This document summarizes a newsletter from the PSPD program at Pratt Institute. It discusses several waterfront planning projects led by PSPD faculty and students that focused on creating inclusive, diverse public spaces:
1) A project in Honolulu aimed to make the waterfront accessible to all ages, incomes, and ethnicities through features like a cultural gathering space, educational facilities on cultural history, and a market featuring local farmers.
2) In Cleveland, the goal was to unite the city's neighborhoods through a shared waterfront vision with flexible spaces for different cultures to share food, music and performances.
3) In Yonkers, engaging the diverse community to propose 10 destinations for the waterfront helped
This document introduces the need for a Green Communities Guide to help municipalities and developers address the challenges of rapid population growth and development in Alberta. Key issues identified through surveys include climate-related water shortages, deteriorating water quality, loss of wildlife habitat and fragmentation, and associated economic and social costs. The guide aims to provide tools and case studies to help communities develop strategies to conserve water, protect water quality, preserve agricultural land and open space, and maintain ecological services through more sustainable land use practices.
The document discusses how Kansas City, Missouri launched an ambitious initiative called the 10,000 Rain Gardens project to help manage stormwater runoff through the use of rain gardens. This project gained national attention and inspired similar community rain garden programs around the country, including the Mt. Airy Rain Catchers Project in Cincinnati, Ohio which is the largest of its kind funded by the EPA. The Mt. Airy project provides rain barrels and gardens to homeowners through a reverse auction process where homeowners bid on the installations, with most bids being $0 or under $200, and has installed 50 rain gardens so far.
ME: Manual on Low Impact Development practices for CommunitiesSotirakou964
This document provides guidance for Maine communities on implementing Low Impact Development (LID) practices at the local level. It aims to help municipalities require basic stormwater management for small development projects using LID. The manual outlines LID standards for new single-family residential development, new non-residential and multifamily development, and retrofits to existing development. It also includes profiles of specific LID practices and example application forms communities can use for project review. The goal is to help communities address stormwater issues from small projects through low-cost and low-maintenance LID approaches.
Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Sewer OverflowSotirakou964
This document discusses the growing problem of urban stormwater and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and promotes green infrastructure as an effective solution. It contains the following key points:
1. Impervious surfaces in urban areas have increased runoff and pollution, threatening water quality. Green infrastructure like trees and permeable pavement intercepts rainfall and reduces runoff at its source.
2. Case studies show green infrastructure can cost-effectively control stormwater and CSOs while providing additional benefits like improved air and water quality. Cities have established programs using techniques like green roofs, rain gardens, swales, and downspout disconnection.
3. Wider adoption of green infrastructure faces obstacles
Municipal officials and landowners in the Wappinger Creek Watershed were surveyed about their support for various land use and water quality protection policies. Both groups showed strong support for regulatory tools like restricting development in floodplains as well as environmental planning tools like following sustainable development principles. Their levels of support differed somewhat for certain tools. Overall, both stakeholders agreed that protecting water resources provides benefits like maintaining natural beauty and healthy habitat. However, they had more neutral views about whether it requires tradeoffs with economic development. The survey results can help inform outreach and policy efforts to balance growth and watershed protection in the region.
The document discusses the history of drought in Texas based on paleoclimatological records. It notes that megadroughts have occurred in Texas lasting 20-40 years, including some in the 1100s-1200s and late 1500s. When the Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca arrived in Texas in the 1530s he encountered a population suffering from a drought of at least two years. Droughts also impacted settlers and colonies in the 1600s-1800s. The most severe drought on record was in the 1950s, but several major droughts have occurred since, including costly multi-year droughts in the 1980s and the current ongoing drought beginning in 2010.
Irrigation futures - Regional Partnerships address water security in wester...Christina Parmionova
Regional partnerships address water security in Western Sydney
This article by Basant Maheshwari and Bruce Simmons featured in the Irrigation Australia Journal, Spring 2009, Volume 24, No. 3.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures System Harmonisation program has developed a project titled Water and Irrigation Strategy Enhancement through Regional Partnerships (WISER) to establish a system harmonisation process in Western Sydney, NSW. The project is about working with regional irrigation partners to increase profitability and reduce the environmental footprint of irrigation systems. Here we provide an overview of the System Harmonisation Program and a case study of the WISER project in Western Sydney.
This document introduces the need for a Green Communities Guide to help municipalities and developers address the challenges of rapid population growth and development in Alberta. Key issues identified through surveys include climate-related water shortages, deteriorating water quality, loss of wildlife habitat and fragmentation, and associated economic and social costs. The guide aims to provide tools and case studies to help communities develop strategies to conserve water, protect water quality, preserve agricultural land and open space, and maintain ecological services through more sustainable land use practices.
The document discusses how Kansas City, Missouri launched an ambitious initiative called the 10,000 Rain Gardens project to help manage stormwater runoff through the use of rain gardens. This project gained national attention and inspired similar community rain garden programs around the country, including the Mt. Airy Rain Catchers Project in Cincinnati, Ohio which is the largest of its kind funded by the EPA. The Mt. Airy project provides rain barrels and gardens to homeowners through a reverse auction process where homeowners bid on the installations, with most bids being $0 or under $200, and has installed 50 rain gardens so far.
