, racial, income diversity Young population
“Reimagine LaGuardia Playground”, El Puente, GLD Source: www.elpuente.us
Strong CBO’s Political representatives / elected officials Incoming new businesses BQ Green proposal
Jewish District
1 Land Use ●
58% Residential & mixed residential/commercial
●
26% Commercial and mixed residential/commercial
●
7% Industrial & manufacturing
●
5% transportation & utility GLD
●
9% Public facilities & institutions
One & Two Family
●
10% Vacant lots
MultiFamily Elevator
●
3% Parking
MultiFamily Walkup Mixed Commercial/ Residential Industrial/ Manufacturing Commercial/ Office Transportation/ Utility Public Facilities & Institutions
●
3% Parks & open space
Open Space Parking Facilities Vacant Land
Land Use Map Source: NYC Pluto, September 2016
1 Zoning ● Mostly zoned R6 - R8 ● Residential areas are located next to M1 - M3 ● Mixed-use Retail, Residential, Commercial and Industrial ● 2005 Rezoning Mixed Residential M1-2 ● 2009 Inland to contextual rezoning C1-3 C1-4 C2-3 C2-4 Residential Commercial MX-8 Priority Parks GLD
Zoning Map Source: NYC Pluto 2016
2 Issues Size better
Lack of Open Space and Greenery Economic Disparities Displacement Heavy Truck Traffic Environmental Injustice
Havemeyer St & South 5th St
2 Lack of Open Space & Greenery
● Total of 40 open spaces, with total of 14.9 acres ● Translates into 0.3 acres per 1,000 residents ● 31 parks with a total of 14.2 acres ● Playgrounds and sports fields consist of 3.6 acres of parks
Priority Parks Open Space Study Area GLD Lack of Open Space and Greenery Map Source: NYC Pluto 2016
2 Economic Disparities
● Economically vulnerable census tracts 525, 527, 529, 535 ● In 2015, over 30% of population living in poverty ● Census tract 527: 14.1% unemployment rate ● Lower educational attainment
Vulnerable Census Tracts Priority Parks Study Area GLD Economic Disparities by Census Tracts map Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015
2 Unemployment ●
2015 unemployment rate lower than NYC ○
Study Area: 6.7% vs NYC: 8.3%
●
Between 2000 and 2015 GLD unemployment decreased from 14% to 8%
●
Two outliers, predominantly Hispanic/Latino
High Unemployment Priority Parks Study Area American Community Survey & Furman Center
GLD Census Tracts with Highest Unemployment Rate Map Source: American Community Survey 2011-2015 & Furman Center
2 Inequality
Educational Attainment, College Degree or +
Median Household Income
Priority Parks Less 20K
Priority Parks
25K - 40K
Under 20%
40K-53K
20.1% - 40%
53K - 80K
40.1% - 60%
80K Above
60.1% Above
GLD
GLD
Study Area
Study Area Median Household Income Map Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015
Educational Attainment Map, College Degree or Above Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015
2 Displacement â—? Total population in 2015: 55,556 â—? Hispanic/Latino population decreased from 50% in 2000 to 32% in 2015
Priority Parks Predominantly Hispanic Ethnicity, Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015
Predominantly White GLD Study Area Ethnicity Map Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015
2 Heavy Truck Traffic ● Increased transit activity in census tracts 525, 527, 535 ● High concentration of truck routes near the BQE ● 17 accidents: 14 are in truck routes ● 7 accidents in vulnerable tracts, 3 fatalities in 2016
Priority Parks Fatalities GLD Bus Stop Ferry Stop Subway Station Subway Routes Truck Routes Walking Distance Study Area Truck Traffic Map Source: Department of Transportation 2015
2 Environmental Injustice: Existing Industrial Facilities ● 16 solid waste facilities in CD1 (one of 4 community districts handle 70% of trash) ● Industrial facilities bring in truck traffic through Southside via Williamsburg Bridge / BQE ● Facilities vulnerable to storm surge & can spread toxins and chemicals
Study Area Solid waste facility SMIA CSOS Outfall CD 1 Truck Routes Existing Industrial Facilities Map, Source: SMIA and Solid Waste Facilities, Neighbors Allied for Good Growth (NAG)
2 Environmental Injustice: Storm Surge ● 42% of buildings are in storm surge zones ● Roughly 46% of the population would be inundated by a category 4 storm
Air Emissions Toxic Release - Air Water
● Approximately 24,700 people affected by storm surge
Toxic Release- Water CSOs Outfall Storm Surge Zones Hurricane Cat. 1 Hurricane Cat. 2 Hurricane Cat. 3 Hurricane Cat. 4 Priority Parks GLD Study Area Stormwater Surge and Sewage Outfalls Map Source: FEMA 2006
