Map of

Rockaway

Peninsula Also known as

The Rockaways

Part of the Borough of Queens in New York City

Area of Detail

The Goal: Creating More Green Spaces

for Far Rockaway

After decades of urban blight and broken promises, finally a chance for a higher quality of life

In partnership with the city of New York, we can transform the landscape

Introducing

VACANT LOTS

To

GREEN PLOTS

A Plan for Urban Renaissance

The Inspiration & Vision

Vacant Lots

to

Green Plots

Living in the Rockaways

Driving past a vacant lot landscape

Seeing the potential in

transforming these spaces

More Inspiration

Case Study: The High Line in Manhattan

Once an elevated freight route snaking a mile through the lower west side, the last train graced its tracks in 1980. Since then, nature has flourished on the abandoned railroad tracks. Facing demolition by Mayor Giuliani, a few visionaries would see its potential as a functional green space for the city. Today it is a case study for urban renewal in the U.S. and around the world and one of NYC’s most impressive parks.

A Success Story in Pictures

The Highline -Before The Highline - After

Moving Forward To Making the Far Rockaway of Our Dreams

Far Rockaway Before Implementation

Far Rockaway After Implementation

A New Sense of Community is on the Horizon

The Five Learning Outcomes: Their Application in Vacant Lots to Green Plots

Communication

Analysis

Global Perspective

Sustainability Ethic

Energy Industry Knowledge

Learning Outcome I:

Communication This proposal in itself serves as the main

communication vehicle in addition to

speaking with respective stakeholders

that will set the stage for the

implementation of this project.

Identify city agencies that must be

involved for project to go forward.

Begin with contacting MOEC (Mayor’s

Office of Environmental Coordination).

This office assists city agencies in their

environmental reviews, as well as

serving as liaison to state and federal

agencies on environmental matters. In

addition, the office advises the Mayor

on environmental policy. Furthermore,

MOEC implements the city’s green

building law.

Learning Outcome II:

Analysis Absolutely vital to the project is

the analysis of all possible scenarios that will or may affect the project, such as:

Lot ownership

City agency that has

jurisdiction

Obstacles with private owners

Environmental hazards on property

Research if land is already designated a

brown field by the city.

Learning Outcome III:

Global Perspective Vacant Lots to Green Plots works In tandem

with worldwide movements to preserve and create more green spaces in urban centers for the good of the citizenry and the planet.

The benefits:

Enhanced air quality

Reduced respiratory illnesses

Will aid in floodwater management by absorbing and recharging rainwater, instead of being managed by sewer systems only to become a waste product.

Flora will enhance quality of life and well-being, as well as provide

habitat for local wildlife.

Implementing community gardens that will foster a farming movement so that residents have access to local produce.

Learning Outcome IV:

Sustainability Ethic Vacant Lots to Green Plots will serve as a model of

sustainability by presenting solutions to urban decay and societal negligence.

Introduce weekly farmers markets to promote sustainable farming practices and its importance to the community, the world and future generations.

Create organic vegetable gardens that will be maintained by neighborhood residents and foster a passion and curiosity for local farming

It will educate the public about renewable energy by making it obvious and accessible throughout the green space, such as:

Solar-powered Wi-Fi

Playground equipment will educate children on the science of various forms of energy

See-saws and swings that will demonstrate kinetic energy

Interactive games that will teach the glories of hydro and wind power.

Learning Outcome V:

Energy Industry Knowledge Due to the multi-complex nature of

this project, the most innovative and experienced minds must be employed in the creation of these green spaces.

My own knowledge garnered from the Penn State ESP Program that includes aspects of all of the five learning outcomes will play a large part, as I will act as a key consultant on the project.

In addition to myself, other Individuals taking part will be:

Landscape architects

Water management professionals

Renewable energy experts

Soil scientists

Green builders

Reflection

One is compelled to say the entire program experience will apply in bringing this venture to fruition. Although this is true, there are particular aspects of the program that will play a larger role.

These are:

Intro to Energy Economics

Renewable Energy Eng. & Entr’shp

Energy Conservation

Foreign Studies/Internship

Energy Policy

Geological Perspectives on Sustainability

Energy Industry Applications of GIS

The multi-disciplinary approach in the program is invaluable. The combinational exposure of business, science, policy and foreign studies is a necessity, particularly in sustainably-focused projects such as Vacant Lots to Green Plots. Business and policy acumen will be mandatory in building the foundation for this project’s inception, especially the City of New York. Navigating the city’s many bureaucratic channels will be that much easier if your are armed with this knowledge. Add to this, scientific knowledge and foreign energy policy experience and you have a salvo of dexterity with which you can utilize in a panoply of projects of this kind.

Students and Professors at City Colleges

Local Politicians

NYC Parks & Recreation

Mayor’s Office of

Environmental Coordination

NYC Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Energy Industry Professionals

People and

Resources

Contacting these agencies and individuals will the be the first stage of development in the project. After further analysis, it will be determined what fundraising, if any needs to take place. This will depend on whether it will be public or privately funded. Only after all obstacles are revealed, will we have a clearer picture to determine this. These initial stages can be long and arduous, but with passion and resilience, it is the hope that we will move forward and create brighter days for Far Rockaway.