ME: Manual on Low Impact Development practices for CommunitiesSotirakou964
This document provides guidance for Maine communities on implementing Low Impact Development (LID) practices at the local level. It aims to help municipalities require basic stormwater management for small development projects using LID. The manual outlines LID standards for new single-family residential development, new non-residential and multifamily development, and retrofits to existing development. It also includes profiles of specific LID practices and example application forms communities can use for project review. The goal is to help communities address stormwater issues from small projects through low-cost and low-maintenance LID approaches.
Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Sewer OverflowSotirakou964
This document discusses the growing problem of urban stormwater and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and promotes green infrastructure as an effective solution. It contains the following key points:
1. Impervious surfaces in urban areas have increased runoff and pollution, threatening water quality. Green infrastructure like trees and permeable pavement intercepts rainfall and reduces runoff at its source.
2. Case studies show green infrastructure can cost-effectively control stormwater and CSOs while providing additional benefits like improved air and water quality. Cities have established programs using techniques like green roofs, rain gardens, swales, and downspout disconnection.
3. Wider adoption of green infrastructure faces obstacles
Municipal officials and landowners in the Wappinger Creek Watershed were surveyed about their support for various land use and water quality protection policies. Both groups showed strong support for regulatory tools like restricting development in floodplains as well as environmental planning tools like following sustainable development principles. Their levels of support differed somewhat for certain tools. Overall, both stakeholders agreed that protecting water resources provides benefits like maintaining natural beauty and healthy habitat. However, they had more neutral views about whether it requires tradeoffs with economic development. The survey results can help inform outreach and policy efforts to balance growth and watershed protection in the region.
The document discusses the history of drought in Texas based on paleoclimatological records. It notes that megadroughts have occurred in Texas lasting 20-40 years, including some in the 1100s-1200s and late 1500s. When the Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca arrived in Texas in the 1530s he encountered a population suffering from a drought of at least two years. Droughts also impacted settlers and colonies in the 1600s-1800s. The most severe drought on record was in the 1950s, but several major droughts have occurred since, including costly multi-year droughts in the 1980s and the current ongoing drought beginning in 2010.
Irrigation futures - Regional Partnerships address water security in wester...Christina Parmionova
Regional partnerships address water security in Western Sydney
This article by Basant Maheshwari and Bruce Simmons featured in the Irrigation Australia Journal, Spring 2009, Volume 24, No. 3.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures System Harmonisation program has developed a project titled Water and Irrigation Strategy Enhancement through Regional Partnerships (WISER) to establish a system harmonisation process in Western Sydney, NSW. The project is about working with regional irrigation partners to increase profitability and reduce the environmental footprint of irrigation systems. Here we provide an overview of the System Harmonisation Program and a case study of the WISER project in Western Sydney.
Irrigation futures - Role of community participation and partnershipsChristina Parmionova
Role of community participation and partnerships: the Virginia pipeline scheme
This article was written by Ganesh Keremane and Jennifer McKay. It was published in the AWA Water Journal in November 2006.
www.awa.asn.au
This document provides guidance on designing and implementing rain gardens for property owners in Kansas. It discusses what rain gardens are and their benefits for managing stormwater runoff. The document outlines six key steps to create a successful rain garden: 1) Understanding your property context, 2) Locating and sizing the rain garden, 3) Designing plantings suited to the site, 4) Excavating and preparing soils, 5) Installing and watering plants, and 6) Monitoring and maintenance. Following these steps while considering local soils, climate and ecology will help create an effective rain garden that reduces runoff impacts and provides habitat.
Wastewater Treatment Trends in the 21st Century - George Tchobanoglous, Unive...marcus evans Network
George Tchobanoglous, University of California, Davis - Speaker at the marcus evans Water & Wastewater Management Summit, held in Summerlin, NV, May 3-4, 2012, delivered his presentation on Wastewater Treatment Trends in the 21st Century
Urban Greening Manual: How to Put Nature into Our NeighbourhoodsElisaMendelsohn
This document provides guidance on applying Low Impact Urban Design and Development (LIUDD) principles to enhance biodiversity and sustainability in urban planning and development. It discusses surveying natural areas to protect biodiversity, clustering houses to save space for habitat, and creating green corridors to encourage movement of native wildlife. The document also provides guidance on planting stormwater treatment systems like green roofs, swales, and raingardens using native species. The overall goal is to integrate nature into urban areas through ecologically focused development and landscaping to improve ecosystem services, sustainability, and sense of place.
Green infrastructure is an interconnected network of open spaces and natural areas that manages stormwater runoff. In cities, it can be extended through features like rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement. Several cities have implemented green infrastructure pilot projects and regulations to improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and provide other community benefits. Common elements of successful green infrastructure programs include integrating practices into public and private spaces, transportation plans, and engaging residents.