2 S.W.O.T. Analysis Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Historic, mixed use urban
Socioeconomic inequality
Young population
Gentrification and
Decline in
Incoming new businesses
Cultural and ethnic
Hispanic/Latino
for new opportunities
diversity
population
fabric
Strong CBO’s and political representation Transit infrastructure
Neighborhood divided by BQE; pollution from BQE Impervious and polluted parks, open spaces Limited waterfront access
Undeveloped and underutilized space BQ Green plans for greening neighborhood
displacement Lack of open space Pollution High unemployment in GLD Waterfront luxury redevelopment
2 Vacant Lot Inventory Analysis Strengths
Weaknesses
● 39.1 acres of vacant lots ○ 15.4 acres undergoing development ○ 2.7 acres used as vehicle parking/storage ○ 2.7 acres are inaccessible
● Identified priority lots are publicly owned, with a total of 11.2 acres (29% of total vacant lots)
Vacant Lots Priority Lots Priority Parks Open Space Study Area GLD Vacant Lot Inventory Map Source: NYC Pluto 2016
3 Objectives to Achieve Goal Objective 1 - Improve Open Space Quality & Accessibility
LaGuardia Park
Continental Army Plaza
Rodney South Park
Objective 2 - Opportunities for Economic Development & Cultural Preservation
Commercial Corridor
Marcy Park
Domino Sugar Development
3
Objective 1 Enhance and expand the quality of open spaces to improve public health, multimodal transportation, and the environment in the community Accessibility
Environment
Transit
1.1 Advocate reclamation of Open Space lost through Parkland Alienation 1.2 Green corridor 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
Recommendation 1.1 $$$$ LONG TERM
Advocate for reclamation of open space lost through Parkland Alienation
•
Partner with Council member Antonio Reynoso, related board members, and advocacy groups
•
Form coalition to reclaim unused parkland-zoned sites
•
Propose some of the priority vacant lots for alienation Existing Greenway Open Space Priority Lots Priority Parks Potential Alienation Study Area GLD Potential sites for Parkland Alienation Map Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 1.1 $$$$
Potential spaces for parkland
LONG TERM
Site under Williamsburg Bridge
• • • •
Owned by New York City 1 acre Designated but unused parkland space Used as DOT storage
Waterfront site along Kent Ave
• • • •
Current Condition
Existing Green Path
Owned by New York City and DCAS 1.5 acres with facility FAR of 5.0 Potential waterfront access Proximity to existing greenway Source: Googlemaps.com
Recommendation 1.2 $$$$$ SHORT TERM
Advocate for a Greenpath to connect the neighborhood
•
1.2 mile Greenpath along Kent St and around S4th St, from waterfront to Union Ave to connect open spaces and the neighborhood
•
Add street furniture and urban design elements to enhance pedestrian safety
•
Plant green walls and vegetation in Marcy and Rodney parks, and ramp to the BQE along La Guardia park
•
DOT should address dangerous intersection around S.4th, Havemeyer and Borinquen Open Space
towards Sternberg Park
Priority Parks Greenpath Existing Greenway Study Area GLD Green Path Map Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 1.2 $$$$$ SHORT TERM
Enhancement of pedestrian safety with curb extensions and urban design elements
•
Addition of green ribbons and vegetation as buffer between sidewalk and street
Green Ribbon on Sidewalk Source: Department of Transportation 2015 Street Design Manual
Los Sures
El Puente
Continental Army Plaza
LaGuardia Playground Hazardous Intersection Roebling St & S4th St
Curb Extensions and green ribbons on Sidewalks
Recommendation 1.3 $$$$$ SHORT TERM
Advocate for the creation of pedestrian plazas to increase existing open spaces Connect Continental Army Plaza and LaGuardia Playground by closing Roebling street
Source: Google Maps
• •
Greenpath
Conduct a traffic study to redirect traffic Partner with DOT Plaza Program
Open Space Priority Parks Study Area GLD Focus Area
Pedestrian Plaza Map Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 1.3 $$$$$
La Guardia Playground North and Continental Army Plaza connected with a pedestrian plaza
SHORT TERM
Before
Source: Google Maps
LaGuardia Playground North and Continental Army Plaza
After
Source: Google Maps
LaGuardia Playground North and Continental Army Plaza
Recommendation 1.4 $$$$ SHORT TERM
