another recommendation

[Erville, Pierre (DDOE)]

There were many great suggestions made at our first meeting.  I’d like to add one more that I think is important:

 

We’ve got to focus more on building bridges between key agencies that share responsibilities for the built environment, including the District Dept. of the Environment (DDOE), the Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the DC Housing Authority (DCHA).  DDOE has started to do this in the context of lead poisoning prevention and the creation of “healthy homes,” by convening working groups on a variety of topics of mutual interest between these (and other) agencies.  But obviously, broader discussions should also occur, to achieve the following goals: leverage resources from each other, avoid duplicative or overlapping services, and maximize our collective resources to put them to best possible use.  The District government should be striving to achieve cost-effective synergies, and we must try to break down the silo / turf-guarding mentality that typically prevents this from happening.  Leadership from the top is essential.

 

Also, hopefully of interest to everyone in this Built Environment workgroup, please check out DDOE’s Strategic Plan for Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes, which is published on DDOE’s website at: green.dc.gov (go to third column [DDOE Services], scroll down and click on “Lead and Healthy Housing” and you’ll find the Strategic Plan at the top of the page). 

 

Pierre

 

Pierre R. Erville, JD MS

Associate Director, District Department of the Environment

Lead and Healthy Housing Division

1200 First St. NE / 5th Floor

Washington, D.C.  20002

 

Direct Line: 202-535-2505

Cell: 202-603-2655

Fax: 202-535-1917

 

 

 

 

Join Mayor Gray’s One City • One Hire - 10,000 Jobs Campaign
“Putting District Residents Back to Work – One Hire at a Time”
Learn more at http://onecityonehire.org

 

Support the DC One Fund Campaign, Each One Give One. 

Learn more at www.dconefund.org or www.onefund.dc.gov.  One City, Working Together!

[Jermaine Brown]

Hello Pierre,

Nothing could be so close to the truth. I can personally attest to
the mentioned DC agencies unwillingness to work with each other. I
personally write now challenge the named DC Agencies to come together
participate in this effort of lead abating the Dc Built environment.
lead posioning is what is wrong with the youth in DC. Its ashame
certain individuals take brives from building owners to not enforce
the lead law. I will use this platform to educate the District on
lead in DC and expose all who aid in the CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING OF
DC KIDS.

Sincerely,

Jermaine

On Dec 6, 8:59 am, "Erville, Pierre (DDOE)" <Pierre.Ervi...@dc.gov>
wrote:

> There were many great suggestions made at our first meeting.  I'd like to add one more that I think is important:
>
> We've got to focus more on building bridges between key agencies that share responsibilities for the built environment, including the District Dept. of the Environment (DDOE), the Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the DC Housing Authority (DCHA).  DDOE has started to do this in the context of lead poisoning prevention and the creation of "healthy homes," by convening working groups on a variety of topics of mutual interest between these (and other) agencies.  But obviously, broader discussions should also occur, to achieve the following goals: leverage resources from each other, avoid duplicative or overlapping services, and maximize our collective resources to put them to best possible use.  The District government should be striving to achieve cost-effective synergies, and we must try to break down the silo / turf-guarding mentality that typically prevents this from happening.  Leadership from the top is essential.
>
> Also, hopefully of interest to everyone in this Built Environment workgroup, please check out DDOE's Strategic Plan for Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes, which is published on DDOE's website at: green.dc.gov (go to third column [DDOE Services], scroll down and click on "Lead and Healthy Housing" and you'll find the Strategic Plan at the top of the page).
>
> Pierre
>
> Pierre R. Erville, JD MS
> Associate Director, District Department of the Environment
> Lead and Healthy Housing Division
> 1200 First St. NE / 5th Floor
> Washington, D.C.  20002
>
> Direct Line: 202-535-2505
> Cell: 202-603-2655
> Fax: 202-535-1917
>

> Join Mayor Gray's One City * One Hire - 10,000 Jobs Campaign
> "Putting District Residents Back to Work - One Hire at a Time"
> Learn more athttp://onecityonehire.org

>
> Support the DC One Fund Campaign, Each One Give One.

> Learn more atwww.dconefund.org<http://www.dconefund.org> orwww.onefund.dc.gov<http://www.onefund.dc.gov>.  One City, Working Together!

[Ashley Stanton]

I wanted to follow-up on this comment.  I totally agree, and I think there are many reasons why the different agencies should consider working together.  The lead issue is one, but another could be the use of vacant lots throughout the City.  One big movement in many cities across the country is the urban ag/community garden movement, and rather than seeing vacant lots re-developed to include more structures or concrete, it would be nice to look at these lots in a different light and see what else they might be used for.
 
Community Gardens and parks would allow the communities within DC to have access to nature in their backyards, give communities a chance to get their hands dirty and grow their own food, provide spaces throughout the city for better stormwater management practices (either through the use of rain gardens, permeable paving, rain barrels, etc.), consideration for composting, and much more.  Renovating what we already have should also be a consideration, as well as LID technologies.
 
There are so many things the City could do by getting their agencies to work together better, especially when it comes to vacant lots.  I'm sure that many of these lots throughout the city are owned by multiple agencies, which has already made it difficult for some smaller community organizations to work at creating community garden spaces.
 
This also highlights someone else's point today about how there needs to be a group that brings the ideas from every group together.  I do believe that all of the working groups are interconnected and will need to work together at some point.
 
Anyway, I just wanted to add another idea along this line.  There is a lot to think about as this initiative moves forward.
 
Ashley
 

---

From: Pierre....@dc.gov
To: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 08:59:58 -0500
Subject: another recommendation

[Yasmani]

I'm all for community gardens, and no doubt some of these vacant lots should be cultivated, but one question I can't get past is whether that is "Highest and Best use" for undoubtedly expensive property in the District. Given the economic climate I think we can collectively come up with better ideas on what to do with vacant lots. My two cents: create a new "green" zoning code and perhaps turn at least some of these vacant lots into renewable energy parks that create and supply electricity to either specific districts or back to the grid. Let's discuss. 