Green roofs, also known as living roofs, allow plants to grow on building roofs. They provide environmental benefits like reducing stormwater runoff and the urban heat island effect. While initially costly, green roofs last longer than traditional roofs and provide savings over time. When planning a green roof, homeowners should consider their roof's slope, climate conditions, and structural ability to support additional weight. Green roofs have multiple layers, including a waterproof membrane, drainage layer, lightweight growing media, and drought-tolerant plants. Proper planning and installation are needed to ensure a successful green roof.
Rainwater Harvesting Retrofit Strategies: A Guide for Apartment Owners D7Z
This document provides an overview of retrofit strategies that can be implemented by apartment owners and managers to conserve water usage. It discusses both indoor and outdoor retrofit options, identifying strategies with quick paybacks such as installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, as well as strategies involving utility rebates and programs. Outdoor strategies discussed include reducing lawn areas, installing efficient irrigation systems, and using native plants that require less water. The document provides context on typical water usage in apartments and the potential savings from various retrofit measures.
Letter on The Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant 12-11-13 via The Nature Conserv...Save The Great South Bay
This letter requests assistance from the EPA, HUD, and FEMA regional administrators regarding improvements to the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant in Nassau County, NY after damage from Superstorm Sandy. It outlines the need to modernize the plant to reduce nitrogen pollution, consolidate treatment and outfalls, fortify structures to withstand storms, and transition to advanced treatment technology. Relocating the outfall pipe to the Atlantic Ocean is recommended as the current location in a poorly flushed estuary is degrading the environment and impairing uses of the western bays. Improving the sewage infrastructure is critical to protecting public health, the environment, and building more resilient communities in Nassau County.
The WHCRWA is planning for its 2020 conversion milestone which will require bringing surface water from Houston's northeast water purification plant near Lake Houston, a more difficult route than for the 2010 conversion. Engineers are surveying and acquiring easements for a 9-mile water line from the plant and a 30-mile line crossing Harris County. The 2020 conversion will also require 75 miles of distribution lines and expansion of the northeast plant. While construction is years in the future, planning work is underway to meet the 2020 deadline of 70% surface water usage.
Rainwater Harvesting for Multi Storied Apartments - Texas A&M Univseristy D7Z
The document discusses the historical background of rainwater harvesting as an ancient practice used worldwide to address water scarcity. It then reviews related literature on how rainwater harvesting has been used at the community level for domestic water supply and irrigation. The literature also examines how rainwater harvesting can help alleviate poverty and promote socioeconomic development.
This document provides guidance on creating and maintaining rain gardens. Rain gardens are landscape features that intercept stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and allow it to soak into the ground, reducing pollution and flooding. The document discusses site selection, design, plant selection, construction, and maintenance of rain gardens. It aims to promote rain gardens as a way to improve water quality and habitat while solving drainage problems.
Climate change and water security: Impacting decision-making processes on wat...World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
This document outlines a PhD research project on water management decision making in the Equatorial Nile Basin context of climate change and water security. It introduces the research topic and interest, provides an outline of the theoretical concepts that will guide the study, and presents some preliminary empirical results from interviews with experts in the region. These preliminary results indicate a gap between climate change experts and water managers, and that while climate change is discussed, the links to its impacts are unclear, posing a challenge for successful adaptation.
1) Small individual landowner decisions collectively impact water quality through nonpoint source pollution. An outreach campaign targeting behaviors like fertilizer use, stormwater management, and septic system maintenance can help improve water quality.
2) A survey of 1,422 landowners in the Wappinger Creek Watershed found high awareness but low adoption of behaviors like using phosphate-free fertilizer and capturing rainwater. Lack of knowledge was a major barrier.
3) Recommendations include workshops on rain barrels/gardens, educating on fertilizer guidelines and the new phosphate law, and addressing misconceptions about septic system maintenance. Addressing barriers through hands-on learning and social marketing principles can
Environmental Performance of Cities - Elements for a Framework-MainguyICLEI
This document outlines a framework for assessing the environmental performance of cities. It discusses monitoring key local issues like water, sanitation, waste and air/water pollution. However, it notes that cities also impact distant environments through consumption and outputs. It reviews city indicators and finds climate change is the only global issue monitored. The document prioritizes providing adequate environmental infrastructure in all cities by 2025. It also suggests actions cities can take to restore local ecosystems and reduce food waste to lessen distant and global impacts.
This article discusses freshwater fish habitat science and management in India. It provides an overview of India's freshwater resources, which include major rivers, reservoirs, tanks, ponds, and flood plain lakes. India is home to a diverse freshwater fish fauna of 587 species. However, fish habitat and populations have been degraded by factors like water pollution, destructive fishing, and dams without fish passage consideration. The article examines current research and management programs, noting a lack of focus on physical habitat. Improved habitat management will require a holistic approach and cooperation across sectors to balance resource use and conservation.
This document provides guidelines for assessing and implementing green infrastructure projects in Providence, Rhode Island. It outlines the research, analysis and recommendations conducted by a team of interns over the summer of 2015. The interns focused on a neighborhood in Providence's West End, collecting data on flooding, impervious surfaces, tree cover and other factors to identify target areas. They canvassed the neighborhood to assess resident support for green infrastructure and documented existing flooding. The aim was to streamline the process for future groups seeking to expand green infrastructure in Providence.