Promote the creation of Southside Pedestrian Superblocks for reducing pollution and traffic Three designated superblocks within the Southside to:
•
Reduce speed limit, create shared streets
•
Allow traffic only around the perimeters and improve air quality
•
Partner with DOT towards this goal and Integrate with 5 current pedestrian and community programs
•
Potential partners: Transportation Alternatives, TransitCenter, and Project for Public Spaces
DOT Shared Street Program Source: NY Times
Superblock Illustration Source: BCNecologia
Weekend Walks Brooklyn 2013 Source: DOT Weekend Walks
Weekend walks Williamsburg 2014, Source: DOT Weekend Walks
Recommendation 1.4 $$$$ SHORT TERM
Promote the creation of Southside Pedestrian Superblocks for reducing pollution and traffic
5
Open Space Priority Parks Superblock Study Area Superblock Source: Google Maps
GLD Superblocks Map Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 1.5 $$$$ LONG TERM
Enhance safety and connectivity in and around Continental Army Plaza through protected bike lanes â—? Use design interventions to protect bicycle riders and park users for safe access to Williamsburg Bridge â—? Connect with Times Up or Transportation Alternatives to advocate for enhanced safety measures Open Space Priority Parks Study Area GLD Fatalities NYC Bike Routes Truck Routes Focus Area Multi-modal transit activity near/around Continental Army Plaza Map, Source: Department of Transportation 2015
Recommendation 1.5 $$$$
Sites near Continental Army Plaza lacking bike connectivity
LONG TERM
Design 1: Create designated ramps
Source: Google Earth Source: Google Maps Observed bike route Pedestrian path Existing bike lane Hazardous intersections
Design 2: Use planters to direct bicyclists
Recommendation 1.6 $$$$ LONG TERM
Partner with NYC DOT to reduce truck delivery on congested routes Improve air quality and pedestrian safety
•
Work with NYC DOT and local stores to create an off-hour schedule for truck delivery
•
Reduce truck routes for big trucks
Greenpath Open Space Priority Parks Kent Ave Truck Routes Off-hour delivery on 3rd Avenue and 39th Street. Source: NYC DOT
Study Area GLD Truck Routes in Study Area Map Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 1.6 $$$$ LONG TERM
Advocate for zero-emission buses at the Williamsburg Bus Terminal Improve air quality through clean buses Reduce bus emissions Zero-emission MTA buses
• • • •
All-electric, zero-emission electric bus Benefit the city's air quality Pivotal change for our environmental footprint Pilot program: northern Manhattan where there are five bus depots
Electric, zero-emission MTA bus. Source: NY Daily News
The bus can travel 150 miles before its three batteries need to be recharged. Source: NY Daily News
Recommendation 1.7 $$$$$ SHORT TERM
Advocate for greening the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal
•
Long term goal: move bus terminal out of the area
•
Temporary short term redesign: tree islands and green areas between bus docks and lanes
•
Zero-emission electric buses, charging stations
Greenpath Priority Parks Bus Terminal Open Space Study Area GLD
Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal Map, Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 1.7 $$$$$
NYC tree census shows lack of medium and large sized trees around Bus Depot
SHORT TERM
Bus Terminal Before: impervious land and lacking trees
1 2
Source: NYC PARKS
Bus Terminal After: with vegetation, permeable land and urban furniture
Recommendation 1.8 $$$$$$ LONG TERM
Advocate for enclosing designated but unused space under Williamsburg Bridge to create multipurpose public space
•
Convert the designated but unused 0.975 acre open space into a multipurpose public space (Wythe, Berry, S5th, and S6th)
•
Potential partners: Dept of Parks, Council member Reynoso, and community organizations
Greenpath Priority Parks Space Under Bridge Open Space Study Area GLD Unused Space Under Williamsburg Bridge Map, Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 1.9 $$$$ LONG TERM
Enclose the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Williamsburg Bridge exit ramp to stop noise and air pollution
S8 Highway, Warsaw, Poland. AP Photo:Alik Keplicz
• •
Partner with an architectural firm for design, a civil engineering firm for a filtration system Build a coalition to advocate for enclosing the bridge and BQE throughout the neighborhood