Yasmani   

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[Erville, Pierre (DDOE)]

I agree with Ashley’s points, and I also want to point out that there remains a desperate need in the District for more shelters (or better put, temporary housing) for those displaced by unhealthy conditions, whether these are significant lead hazards we identify in homes with young kids or pregnant women, or battered women, or folks displaced by fire or structurally unsafe housing, etc.  DDOE convened an interagency working group that met for a year on this issue alone, in meetings involving a half-dozen agencies, and explored a slew of options, including with such private-sector players as some of the District’s largest property owners/managers, all to no avail.  

 

Bottom line: we need housing scattered throughout the District to accommodate these special needs, which arise annually for a multitude of reasons.  We can’t be considered a City that is a shining example of sustainability if we’re unable to provide safe homes for those of our citizens who are in the greatest need of them.

 

Accordingly, in addition to the District considering converting vacant lots into more community gardens or other such productive use, we should also consider building District-owned and -managed housing on these lots, for emergency shelter needs.

 

Pierre

--

[Sharon Bradley]

There may be a way to accomplish both uses for some of these vacant lots: community garden/green space as well as in-fill development with buildings for much-needed services.  There are some innovative designs in the pipelines for energy-efficient buildings that sit gently on the land on pier footings so their footprint is minimal.  Some of these sites are well-suited for both this type of building AND gardens.

 

Sharon

 

 

Sharon Bradley, RLA
Landscape Architect

Principal  

Bradley Site Design, Inc.
1743 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fourth Floor
Washington, DC  20009
P: 202-518-8534  F: 202-518-8535

sbra...@bradleysitedesign.com

www.bradleysitedesign.com

---

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[Dominic Ouellette]

Sharon, that is an excellent point. We should be thinking of innovative ways address interconnected concerns, looking for one solution that can contribute to multiple issues. Let's not forget that a rooftop can be a garden, as can balconies and windowsills. Rooftop gardens help to regulate the climate in the building as well as mitigate storm water runoff, and potentially provide a healthy supplemental food source.

And while temporary housing is being used to keep people safe, their homes that were found to be unsafe should be updated and become usable again. Abandoned houses are no more useful than empty lots, and much less safe. Especially when squatters move in and they are exposed to the conditions deemed unfit for the previous occupants.

Great discussion, everyone. Keep it going!

Dominic

--
Dominic Ouellette
Professional Human Being

*Superprofundo on the early eve of your day*

[Ashley Stanton]

I guess my response to that would be - is the "highest and best use" of a lot always the "best option" (even in economic terms).  If properties are developed in a manner that considers updated LID techonolgies, than I'm more for that than just redevelopment for the sake of redevelopment.   I also think it's important to consider the needs of the communities we're working in.  Many of them don't have great options for food/groceries, and community gardens/urban ag areas are able to provide them with a source of local, healthy, sustainable, and in some cases, cheaper food.  Something that the District really needs to consider.  There are also forms of Urban Ag that can take place within retro-fitted buildings - in a similar fashion to what Growing Power has done in Milwaukee and Chicago (as well as other metropolitan environments).
 
I think the idea of redevelopment really depends on how you look at the lot, and what goals the City chooses to take on.  There is also no question that quality, affordable housing is also a necessity; and in cases where a building already stands, I'm definitely for renovating said building and making it a better, green building.  I would just take more pause by considering the creation of a new building on a site that is previously vacant.  Some pre-existing buildings could also probably be turned into these energy parks you mention.
 
Anyway, I'm sure we'll all have more to say about this.
 
Ashley
 

---

From: yas...@gmail.com
To: aest...@gmail.com
Subject: Re: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: another recommendation
Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:07:05 -0500
CC: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com

[wk...@aol.com]

Urban agriculture and community gardens are a good interim use for sites that are slated for development.

Parking lots, rooftops of vacant buildings and school campuses are good candidates for urban agriculture.

Here is a short video on Will Allen's Growing Power: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozvrp_uTH98

and a collection of articles on rooftop urban agriculture: http://www.cityfarmer.org/subrooftops.html

Urban agriculture makes sense on school campuses - students can learn about it during the school year.

I have a high tunnel/greenhouse in my backyard so that I can grow vegetables through the winter.

Kent Slowinski

[Jonathan Fitch]

Please excuse my ignorance in these matters....

Urban soils are notorious for being loaded up with toxins--heavy metals particularly if I remember correctly.  Is urban agriculture practiced on imported soils?

 

Jonathan Fitch, ASLA

Landscape Architecture Bureau LLC

714 7th Street SE

Washington, DC 20003

202 543 6550 voice x101

202 543 6553 fax

202 607 7174 mobile

www.labindc.com

 

---

[wk...@aol.com]

Is urban agriculture practiced on imported soils?

Yes and no.  Urban agriculture uses composting to create fertile, nutrient-rich soil from materials readily available in the neighborhood.  Compostable materials, such as wood chips, yard clippings, leaves, Starbucks coffee grounds, barbershop clippings, newspapers, etc. are reused in the neighborhood, reducing transportation requirements.  Vermiculture (worms) increases the nutrients in the compost and speeds up the composting process.  Aquaculture (fish) provides another nutrient - fish emulsion.  In some cases salad greens are grown in parking lots with 12 inch deep rows of compost.  Compost can also be used during the winter to heat greenhouses.

Pogo Organics is a composting operation in Montgomery County, providing compost and compost tea to Whole Foods Market, as well as engineered soils for landscape contractors, homeowners and urban gardeners.  For more information visit:  http://www.pogoorganics.com/

I understand your concern regarding toxins in urban soil.  The neighborhood in which I grew up in Northwest DC, Spring Valley, was the birthplace of the US Chemical Warfare Service during World War I.  Ninety three years later, the Army Corps of Engineers is still cleaning up contamination and chemical munitions burial pits.  When American University Eco Sense students built a community garden I encouraged them to use raised beds and compost.  Many urban neighborhoods are dealing with lead contaminated soils.  Compost and raised beds is a solution.