Minnesota: Plants for Stormwater Design - Part 1Sotirakou964
This document introduces a guidebook for selecting plant species for stormwater management practices in the Upper Midwest. It was created to provide information on native plants that are suitable for various stormwater systems and the functions they provide. These include intercepting and slowing stormwater, providing habitat, taking up nutrients, and contributing to the water cycle through evapotranspiration. Selecting plants is challenging due to the harsh environmental conditions in stormwater systems, such as flooding and pollution. The guidebook provides information on environmental influences and species recommendations to help with plant selection.
Ecological Enhancement of Coastal and Marine InfrastructuresStephanie Camay
This document discusses strategies for decreasing the ecological footprint of coastal and marine infrastructures. It provides an overview of the environmental impacts of coastal development such as habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. The strategies presented include environmental compensation, ecological engineering, and designing infrastructures to be ecologically active. Ecologically active infrastructures use texture, composition, and macro-design elements to support biological productivity while meeting construction requirements. This enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services without compromising structural integrity. The document advocates for scientists, engineers, and policymakers to collaborate on more sustainable coastal infrastructure design and enhancement.
This document proposes creating a Federal Green Infrastructure Community of Practice (CoP) to benefit the Metro Atlanta area. A survey of 10 federal agencies found differing definitions of green infrastructure and identified needs like education, funding opportunities, and planning models. The CoP would allow federal staff to share expertise, collaborate, and promote a consistent approach to incorporating green infrastructure at all scales. Doing so could provide environmental, social, and economic benefits to the Atlanta region through services like improved water quality and increased recreation. Next steps proposed forming a steering committee and focusing initial CoP discussions on projects within Atlanta.
The document describes various water feature installations for commercial and residential clients. It lists over 30 clients, providing their name, location, type of water feature installed (e.g. 3-form panels, tempered glass, acrylic), and key features (e.g. lighting, size, customization). The water features ranged from indoor wall installations to outdoor landscape features, and included waterfalls, fountains, and sculptures. The document promotes the company's expertise in modern waterfall design.
The document provides an overview of induction motors, including:
1. It describes the basic operating principle of induction motors, which induce a current in the rotor via electromagnetic induction from a rotating magnetic field in the stator, rather than supplying current directly to the rotor like a synchronous motor.
2. It discusses the different types of induction motors, including single phase, three phase, squirrel cage, and slip ring rotor designs.
3. It provides some key formulas for relating supply frequency, pole pairs, synchronous speed, slip speed, and rotor speed in induction motors.
Irrigation futures - Role of community participation and partnershipsChristina Parmionova
Role of community participation and partnerships: the Virginia pipeline scheme
This article was written by Ganesh Keremane and Jennifer McKay. It was published in the AWA Water Journal in November 2006.
www.awa.asn.au
This document provides guidance on designing and implementing rain gardens for property owners in Kansas. It discusses what rain gardens are and their benefits for managing stormwater runoff. The document outlines six key steps to create a successful rain garden: 1) Understanding your property context, 2) Locating and sizing the rain garden, 3) Designing plantings suited to the site, 4) Excavating and preparing soils, 5) Installing and watering plants, and 6) Monitoring and maintenance. Following these steps while considering local soils, climate and ecology will help create an effective rain garden that reduces runoff impacts and provides habitat.
Wastewater Treatment Trends in the 21st Century - George Tchobanoglous, Unive...marcus evans Network
George Tchobanoglous, University of California, Davis - Speaker at the marcus evans Water & Wastewater Management Summit, held in Summerlin, NV, May 3-4, 2012, delivered his presentation on Wastewater Treatment Trends in the 21st Century
Urban Greening Manual: How to Put Nature into Our NeighbourhoodsElisaMendelsohn
This document provides guidance on applying Low Impact Urban Design and Development (LIUDD) principles to enhance biodiversity and sustainability in urban planning and development. It discusses surveying natural areas to protect biodiversity, clustering houses to save space for habitat, and creating green corridors to encourage movement of native wildlife. The document also provides guidance on planting stormwater treatment systems like green roofs, swales, and raingardens using native species. The overall goal is to integrate nature into urban areas through ecologically focused development and landscaping to improve ecosystem services, sustainability, and sense of place.
Green infrastructure is an interconnected network of open spaces and natural areas that manages stormwater runoff. In cities, it can be extended through features like rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement. Several cities have implemented green infrastructure pilot projects and regulations to improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and provide other community benefits. Common elements of successful green infrastructure programs include integrating practices into public and private spaces, transportation plans, and engaging residents.
Green roofs, also known as living roofs, allow plants to grow on building roofs. They provide environmental benefits like reducing stormwater runoff and the urban heat island effect. While initially costly, green roofs last longer than traditional roofs and provide savings over time. When planning a green roof, homeowners should consider their roof's slope, climate conditions, and structural ability to support additional weight. Green roofs have multiple layers, including a waterproof membrane, drainage layer, lightweight growing media, and drought-tolerant plants. Proper planning and installation are needed to ensure a successful green roof.