Greenpath Priority Parks Open Space Enclosing BQE Study Area GLD BQE and Williamsbridge Enclosure Map, Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 1.9 $$$$ LONG TERM
Enclose the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Williamsburg Bridge exit ramp to stop noise and air pollution
Before: Williamsburg Bridge exit ramp, looking east. Source: Google Maps
After: Williamsburg Bridge exit ramp, looking east Source: Google Maps
Recommendation 1.10 $$$$ LONG TERM
Advocate for the creation of Sunken Water Plaza
•
DOT- owned lot underneath Williamsburg Bridge can be turned into a sunken plaza
• •
Contain runoff and reduce storm surge Multi-purpose space when it is dry
Case Study: Water Plazas in Rotterdam Open Space Priority Parks Study Area GLD Proposed Plaza Hurricane Cat. 1 Hurricane Cat. 2 Hurricane Cat. 3 Hurricane Cat. 4 Rotterdam “Waterplein” plaza Source: offsite.org
CSOs Outfall
Water Plaza Map Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency 2006
Recommendation 1.10 $$$$
Sunken water plaza concept diagrams
LONG TERM
Water Plaza concept Source:urbandesignnaba.com
Water Plaza Rotterdam dry condition Source: deurbanstein.nl
Water Plaza Rotterdam wet condition Source: deurbanstein.nl
Water Plaza concept diagram Source: deurbanstein.nl
3
Objective 1 Map View
Source: www.googlemaps.com
3
Objective 2 Support small businesses, provide training, and employment opportunities for inclusive / sustainable economic development and cultural preservation
Education & Culture
Environment
Economic Development
2.1 Promote creation of worker co-ops to foster local economy 2.2 Cultural workshops and social activities in open spaces for active social recreation 2.3 Local food businesses and markets in underused parks and open spaces 2.4 Green programs in public schools through education and training 2.5 Compost service for youth employment and environmental awareness 2.6 Advocate for a more inclusive Green Jobs Green NY Program Back 2.7 Partner with local companies to create high school internships 2.8 Youth-Led Environmental Justice walking tour to promote interest and culture
Recommendation 2.1 $$$$ LONG TERM
Promote creation of worker co-ops to foster local economy
•
Partner with local organizations to host workshops at El Puente on starting, growing, and maintaining worker cooperatives
•
Worker Cooperatives are democratically owned small businesses that provide social and economic justice through the pooling of skills and resources to create quality jobs in a local economy
Source: communitywealth.org
Source: sisepuede.com
Source: newerawindows.com
Source: workersjustice.org
Recommendation 2.2 $$$$ SHORT TERM
Implement workshops and social activities in open spaces to promote active social recreation ●
Open spaces for cultural and fitness workshops taught by local instructors for Southside community
●
Strengthen social bonds among the neighborhood
●
Opportunity for economic development through local food businesses
●
Potential partners: Los Sures, Southside Community Mission, Spaceworks
Salsa at Coney Island Boardwalk source: www.travellingbananas.com
Case Studies: Salsa at the Coney Island Boardwalk, Prospect Park Yoga, Drawing at Battery Park Paper Arts & Crafts, Poe Park, Bronx Source: www1.nyc.gov
Recommendation 2.2 $$$$ SHORT TERM
Potential spaces for workshops
1-Grand Ferry Park
1
Promote public use of waterfront 2-Jaime Campiz Playground 3-Maori Triangle
3 2
Re-unify open spaces divided by BQE 4-Marcy & Rodney Parks Re-activate parks prioritized by El Puente
4
5-Roberto Clemente Ballfield 6-Jacob’s Ladder Playground Reactivate southern open spaces into parks network by expanding GLD boundaries Existing Greenway
Open Spaces
Priority Parks
GLD
GLD Expansion
5
6 Potential Spaces for Workshops Map Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 2.3 $$$$ SHORT TERM
Support economic development opportunities in underused park and open spaces ●
Promote and organize local Food businesses, weekend artist and flea market in the neighborhood
●
Partner with NYC Small Business Services for access to affordable kitchen space, training programs, and food-cooperative education
●
Help attain the Secondhand Dealer General License from Department of Consumer Affairs licenses for weekend flea market vendors
Brooklyn Flea Market, La Marqueta Source: fundreds.com
Food Festival Source: fundreds.com
Recommendation 2.3 $$$$ SHORT TERM
Potential spaces for economic development opportunities Grand Ferry Park and Precinct Revitalize the waterfront for food markets