For more information on Spring Valley read the Northwest Current, Spring Valley Disease Survey:  http://www.cpeo.org/pubs/SpringValleydiseases.pdf, and

Today's Washington Post Metro section, Digging Deeper:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/spring-valley-residents-still-harbor-health-concerns-despite-new-hopkins-study/2011/12/07/gIQA3uuDoO_story.html

Kent Slowinski

Landscape Architect

[Ashley Stanton]

It can be.  But I'd suggest looking into the composting program Growing Power has established on its sites.  They make all of their own soil, and use it for every project they do.  It's a pretty great concept.
 
Ashley
 

---

Subject: RE: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: another recommendation

Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:14:44 -0500
From: j...@labindc.com
To: wk...@aol.com; aest...@gmail.com; yas...@gmail.com
CC: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com

[[raksha]]

Hello all,
Since we are working on a vision statement tonight, I thought I'd share another one that is quite strong:

vision
Cleveland will surprise, amaze, and inspire the world with its transformation to a bright green city on a blue lake.

Determined people from every walk of life will work together to shape vibrant livable communities, innovative businesses, and a flourishing natural environment that will result in health, wealth, creativity, and economic opportunities for all.


mission
Sustainable Cleveland 2019 is a 10-year initiative that engages everyone to work together to design and develop a thriving and resilient Cleveland region that leverages its wealth of assets to build economic, social, and environmental well-being for all.

It supports and aligns efforts that are already being championed with intelligence and passion throughout the region and it activates new efforts and new leadership along the way.


Source:
Sustainable Cleveland 2019: Action and Resource Guide

-----------------------------------------------------
As I carefully sweep
the ground of enlightenment,
a tree of understanding
spring up from the Earth.

[Thich Nhat Hanh]

[Lacy Brittingham]

I would like to encourage that we avoid trying to make blanket rules for what is best for generic open lots and instead think of this as a process of finding the most appropriate location for a needed service in a geographical area.  I missed the first meeting so I apologize if any of this has been mentioned or is already underway by DC. 

 

My thought is to use our ANC boundaries as a way to divide the city into geographical communities where we can both benchmark and track performance but also plan for land uses that need to be provided on an extremely local level if DC is going to ever become sustainable on the city scale.   I am lumping two distinct tracks together in the list below, but I think in terms of sustainability we need to think about  1)resource sustainability: food, water, waste and energy and 2)social or civic sustainability (which will directly cut our carbon footprint and so improve our resource sustainability).

 

It may be necessary for a smaller breakdown beyond the ANC level, but I figured we already have these boundaries and a network of community meetings corresponding to these boundaries so it would be a good place to start.  In addition, the city has already leveraged the GIS system to map grocery stores and their corresponding 15 minute walk radius.  I think we should expand all this to track and provide in each and every ANC:

 

Energy usage

Energy generation (solar arrays)

Energy generation (purchased wind power)

Supermarkets

Corner groceries

Community garden plots (city land maintained by residents)

Urban agriculture (city or private land maintained by business entities)

Farmers markets

Stormwater generation (impervious surfaces)

Stormwater management (pervious surfaces)

Stormwater collection

Stormwater reuse

Compost generation (kitchen)

Compost generation (yard waste)

Compost collection

Compost reuse

“Daily Use” retail:  drugstore, hardware store, hair care, laundry, dry cleaners, bank, gym, etc.

Civic services:  schools, outdoor recreational space, community centers, etc.

Social needs: clinics, places of worship, places for childcare, etc.

Affordable housing

 

I would like the goal for 2030 to be that our ANC’s are “net zero” or “closed loop” as far as resource creation and consumption (forget for a moment what is sold in the stores and markets) and that we are in terms of services, providing the needed space (through zoning) for all of the above at whatever rate, frequency, or size in area we deem appropriate.  Now what to do when the ANC boundaries change in 2020?

 

 

Lacy Brittingham |  AIA |  LEED-AP | PDC |  CPHC

Principal

 

PHASE2 ARCHITECTURE

p 443.733.1200  |  f 443.733.1219 |  www.phase2architecture.com 

 

 

 

From: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com [mailto:sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Ashley Stanton
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 12:39 PM
To: yas...@gmail.com
Cc: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: another recommendation

 

I guess my response to that would be - is the "highest and best use" of a lot always the "best option" (even in economic terms).  If properties are developed in a manner that considers updated LID techonolgies, than I'm more for that than just redevelopment for the sake of redevelopment.   I also think it's important to consider the needs of the communities we're working in.  Many of them don't have great options for food/groceries, and community gardens/urban ag areas are able to provide them with a source of local, healthy, sustainable, and in some cases, cheaper food.  Something that the District really needs to consider.  There are also forms of Urban Ag that can take place within retro-fitted buildings - in a similar fashion to what Growing Power has done in Milwaukee and Chicago (as well as other metropolitan environments).
 
I think the idea of redevelopment really depends on how you look at the lot, and what goals the City chooses to take on.  There is also no question that quality, affordable housing is also a necessity; and in cases where a building already stands, I'm definitely for renovating said building and making it a better, green building.  I would just take more pause by considering the creation of a new building on a site that is previously vacant.  Some pre-existing buildings could also probably be turned into these energy parks you mention.
 
Anyway, I'm sure we'll all have more to say about this.
 
Ashley
 

up/sustainable-dc-built-environment?hl=en.

[Lisa Morris]

I just wanted to add that gardens and shelters go hand-in-hand. Both provide essential services (food and housing) to those in need. Working in the dirt can be therapeutic and gardens make any space more beautiful and cheerful. There are plenty of examples nationwide of programs that incorporate agriculture and gardening into social service, job training, rehabilitation and education programs.  Shelters shouldn’t be just about getting people out of the cold; they should be welcoming places that aim restore the body, mind and spirit.