Rainwater Harvesting Retrofit Strategies: A Guide for Apartment Owners D7Z
This document provides an overview of retrofit strategies that can be implemented by apartment owners and managers to conserve water usage. It discusses both indoor and outdoor retrofit options, identifying strategies with quick paybacks such as installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, as well as strategies involving utility rebates and programs. Outdoor strategies discussed include reducing lawn areas, installing efficient irrigation systems, and using native plants that require less water. The document provides context on typical water usage in apartments and the potential savings from various retrofit measures.
Letter on The Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant 12-11-13 via The Nature Conserv...Save The Great South Bay
This letter requests assistance from the EPA, HUD, and FEMA regional administrators regarding improvements to the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant in Nassau County, NY after damage from Superstorm Sandy. It outlines the need to modernize the plant to reduce nitrogen pollution, consolidate treatment and outfalls, fortify structures to withstand storms, and transition to advanced treatment technology. Relocating the outfall pipe to the Atlantic Ocean is recommended as the current location in a poorly flushed estuary is degrading the environment and impairing uses of the western bays. Improving the sewage infrastructure is critical to protecting public health, the environment, and building more resilient communities in Nassau County.
The WHCRWA is planning for its 2020 conversion milestone which will require bringing surface water from Houston's northeast water purification plant near Lake Houston, a more difficult route than for the 2010 conversion. Engineers are surveying and acquiring easements for a 9-mile water line from the plant and a 30-mile line crossing Harris County. The 2020 conversion will also require 75 miles of distribution lines and expansion of the northeast plant. While construction is years in the future, planning work is underway to meet the 2020 deadline of 70% surface water usage.
Rainwater Harvesting for Multi Storied Apartments - Texas A&M Univseristy D7Z
The document discusses the historical background of rainwater harvesting as an ancient practice used worldwide to address water scarcity. It then reviews related literature on how rainwater harvesting has been used at the community level for domestic water supply and irrigation. The literature also examines how rainwater harvesting can help alleviate poverty and promote socioeconomic development.
This document provides guidance on creating and maintaining rain gardens. Rain gardens are landscape features that intercept stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and allow it to soak into the ground, reducing pollution and flooding. The document discusses site selection, design, plant selection, construction, and maintenance of rain gardens. It aims to promote rain gardens as a way to improve water quality and habitat while solving drainage problems.
Climate change and water security: Impacting decision-making processes on wat...World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
This document outlines a PhD research project on water management decision making in the Equatorial Nile Basin context of climate change and water security. It introduces the research topic and interest, provides an outline of the theoretical concepts that will guide the study, and presents some preliminary empirical results from interviews with experts in the region. These preliminary results indicate a gap between climate change experts and water managers, and that while climate change is discussed, the links to its impacts are unclear, posing a challenge for successful adaptation.
1) Small individual landowner decisions collectively impact water quality through nonpoint source pollution. An outreach campaign targeting behaviors like fertilizer use, stormwater management, and septic system maintenance can help improve water quality.
2) A survey of 1,422 landowners in the Wappinger Creek Watershed found high awareness but low adoption of behaviors like using phosphate-free fertilizer and capturing rainwater. Lack of knowledge was a major barrier.
3) Recommendations include workshops on rain barrels/gardens, educating on fertilizer guidelines and the new phosphate law, and addressing misconceptions about septic system maintenance. Addressing barriers through hands-on learning and social marketing principles can
Environmental Performance of Cities - Elements for a Framework-MainguyICLEI
This document outlines a framework for assessing the environmental performance of cities. It discusses monitoring key local issues like water, sanitation, waste and air/water pollution. However, it notes that cities also impact distant environments through consumption and outputs. It reviews city indicators and finds climate change is the only global issue monitored. The document prioritizes providing adequate environmental infrastructure in all cities by 2025. It also suggests actions cities can take to restore local ecosystems and reduce food waste to lessen distant and global impacts.
This article discusses freshwater fish habitat science and management in India. It provides an overview of India's freshwater resources, which include major rivers, reservoirs, tanks, ponds, and flood plain lakes. India is home to a diverse freshwater fish fauna of 587 species. However, fish habitat and populations have been degraded by factors like water pollution, destructive fishing, and dams without fish passage consideration. The article examines current research and management programs, noting a lack of focus on physical habitat. Improved habitat management will require a holistic approach and cooperation across sectors to balance resource use and conservation.
This document provides guidelines for assessing and implementing green infrastructure projects in Providence, Rhode Island. It outlines the research, analysis and recommendations conducted by a team of interns over the summer of 2015. The interns focused on a neighborhood in Providence's West End, collecting data on flooding, impervious surfaces, tree cover and other factors to identify target areas. They canvassed the neighborhood to assess resident support for green infrastructure and documented existing flooding. The aim was to streamline the process for future groups seeking to expand green infrastructure in Providence.
Minnesota: Plants for Stormwater Design - Part 1Sotirakou964
This document introduces a guidebook for selecting plant species for stormwater management practices in the Upper Midwest. It was created to provide information on native plants that are suitable for various stormwater systems and the functions they provide. These include intercepting and slowing stormwater, providing habitat, taking up nutrients, and contributing to the water cycle through evapotranspiration. Selecting plants is challenging due to the harsh environmental conditions in stormwater systems, such as flooding and pollution. The guidebook provides information on environmental influences and species recommendations to help with plant selection.