Williamsburg Bridge Reclaimed parkspace for flea markets in winters Marcy & Rodney Parks Re-activate parks as flea markets in summers
Greenpath Open Space Priority Parks Potential Spaces Study Area GLD Potential Spaces for Economic Development Opportunities Map, Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 2.4 $$$$ LONG TERM
Encourage green programs in public schools through education and training
•
11 public schools
•
Collaborate with NYC-EJA to provide training and awareness to students in public schools on sustainability, urban farming practices, composting, and the importance of nutrition and growth cycles
•
Encourage schools to reserve a space in school gardens for urban farming and composting
•
Encourage students to be a part of the Composting for community garden developments within the neighborhoods, as a part of an after school activity program
East New York Green Schools Program, The Washington Youth Garden, Farm to Schools, Rochester Roots, Seattle Youth Garden Works
Recommendation 2.5 $$$$ SHORT TERM
Create compost service in the Southside for youth employment and environmental awareness
•
Compost program could create customer service, social media, and bike delivery positions for youth
•
Start advertising to generate interest for jobs and service
•
EL Puente could consider a partnership for service in the Southside. BK Rot created the idea for small scale compost service that engages local youth.
Youth with bicycle compost wagon Source: BK Rot Instagram
Recommendation 2.5 $$$$
Community gardens as potential compost sites
SHORT TERM
Berry Street Garden
1
Earth Spirit Garden
2
Northside Community Garden
3
Keap Fourth Street Garden 6
Ten Eyck Garden Southside Community Garden
Greenpath Priority Parks Open Space Study Area GLD Potential Compost Sites Map, Source: NYC Pluto 2016
4 5
Recommendation 2.6 $$$$$ SHORT TERM
Advocate for a more inclusive Green Jobs Green NY Program Back
●
Partner NYC-EJA and NY Renews to revitalize green apprenticeship training as part of the NYS Climate and Community Protection Act
●
Address shortcomings of Green Jobs Green New York
●
El Puente can train workers from the Southside to form cooperatives, and they co-own their businesses instead of looking for a jobs to maximize benefits to a local inclusive economy
NYRenews.org
Solar Panels Source: NYSERDA - New York State
Recommendation 2.7 $$$$ LONG TERM
Partner with local companies to create high school internships for Southside students ●
Internships with companies in the creative fields -- IT, Graphic Design, Advertising, Business, Art
●
Six- week summer internships to prepare for college/future careers and real-world job experiences
●
Promote diversity and inclusion in these fields, encourage better educational attainment levels, and increase future employment opportunities for Southside students.
Source: Politic365
Source: Genesysworks
Recommendation 2.7 $$$$ LONG TERM
Potential partners in study area
1
1-Colossal 2-Fuzz 3-Vice
3
2 4
4-Ghost Robot
Greenpath Priority Parks Open Space Study Area Fuzz HQ, Southside of Williamsburg Source: Google Maps
GLD
Local Prospective Businesses for Internships Map, Source: NYC Pluto 2016
Recommendation 2.8 $$$$ SHORT TERM
Develop a program for a youth-led Environmental Justice and cultural walking tour to promote public awareness and local culture ● Build on El Puente’s Mural Walking Tour by working with youth to develop and lead the educational tour, focus on sustainability and gain revenue through tickets ● Potential Partners: Brooklyn Historical Society, Pratt Institute , Municipal Art Society, and NYC- EJA
Environmental Justice Walking Tour Source: www.lvejo.org
● Program management and Public speaking skills, and enlighten them about the ancestry and the environmental justice struggles of the neighborhood Case Studies: Places that Matter, South Bronx, Jane’s Walk (Boston), MyTown (Hartford) Source: tbilisifreewalkingtour.com
Recommendation 2.8 $$$$ SHORT TERM
Potential sites of the walking tour ● Local community gardens ● Cultural sites/ murals ● Green initiatives ● EJ campaigns
Existing Greenway Study Area GLD Murals Greenpath Priority Parks Open Space Potential sites of tour of map Source: www.elpuente.us
3
Objective 2 Map View
Source: www.googlemaps.com
4 Scatter Plot Analysis of Recommendations
4
Neighborhood Vision
Source: www.googlemaps.com
Thank you. Questions?