 

Lisa Morris | Planning Associate | Casey Trees

3030 12th Street, NE | Washington DC 20001 | p 202 349 1892 

[Rachel Lubin]

The combination of shelters and gardens/urban farms is ripe for a work training program.  Including many examples across the country, we should engage our local resources in working to expand their missions.  Common Good City Farms and DC Central Kitchen are both organizations with extensive experience in these two areas.  If they are not represented on the working group it would be wise to engage them in conversations of this regard.

[Jennifer Terry]

Hi all,

I happened to catch the last comments added on this email, and I just wanted echo what has been said, and to elaborate on a few projects that are doing just what we're discussing. Groundwork Anacostia is currently working on a project called the Deanwood Learning Garden, that took the use of a vacant lot to build a beautiful community garden in Ward 7.  Also, Team Empowerhouse from the 2011 Department of Energy sponsored Solar Decathlon has relocated its competition house to Deanwood through a partnership with DHCD and Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C., where a Habitat homeowner candidate from the Deanwood community will move into next spring.  We are adding a rooftop garden to the second floor and bioswales will be placed around the home to prevent flooding.  We will also be building a second home next to it, completing a duplex model.  These homes will be certified Passive House, and are an affordable housing model we hope to be replicated by Habitat.  To learn more about these projects or how to get involved, please feel free to e-mail me or visit our website at www.empowerhouse-dc.org

-- 

Jennifer Terry
Community Relations
Empowerhouse Collaborative | Solar Decathlon 2011
Milano The New School for Management and Urban Policy/GPIA
C: (770)597-3845

jennife...@empowerhouse-dc.org
--
Visit us! www.empowerhouse-dc.org
Follow us! @empowerhouseDC on Twitter
On Facebook! http://bit.ly/dtJ944

On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 11:09 AM, Lisa Morris <lmo...@caseytrees.org> wrote:

[Josef Fuentes]

Afternoon all,

I feel this has been a great email exchange of ideas!  Keep it up. Two ideas that I have an interest and jump to me as being important are: using vacant lots as an opportunity and the importance of linkages.

This has been part of the email communication, which is great. This may be a little built of self-promoting (though with good intentions) but I've (with a small team) been developing a project called [ ] Box (www.boxcollective.org). Attached is a small graphical presentation brief of the concept.

1) Vacant Lots - We can activate them to make them safer, useful and could promote positive development. Incentives from DC to vacant lot owners could allow for this type of development (semi-permanent) to occur.
2) Linkages - Creating the right connections between the right groups can strengthen community livelihoods. Ultimately creating more "sustainable" communities.

I unfortunately will be unable to attend this evening's discussion but I will be looking forward to attend the next one!

Cheers,
--

Josef A Fuentes

Box Collective

www.boxcollective.org
j...@boxcollective.org

PS: In case you are curious, we are trying to get the ball-rolling on the ground for the [ ] Box project early Spring 2012. We are trying to confirm land use with a site we have in mind in Ward 1. If you happen to know of an appropriate vacant lot in which the owner would support something like this....please let me know!!!

[Julia Siple]

This is coming right down to the wire before the meeting, but i did
want to make a comment regarding access to Vacant properties.
As Josef mentioned in his post, locating a vacant plot and negotiating
permission to use the land can be a very challenging process.

Beyond the thinking of the many beneficial things that could be done
with vacant properties, how can we change the pattern of vacant
properties just sitting neglected for decades. This also applies to
vacant or neglected buildings.

On Dec 13, 4:42 pm, Josef Fuentes <jafuente...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Afternoon all,
>
> I feel this has been a great email exchange of ideas!  Keep it up. Two
> ideas that I have an interest and jump to me as being important are: using
> vacant lots as an opportunity and the importance of linkages.
>
> This has been part of the email communication, which is great. This may be
> a little built of self-promoting (though with good intentions) but I've
> (with a small team) been developing a project called [ ] Box (www.boxcollective.org). Attached is a small graphical presentation brief of
> the concept.
>

> 1) *Vacant Lots* - We can activate them to make them safer, useful and

> could promote positive development. Incentives from DC to vacant lot owners
> could allow for this type of development (semi-permanent) to occur.

> 2) *Linkages* - Creating the right connections between the right groups can

> strengthen community livelihoods. Ultimately creating more "sustainable"
> communities.
>
> I unfortunately will be unable to attend this evening's discussion but I
> will be looking forward to attend the next one!
>
> Cheers,
> --
> Josef A Fuentes

> *Box Collective**
> *www.boxcollective.org

> > jennifer.te...@empowerhouse-dc.org
> > --
> > Visit us!www.empowerhouse-dc.org

> > Follow us! @empowerhouseDC on Twitter

> > On Facebook!http://bit.ly/dtJ944

>
> > On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 11:09 AM, Lisa Morris <lmor...@caseytrees.org>wrote:
>
> >> I just wanted to add that gardens and shelters go hand-in-hand. Both
> >> provide essential services (food and housing) to those in need. Working in
> >> the dirt can be therapeutic and gardens make any space more beautiful and
> >> cheerful. There are plenty of examples nationwide of programs that
> >> incorporate agriculture and gardening into social service, job training,
> >> rehabilitation and education programs.  Shelters shouldn’t be just about
> >> getting people out of the cold; they should be welcoming places that aim

> >> restore the body, mind and spirit. ****
>
> >> ** **
>
> >> *Lisa Morris* | Planning Associate | Casey Trees****
>
> >> 3030 12th Street, NE | Washington DC 20001 | p 202 349 1892 ****
>
> >> ** **
>
> >> *From:* sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com [mailto:
> >> sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com] *On Behalf Of *Dominic
> >> Ouellette
> >> *Sent:* Monday, December 12, 2011 9:58 AM
> >> *To:* Sharon Bradley
> >> *Cc:* Erville, Pierre (DDOE); Ashley Stanton;
> >> sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
> >> *Subject:* Re: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: another
> >> recommendation****
>
> >> ** **