Ecological Enhancement of Coastal and Marine InfrastructuresStephanie Camay
This document discusses strategies for decreasing the ecological footprint of coastal and marine infrastructures. It provides an overview of the environmental impacts of coastal development such as habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. The strategies presented include environmental compensation, ecological engineering, and designing infrastructures to be ecologically active. Ecologically active infrastructures use texture, composition, and macro-design elements to support biological productivity while meeting construction requirements. This enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services without compromising structural integrity. The document advocates for scientists, engineers, and policymakers to collaborate on more sustainable coastal infrastructure design and enhancement.
This document proposes creating a Federal Green Infrastructure Community of Practice (CoP) to benefit the Metro Atlanta area. A survey of 10 federal agencies found differing definitions of green infrastructure and identified needs like education, funding opportunities, and planning models. The CoP would allow federal staff to share expertise, collaborate, and promote a consistent approach to incorporating green infrastructure at all scales. Doing so could provide environmental, social, and economic benefits to the Atlanta region through services like improved water quality and increased recreation. Next steps proposed forming a steering committee and focusing initial CoP discussions on projects within Atlanta.
The document describes various water feature installations for commercial and residential clients. It lists over 30 clients, providing their name, location, type of water feature installed (e.g. 3-form panels, tempered glass, acrylic), and key features (e.g. lighting, size, customization). The water features ranged from indoor wall installations to outdoor landscape features, and included waterfalls, fountains, and sculptures. The document promotes the company's expertise in modern waterfall design.
The document provides an overview of induction motors, including:
1. It describes the basic operating principle of induction motors, which induce a current in the rotor via electromagnetic induction from a rotating magnetic field in the stator, rather than supplying current directly to the rotor like a synchronous motor.
2. It discusses the different types of induction motors, including single phase, three phase, squirrel cage, and slip ring rotor designs.
3. It provides some key formulas for relating supply frequency, pole pairs, synchronous speed, slip speed, and rotor speed in induction motors.
This document is a portfolio proposal from James Spicer for a transit photography seminar. The portfolio will focus on documenting nighttime transit scenes including people interacting with the urban environment at bus stops, train stations, and shopping areas. It will also feature transit infrastructure like cars, roads, buses, trains and train stations. Additionally, it will include photos of people encountered along routes and at destinations. The portfolio aims to capture point to point transit from Point A to Point B through evening and nighttime photos.
Pumping Corn Into Wisconsin: Consideration for Ethanol LegislationJustin Dohms
This document discusses the debate around a proposed bill in Wisconsin that would mandate a 10% ethanol blend for all gasoline sold in the state. Proponents argue that ethanol would reduce dependence on foreign oil and stimulate the rural economy. However, critics argue that the environmental and energy impacts of increased corn ethanol production are unclear based on conflicting studies. There are also concerns that higher ethanol blends could increase emissions of pollutants like VOCs and NOx in southeastern Wisconsin nonattainment areas. The document examines the various perspectives on the energy balance, environmental impacts, and economic effects of expanding corn ethanol use in Wisconsin.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help boost feelings of calmness and well-being.
The document discusses key aspects of small businesses and entrepreneurship. It defines small businesses and their importance to the US economy through job creation and innovation. It also outlines different types of business structures like sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations and LLCs. The document notes trends in small business startups and reasons for both success and failure, concluding with a brief overview of financing and franchising options.
This document is a portfolio proposal from James Spicer for a transit photography seminar. The portfolio will focus on documenting nighttime transit scenes including people interacting with the urban environment at bus stops, train stations, streets and shopping areas. It will also feature transit infrastructure like cars, roads, buses, trains and train stations. Additionally, the portfolio will include photos of people encountered along routes and at destinations.
This document provides an overview of Bluetooth technology, including its history and logo, common applications and devices, classifications of device power and range, future developments, and conclusions. Key points covered are the merger of runes in the Bluetooth logo representing the initials of Harald Bluetooth, examples of Bluetooth headsets and cards in phones and laptops, classifications of Class I, II, and III devices by power output and range, the importance of integration into consumer products for success, and potential future improvements such as dynamic adjustment of master-slave relationships.
The document discusses the manufacturing process of tires. It begins with an introduction to tires, their history, and main types. It then describes the 8 main steps of tire manufacturing in detail: 1) mixing materials, 2) extruding the tread, 3) weaving plies, 4) preparing the bead core, 5) building process, 6) vulcanization, 7) trimming, and 8) final inspection. Factors that affect tire lifespan are also reviewed such as rotation, pressure, conditions, and age. The conclusion stresses the importance of tire quality given their role in safety.