>
> >> Sharon, that is an excellent point. We should be thinking of innovative
> >> ways address interconnected concerns, looking for one solution that can
> >> contribute to multiple issues. Let's not forget that a rooftop can be a
> >> garden, as can balconies and windowsills. Rooftop gardens help to regulate
> >> the climate in the building as well as mitigate storm water runoff, and

> >> potentially provide a healthy supplemental food source.****
>
> >> ** **

>
> >> And while temporary housing is being used to keep people safe, their
> >> homes that were found to be unsafe should be updated and become usable
> >> again. Abandoned houses are no more useful than empty lots, and much less
> >> safe. Especially when squatters move in and they are exposed to the

> >> conditions deemed unfit for the previous occupants.****
>
> >> Great discussion, everyone. Keep it going!****
>
> >> ** **
>
> >> Dominic****
>
> >> ** **

>
> >> On Mon, Dec 12, 2011 at 8:57 AM, Sharon Bradley <

> >> sbrad...@bradleysitedesign.com> wrote:****

>
> >> There may be a way to accomplish both uses for some of these vacant lots:
> >> community garden/green space as well as in-fill development with buildings
> >> for much-needed services.  There are some innovative designs in the
> >> pipelines for energy-efficient buildings that sit gently on the land on
> >> pier footings so their footprint is minimal.  Some of these sites are

> >> well-suited for both this type of building AND gardens.****
>
> >>  ****
>
> >> Sharon****
>
> >>  ****
>
> >>  ****
>
> >> *Sharon Bradley, **RLA*
> >> Landscape Architect****
>
> >> Principal
>
> >> *Bradley Site Design, Inc.*

> >> 1743 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fourth Floor
> >> Washington, DC  20009

> >> P: 202-518-8534  F: 202-518-8535****
>
> >> sbrad...@bradleysitedesign.com****
>
> >> *www.bradleysitedesign.com*****
>
> >>  ****
>
> >> *From:* sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com [mailto:
> >> sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com] *On Behalf Of *Erville,
> >> Pierre (DDOE)
> >> *Sent:* Monday, December 12, 2011 8:52 AM
> >> *To:* Ashley Stanton; sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
> >> *Subject:* RE: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: another
> >> recommendation****
>
> >>  ****

>
> >> I agree with Ashley’s points, and I also want to point out that there
> >> remains a desperate need in the District for more shelters (or better put,
> >> temporary housing) for those displaced by unhealthy conditions, whether
> >> these are significant lead hazards we identify in homes with young kids or
> >> pregnant women, or battered women, or folks displaced by fire or
> >> structurally unsafe housing, etc.  DDOE convened an interagency working
> >> group that met for a year on this issue alone, in meetings involving a
> >> half-dozen agencies, and explored a slew of options, including with such
> >> private-sector players as some of the District’s largest property

> >> owners/managers, all to no avail.  ****
>
> >>  ****

>
> >> Bottom line: we need housing scattered throughout the District to
> >> accommodate these special needs, which arise annually for a multitude of
> >> reasons.  We can’t be considered a City that is a shining example of
> >> sustainability if we’re unable to provide safe homes for those of our

> >> citizens who are in the greatest need of them.****
>
> >>  ****

>
> >> Accordingly, in addition to the District considering converting vacant
> >> lots into more community gardens or other such productive use, we should
> >> also consider building District-owned and -managed housing on these lots,

> >> for emergency shelter needs.****
>
> >>  ****
>
> >> Pierre****
>
> >>  ****
>
> >> *From:* sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com [mailto:
> >> sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com] *On Behalf Of *Ashley
> >> Stanton
> >> *Sent:* Friday, December 09, 2011 7:02 PM
> >> *To:* sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
> >> *Subject:* [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: another recommendation*
> >> ***
>
> >>  ****

> ...
>
> read more »
>
>  BoxPresentation-email2.pdf
> 2010KViewDownload

[Matt Grason]

I wasn't able to attend the meeting tonight, I attended the Waste work group meeting for a bit, but I wanted to comment on this thread. Perhaps my thought echos what was discussed in the meeting:

The Sustainable DC work groups as a collective have the opportunity to implement a suite of uses on vacant lots that combined could provide both income and civic benefits: green power, farms/gardens, trees, bioswales, composting, jobs, job training, rehabilitation, housing, neighborhood revitalization.... Every work group that I've looked in on is eyeing down vacant space. If we can create effective multi-use concepts across work groups, securing scarce land is an idea much more likely to get out of committee into the final plan into actual implementation.

Matt

[Jonathan Fitch]

Thanks for the info, Kevin.  This looks like a good option for the individual gardener growing food for him/herself.  Is it viable for larger scale/commercial urban farming?  To what degree do the infrastructure costs (soils and other things, too, I'm sure--I'm no farmer) translate into higher costs at the store?  Would food produced on urban farms only be for those who can afford to shop at Whole Foods?  Locally grown food is, of course, ideal--that is, if you can afford to buy it. 

 

Jonathan Fitch, ASLA

Landscape Architecture Bureau LLC

714 7th Street SE

Washington, DC 20003

202 543 6550 voice x101

202 543 6553 fax

202 607 7174 mobile

www.labindc.com

 

From: wk...@aol.com [mailto:wk...@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 7:05 PM
To: Jonathan Fitch; aest...@gmail.com; yas...@gmail.com
Cc: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: another recommendation

 

Is urban agriculture practiced on imported soils?

 

Yes and no.  Urban agriculture uses composting to create fertile, nutrient-rich soil from materials readily available in the neighborhood.  Compostable materials, such as wood chips, yard clippings, leaves, Starbucks coffee grounds, barbershop clippings, newspapers, etc. are reused in the neighborhood, reducing transportation requirements.  Vermiculture (worms) increases the nutrients in the compost and speeds up the composting process.  Aquaculture (fish) provides another nutrient - fish emulsion.  In some cases salad greens are grown in parking lots with 12 inch deep rows of compost.  Compost can also be used during the winter to heat greenhouses.