Intelligent System for Alzheimer's DiseaseBrain Dynamics
This document describes the development of an intelligent system for early detection of Alzheimer's disease using neuroimaging data. The system was developed using MRI data from over 2000 subjects, including healthy individuals as well as those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Morphometric analysis and computational intelligence techniques like support vector machines, genetic algorithms, and neural networks were used to develop a classification system that could accurately classify subjects as healthy, MCI, or AD based on their neuroimaging data, with over 91% correct classification. The resulting automated system demonstrates potential for early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
The document discusses Linux file systems and files. Some key points include:
- In Linux, everything is treated as a file with different attributes like regular files, directories, links, and devices.
- Files have owners, groups, and permissions that control access for owners, groups, and others.
- There is a predefined directory structure with important directories like /etc, /usr, /sbin, and users' home directories under /home.
- Inodes store metadata about files like attributes, ownership, and locations of data blocks on the disk.
The foremost advocate for all sectors of the space industry and an expert in all aspects of space, the Space Foundation is a global, nonprofit leader in space awareness activities, educational programs that bring space into the classroom and major industry events, including the Space Symposium, all in support of our mission "to advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel humanity."
Deltares is a leading research institute for water and subsurface issues based in the Netherlands. It was formed in 2008 by the merger of four Dutch organizations with expertise in these areas. Deltares employs 900 experts and has an annual turnover of €100 million, with 75% of its work in Europe and 25% elsewhere. The institute develops knowledge, innovative products and services to enable safe, clean, and sustainable living in deltas, coastal areas, and river basins around the world through consulting, research programs, and knowledge sharing.
WRA worked on energy, water, and public lands issues in 2003. In energy, they promoted renewable energy standards and efficiency measures. They also worked to reduce emissions from coal plants and prevent new coal plant construction. In water, they advocated for urban water conservation and efficiency and protected rivers and habitats. In lands, they focused on responsible oil and gas development, protecting roadless areas, managing motorized recreation, and grazing reform.
Our nation’s coasts are home to almost 40% of the U.S. population and many of our urban communities. Continued population growth along the coasts, and urbanization pose challenges and opportunities for coastal and urban conservation. Learn in this session how the San Juan Bay Estuary Program works to conserve coastal natural resources in an urban area.
This document discusses how trees can help communities adapt to climate change through nature-based approaches. It provides examples of the National Wildlife Federation's Climate-Smart Communities program, which encourages the use of trees and other green infrastructure. Trees can help reduce carbon pollution, manage stormwater, provide habitat and shade, and keep communities cooler. The document highlights tools developed by NWF and partners to help communities understand how to select and care for climate-resilient trees, including a geographic information system tool for King County, Washington.
The document discusses how rainwater harvesting can support both ecosystem services and human well-being by increasing water availability through collection and storage of rainfall. It notes that rainfall and water are fundamental to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and determine their productivity, while also meeting increasing human demands. The document explores how rainwater harvesting may help address challenges of managing water resources and ecosystems under climate change and development pressures.
Urbanization has significantly increased the amount of impervious surfaces like roads and buildings, altering the natural water cycle. Over 100 million acres in the US are now developed. This causes more stormwater runoff, carrying pollutants directly into waterways. Current stormwater infrastructure is inadequate, as it was designed only to convey runoff efficiently rather than treat pollution. As a result, stormwater is the top pollution source for over half of ocean shorelines and a third of estuaries. Combined sewer overflows also introduce untreated sewage during heavy rains. New approaches are needed to manage stormwater sustainably.
This document summarizes an academic design studio that investigated development opportunities along the Toronto waterfront utilizing the city's connection to the Great Lakes freshwater basin. The studio involved a collective urban design proposal and individual building designs by 11 students. Their projects explored various ways to apply and connect to freshwater resources through functions like recreation, energy, and more. The studio aimed to advance sustainable use and conservation of this important global freshwater asset.
IJCER (www.ijceronline.com) International Journal of computational Engineerin...ijceronline
This document summarizes the importance of watershed management in modern society. It discusses how watershed management aims to balance top-down and bottom-up approaches to consider the interests of all stakeholders. The key objectives of watershed management are maintaining adequate water supply, reducing vulnerability to natural disasters, improving economic and social conditions, and distributing benefits equally. Effective watershed management requires participation from local communities and government agencies to develop guidelines that balance various water usage priorities such as drinking, livelihoods, environment, irrigation, industry, and recreation.
ANDREWS S 2015 Water Risk publ RISI Dec 2015 SAStuart Andrews
1. Water is an essential resource for the pulp and paper industry, but global demand for freshwater is increasing while supplies are dwindling, posing risks for the industry.
2. The concept of water stewardship aims to ensure sustainable water management that balances the needs of ecosystems, communities, and future generations.
3. Assessing water usage through methods like water footprint accounting and improving water efficiency will be important for the pulp and paper industry to responsibly manage their water use and impacts on local water supplies.
Deltares capabilities & international projectsMarcel Bruggers
This document provides an overview of Deltares, a Dutch independent institute focused on water, soil, and subsurface issues. It describes Deltares' capabilities including its 800+ employees and various research facilities for studies related to coastal safety, flood risk management, river management, water quality, and software projects. The document also briefly mentions some of Deltares' international projects providing consulting services to countries around the world.