 

Pogo Organics is a composting operation in Montgomery County, providing compost and compost tea to Whole Foods Market, as well as engineered soils for landscape contractors, homeowners and urban gardeners.  For more information visit:  http://www.pogoorganics.com/

 

I understand your concern regarding toxins in urban soil.  The neighborhood in which I grew up in Northwest DC, Spring Valley, was the birthplace of the US Chemical Warfare Service during World War I.  Ninety three years later, the Army Corps of Engineers is still cleaning up contamination and chemical munitions burial pits.  When American University Eco Sense students built a community garden I encouraged them to use raised beds and compost.  Many urban neighborhoods are dealing with lead contaminated soils.  Compost and raised beds is a solution.

 

For more information on Spring Valley read the Northwest Current, Spring Valley Disease Survey:  http://www.cpeo.org/pubs/SpringValleydiseases.pdf, and

Today's Washington Post Metro section, Digging Deeper:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/spring-valley-residents-still-harbor-health-concerns-despite-new-hopkins-study/2011/12/07/gIQA3uuDoO_story.html

 

 

Kent Slowinski

Landscape Architect

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Fitch <j...@labindc.com>

Kent Slowinski

Subject: RE: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: another recommendation

I guess my response to that would be - is the "highest and best use" of a lot always the "best option" (even in economic terms).  If properties are developed in a manner that considers updated LID techonolgies, than I'm more for that than just redevelopment for the sake of redevelopment.   I also think it's important to consider the needs of the communities we're working in.  Many of them don't have great options for food/groceries, and community gardens/urban ag areas are able to provide them with a source of local, healthy, sustainable, and in some cases, cheaper food.  Something that the District really needs to consider.  There are also forms of Urban Ag that can take place within retro-fitted buildings - in a similar fashion to what Growing Power has done in Milwaukee and Chicago (as well as other metropolitan environments).
 
I think the idea of redevelopment really depends on how you look at the lot, and what goals the City chooses to take on.  There is also no question that quality, affordable housing is also a necessity; and in cases where a building already stands, I'm definitely for renovating said building and making it a better, green building.  I would just take more pause by considering the creation of a new building on a site that is previously vacant.  Some pre-existing buildings could also probably be turned into these energy parks you mention.
 
Anyway, I'm sure we'll all have more to say about this.
 
Ashley
 

From: yas...@gmail.com
To: aest...@gmail.com
Subject: Re: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: another recommendation
Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:07:05 -0500
CC: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com

I'm all for community gardens, and no doubt some of these vacant lots should be cultivated, but one question I can't get past is whether that is "Highest and Best use" for undoubtedly expensive property in the District. Given the economic climate I think we can collectively come up with better ideas on what to do with vacant lots. My two cents: create a new "green" zoning code and perhaps turn at least some of these vacant lots into renewable energy parks that create and supply electricity to either specific districts or back to the grid. Let's discuss. 

 

Yasmani   

On Dec 9, 2011, at 7:02 PM, Ashley Stanton <aest...@gmail.com> wrote:

I wanted to follow-up on this comment.  I totally agree, and I think there are many reasons why the different agencies should consider working together.  The lead issue is one, but another could be the use of vacant lots throughout the City.  One big movement in many cities across the country is the urban ag/community garden movement, and rather than seeing vacant lots re-developed to include more structures or concrete, it would be nice to look at these lots in a different light and see what else they might be used for.
 
Community Gardens and parks would allow the communities within DC to have access to nature in their backyards, give communities a chance to get their hands dirty and grow their own food, provide spaces throughout the city for better stormwater management practices (either through the use of rain gardens, permeable paving, rain barrels, etc.), consideration for composting, and much more.  Renovating what we already have should also be a consideration, as well as LID technologies.
 
There are so many things the City could do by getting their agencies to work together better, especially when it comes to vacant lots.  I'm sure that many of these lots throughout the city are owned by multiple agencies, which has already made it difficult for some smaller community organizations to work at creating community garden spaces.
 
This also highlights someone else's point today about how there needs to be a group that brings the ideas from every group together.  I do believe that all of the working groups are interconnected and will need to work together at some point.
 

Anyway, I just wanted to add another idea along this line.  There is a lot to think about as this initiative moves forward.
 
Ashley
 

---

From: Pierre....@dc.gov
To: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 08:59:58 -0500
Subject: another recommendation

There were many great suggestions made at our first meeting.  I’d like to add one more that I think is important:

 

We’ve got to focus more on building bridges between key agencies that share responsibilities for the built environment, including the District Dept. of the Environment (DDOE), the Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the DC Housing Authority (DCHA).  DDOE has started to do this in the context of lead poisoning prevention and the creation of “healthy homes,” by convening working groups on a variety of topics of mutual interest between these (and other) agencies.  But obviously, broader discussions should also occur, to achieve the following goals: leverage resources from each other, avoid duplicative or overlapping services, and maximize our collective resources to put them to best possible use.  The District government should be striving to achieve cost-effective synergies, and we must try to break down the silo / turf-guarding mentality that typically prevents this from happening.  Leadership from the top is essential.

 

Also, hopefully of interest to everyone in this Built Environment workgroup, please check out DDOE’s Strategic Plan for Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes, which is published on DDOE’s website at: green.dc.gov (go to third column [DDOE Services], scroll down and click on “Lead and Healthy Housing” and you’ll find the Strategic Plan at the top of the page). 

 

Pierre

 

Pierre R. Erville, JD MS

Associate Director, District Department of the Environment

Lead and Healthy Housing Division

1200 First St. NE / 5th Floor

Washington, D.C.  20002

 

Direct Line: 202-535-2505

Cell: 202-603-2655

Fax: 202-535-1917

 

 

 

 

Join Mayor Gray’s One City • One Hire - 10,000 Jobs Campaign
“Putting District Residents Back to Work – One Hire at a Time”
Learn more at http://onecityonehire.org

 

Support the DC One Fund Campaign, Each One Give One. 

Learn more at www.dconefund.org or www.onefund.dc.gov.  One City, Working Together!

 

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[Steve Seuser]

Local organic food can be more affordable than grocery stores to the people who grow it themselves. There may be some up-front costs to establish the site infrastructure, but maybe these are the types of infrastructure investments we need to make in our communities so people have access to healthy and safe food, instead of allowing/enabling them to slowly kill themselves with cheap junk food while our society pays the costs of their illnesses.

In terms of the large-scale composting operations question, Pogo Organics is doing this as a business, so they're actually making money on it.  Similarly, Montgomery County's leaf composting operations create the widely available Leafgro bagged compost (bulk is also available) sold through Home Depot and virtually all garden centers in the metro area, providing an ongoing revenue stream for the county.

DC government already has some composting infrastructure in place, which could be dramatically expanded to divert food, yard, and some paper waste from the landfill or recycling streams to create rich topsoil ideal for growing food.  I'm sure the Waste subgroup is working on these issues.

Steve Seuser

(202) 487-6065

www.ecolocity.org

P.S.  Another option my organization (Ecolocity) is exploring for urban neighborhoods is edible forest gardens, which include perennial plants that produce fruit, nut, vegetable, herb, etc. in a forest-like ecosystem that complements the built environment and support humans.  A brief presentation about one of our proposed sites can be found at https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AYCkJXwKt7aAZGZtcG5rdDdfMjVnMmQ2c3JkMg&hl=en_US

[wk...@aol.com]

Urban Agriculture in the built environment

Will Allen's Growing Power is a good model for making healthy foods available to under-served communities through large scale urban agriculture on vacant parcels.  They have an excellent community outreach program which includes affordable foods and training programs.  Check out their vision statement: http://www.growingpower.org/

Currently, Will Allen is working with UDC on a project at the Beltsville Research Farm.  I'm encouraging them to do something in DC.  Will Allen received a MacArthur Genius Award in 2008:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EpTWQWx1MQ

Urban agriculture could be implemented in DC today, just as Victory Gardens were during World War II, as an interim use on vacant parcels or incorporated into the curriculum on school campuses, as Robert Eggers advocates in the Neighborhood Farm Initiative: http://www.livablefutureblog.com/2010/04/food-access-solutions-urban-agriculture-local-food-and-community-development

Councilmember Tommy Wells is holding a Public Oversight Roundtable on community gardens and urban agriculture on Thursday, December 15, from 1-5 pm: http://www.tommywells.org/events/publicoversightroundtablecommunitygardens

If you want to see a local example of urban agriculture, go to Eco City Farms: http://www.ecoffshoots.org/.  Located on a one acre lot in Edmonston, Maryland, they are following in Will Allen's footsteps.  Even in this winter weather, Eco City Farm is growing vegetables and greens in high tunnels, a low cost alternative to greenhouses.  They are also using vermiculture (worms) in their composting operation.

I mentioned Pogo Organics as an example of a local composting operation, not urban agriculture: http://www.pogoorganics.com/ 

[wk...@aol.com]

Yesterday, Councilmember Tommy Wells held a roundtable discussion on community gardens and urban agriculture.  You can read his opening remarks: http://www.tommywells.org/2011/12/community-garde.php

It turns out there is already legislation on the books - The Urban Gardens and Food Production Act of 1984: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/files/2011/12/B6-228-with-report.pdf

Here is a cleaner copy: http://www.carlrollinsblog.com/id79.html 

Here are some of the issues that were raised:

1. Who should the Mayor appoint to oversee the program - DPR, DDOE, DCPS, DCRA or some other agency?  It looks like DCPS is doing the best job with their school gardens.

2. Who is best positioned to inventory vacant properties, in addition to District owned properties? 

3. Should back taxes be excused to provide incentives for a property owner to donate property to a non-profit for urban agriculture?  This could result in lost income to the District. 

4. Should the taxes be deferred until the property is sold for some use other than urban agriculture?  This would allow the District to recoup back taxes.

5. What is the role of UDC's Agricultural Extension Service in urban agriculture?  Currently there is only one person, where in the past, there were several people designated by Ward.

I am optimistic that something good will come out of yesterday's roundtable discussion. 

Kent Slowinski

Wesley Heights

ANC 3D01

[Judy Kosovich]

Great summary! 

 

I was impressed by how much Tommy Wells knew to ask about. 

 

Here are a few more items that were discussed as well as some comments.  Should DC plant fruit trees in public spaces instead of shade trees?  While this would certainly add to our food resources, I wonder what it would do to the population of squirrels, mice, and rats (who already raid my garden).  My neighborhood even has a raccoon and we are not all that far away from the deer in Fort DuPont.  Fruit trees need a lot more attention than shade trees, especially water.  There may be some suitable places in DC for orchards that are fenced in and use local labor. 

 

Composting was also discussed, as was the possible use of rainwater collected in cisterns to water these gardens.  (Comment -- We need to keep mosquitoes in mind when designing water storage systems.  One solution is small solar-powered fountains that keep the water moving.  Another method for controlling mosquitoes is bird and bat houses to nurture predators.)

 

Beekeeping was also discussed.  I had heard that beekeeping was illegal in DC, but from the discussion, it sounded as though that was not the case.  It would be great if it was legal.

 

We also heard about an educational truck with a bed that had plants growing in it and was driven to various parts of the city to educate people about gardening.

 

 

 

There was also praise for the inter-generational friendships that occur in community gardens and the need for fresh food and young people who know how to grow it. 

[Jonathan Fitch]

In regard to street trees, please understand that they serve many purposes that fruit trees cannot.  They provide shade which, in addition to its microclimatic effects, is a welcome respite from the heat of the summer sun.  Their most important contribution, however, is the sense of stability, civility and permanence that they bring to a neighborhood.  The psychological effects of these canopy trees are a necessity to combat the atomization and anomie of urban life.  Would it be crass to bring up that they increase property values by $20-30k/house?

 

Jonathan Fitch, ASLA

Landscape Architecture Bureau LLC

714 7th Street SE

Washington, DC 20003

202 543 6550 voice x101

202 543 6553 fax

202 607 7174 mobile

www.labindc.com

 

[Ashley Stanton]

Kent,
 
It sounds like you have some good connections with Growing Power!  Do you think it would be possible to get Will Allen here, or a rep from the organization, to at least give a presentation to government officials and citizens involved in the Sustainable DC movement.  I think it would be helpful to hear what he has to say, what they've done - I learned a lot by hearing his presentation.  I know they also give trainings, which may be helpful depending on how involved the City wants to get.
 
Thanks for sharing all of this!
 
Ashley
 

---

To: j...@labindc.com; sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] RE: Urban agriculture
From: wk...@aol.com
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:22:04 -0500

[Ashley Stanton]

I think this is a really good point, and I apologize for not commenting on this earlier. It seems to me that regardless of what use a vacant lot takes on, the task of finding out who owns it, negotiating with the multiple players involved with the lot, acquiring funding to do the project, etc. is often more than what the typical group involved can handle. It seems to me it would be way more efficient to have some over-arching group that has the expertise or the ability to act as a resource for these matters - whether it's finding out ownership issues, zoning issues, funding issues, negotiating with District agencies, etc. Perhaps that can be discussed somewhere down the road; and perhaps a group like this could be housed within the District government as a service to the City.

I don't know. This kind of stuff is a little out of my league, but it seems like something like this would be helpful.

Ashley


> Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:00:24 -0800
> Subject: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] Re: another recommendation
> From: jcs...@gmail.com
> To: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com

[wk...@aol.com]

Ashley, 

Legislation already exists that addresses the issue of vacant parcels for urban agriculture and community gardens.

Last Friday, Councilmember Tommy Wells held a roundtable discussion on community gardens and urban agriculture.  You can read his opening remarks: http://www.tommywells.org/2011/12/community-garde.php

The Urban Gardens and Food Production Act of 1984 addresses the issue of vacant parcels that might be suitable for urban agriculture and community gardens:  http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/files/2011/12/B6-228-with-report.pdf

Here is a cleaner copy: http://www.carlrollinsblog.com/id79.html 

The Mayor is responsible for designating someone, or some agency, to develop a list of vacant parcels.  Councilmember Wells is looking at which agency is most qualified for developing, maintaining and distributing the list of vacant parcels.  I got the sense he was leaning toward DCPS as they appear to do a better job with community gardens on school properties, although the DPR director participated in the roundtable discussion.  They are also looking into access to water, tax issues, insurance, incentives for property owners to donate land to non-profits, etc.

If Councilmember Wells is successful, he'll never have to buy groceries again.  ;-)

Kent Slowinski

-----Original Message-----
From: Ashley Stanton <aest...@gmail.com>

To: sustainable-dc-built-environment <sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tue, Dec 20, 2011 5:30 pm
Subject: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] Re: another recommendation

I think this is a really good point, and I apologize for not commenting on this earlier. It seems to me that regardless of what use a vacant lot takes on, the task of finding out who owns it, negotiating with the multiple players involved with the lot, acquiring funding to do the project, etc. is often more than what the typical group involved can handle. It seems to me it would be way more efficient to have some over-arching group that has the expertise or the ability to act as a resource for these matters - whether it's finding out ownership issues, zoning issues, funding issues, negotiating with District agencies, etc. Perhaps that can be discussed somewhere down the road; and perhaps a group like this could be housed within the District government as a service to the City.

I don't know. This kind of stuff is a little out of my league, but it seems like something like this would be helpful.

Ashley


> Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:00:24 -0800
> Subject: [Sustainable DC Built Environment] Re: another recommendation
> From: jcs...@gmail.com
> To: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
>
> This is coming right down to the wire before the meeting, but i did
> want to make a comment regarding access to Vacant properties.
> As Josef mentioned in his post, locating a vacant plot and negotiating
> permission to use the land can be a very challenging process.
>
> Beyond the thinking of the many beneficial things that could be done
> with vacant properties, how can we change the pattern of vacant
> properties just sitting neglected for decades. This also applies to
> vacant or neglected buildings.

[Just Economics - Rybeck]

Dear Friends,

As some of you may recall, I spoke about the role that the traditional
property tax plays in discouraging building maintenance and improvement and
in encouraging real estate speculation. One of our group's proposals was to
remedy this situation by reducing the tax rate applied to building values
while increasing the tax rate applied to land values.

My father, Walter Rybeck, wrote a book about this topic. He will be
speaking about his book, Re-Solving the Economic Puzzle, at Busboys & Poets
(at 5th & K Streets, NW) on Monday, April 2nd at 6:30pm. The book deals
with ethical economic policy and episodes in my father's life that moved his
thinking in this direction. Parallels are also made between the civil
rights movement and the need for fundamental economic reform. Feel free to
come if you are interested.

I will be speaking about this topic at the World Bank on Wednesday, April
11th, from 12:30pm to 2pm. The topic will be "Incentive Taxation:
Integrating Transportation and Land Use for Sustainability and Equity." Let
me know if you are interested in attending because you will need to be
placed on a list to obtain entry at the security desk.

Regards,
Rick Rybeck

Rick Rybeck, Director
Just Economics, LLC
1669 Columbia Rd., NW, Suite 116
Washington, DC 20009-3625
(202) 439-4176
(202) 265-1288 fax
www.justeconomicsllc.com

-----Original Message-----
From: sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:sustainable-dc-b...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of

[Annita Seckinger]

Hello all,

 Not sure if the group mail is still active, but if so, i need some help. I am part of the Greene Wheaton Team, and we need a speaker for our group to come give a talk about alternative forms of transportation. Anyone from the bike group available? If anyone has ideas, you are welcome to share.This would be the evening of last Tuesday in May.

Thanks tons,
 Annita

                               ________________________________________

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way. [ Mark Twain]

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