This document discusses green infrastructure solutions to reduce combined sewer overflows in Syracuse, New York. It provides background on a lawsuit against the county in 1988 over combined sewer overflows, and amendments to the consent judgment from 1998 to 2009 to include green and gray infrastructure solutions. It also outlines Syracuse's outreach efforts to educate the public on green infrastructure, including workshops, demonstration projects, and educational materials.
This document summarizes a professional project completed by Colleen Whitten Sax towards a Master's degree in urban planning. The project involved developing a model critical area ordinance for four cities in the Snoqualmie Watershed to consistently protect salmon habitat and watershed processes. Key aspects included coordinating planning staff from the cities and consultants, facilitating workshops, and presenting recommendations. The document provides background on literature related to environmental planning, watershed analysis, and conferences attended to inform the project.
This presentation highlights the occurrence of floods in India as a part of Environmental Studies. A brief idea about traditional methods of water management and the phenomenon of bio-precipitation is also included. Various sources from the internet were referred during this compilation.
Virginia Rain Gardens Technical Guide
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Rainwater Harvesting: a Lifeline for Human Well-BeingFinola87v
The document discusses how rainwater harvesting can support both ecosystem services and human well-being by collecting and storing rainfall, which increases water retention in landscapes and enables management of water for multiple purposes. It notes that increasing demands are putting pressure on water resources while maintaining healthy ecosystems, so innovative opportunities are needed that allow development without undermining ecosystem services, of which rainwater harvesting may be one.
Rainwater Harvesting and Utilisation Project Managers & Implementing Agencies D7Z
The document discusses how rainwater harvesting can support both ecosystem services and human well-being by collecting and storing rainfall runoff which increases water availability. It notes that rainfall and water are fundamental to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well as human development goals, but increasing demands are putting pressure on water resources. The document explores how rainwater harvesting may help address this challenge by enhancing water security and management.
The document discusses how rainwater harvesting can support both ecosystem services and human well-being by collecting and storing rainfall, which increases water retention in landscapes and enables management of water for multiple purposes. It notes that rainfall and water are fundamental to ecosystems and human development, but increasing demands and climate change are putting pressure on water resources. Rainwater harvesting is presented as an innovative opportunity to support development without undermining ecosystems.
Green infrastructure: Reconnecting Agriculture and Communities
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Aaron Christopher Elswick is pursuing a career in urban design and landscape architecture to help strengthen the connection between cities and their natural environments. Through his thesis project called "The Irie Coast", he proposes a master plan for Montego Bay, Jamaica that implements green and blue infrastructure solutions to address issues like climate change resilience, coastal protection, and environmental and cultural sustainability. The plan aims to preserve Montego Bay's existing assets while restoring natural habitats and creating new public spaces to reconnect residents and visitors with the city's unique ecologies.
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 InventoryCeline George
In this slide, we'll explore how to set up warehouses and locations in Odoo 17 Inventory. This will help us manage our stock effectively, track inventory levels, and streamline warehouse operations.
Temple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation resultsKrassimira Luka
The temple and the sanctuary around were dedicated to Asklepios Zmidrenus. This name has been known since 1875 when an inscription dedicated to him was discovered in Rome. The inscription is dated in 227 AD and was left by soldiers originating from the city of Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv).
The chapter Lifelines of National Economy in Class 10 Geography focuses on the various modes of transportation and communication that play a vital role in the economic development of a country. These lifelines are crucial for the movement of goods, services, and people, thereby connecting different regions and promoting economic activities.
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfTechSoup
"Learn about all the ways Walmart supports nonprofit organizations.
You will hear from Liz Willett, the Head of Nonprofits, and hear about what Walmart is doing to help nonprofits, including Walmart Business and Spark Good. Walmart Business+ is a new offer for nonprofits that offers discounts and also streamlines nonprofits order and expense tracking, saving time and money.
The webinar may also give some examples on how nonprofits can best leverage Walmart Business+.
The event will cover the following::
Walmart Business + (https://business.walmart.com/plus) is a new shopping experience for nonprofits, schools, and local business customers that connects an exclusive online shopping experience to stores. Benefits include free delivery and shipping, a 'Spend Analytics” feature, special discounts, deals and tax-exempt shopping.
Special TechSoup offer for a free 180 days membership, and up to $150 in discounts on eligible orders.
Spark Good (walmart.com/sparkgood) is a charitable platform that enables nonprofits to receive donations directly from customers and associates.
Answers about how you can do more with Walmart!"
A Visual Guide to 1 Samuel | A Tale of Two HeartsSteve Thomason
These slides walk through the story of 1 Samuel. Samuel is the last judge of Israel. The people reject God and want a king. Saul is anointed as the first king, but he is not a good king. David, the shepherd boy is anointed and Saul is envious of him. David shows honor while Saul continues to self destruct.
This presentation was provided by Rebecca Benner, Ph.D., of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, for the second session of NISO's 2024 Training Series "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape." Session Two: 'Expanding Pathways to Publishing Careers,' was held June 13, 2024.
2. Jaime Stein
Introduction
I
n a conversation at our 2010 Holi- students, faculty and community have
day party, Water Quality Systems collaborated on adaptation and resil-
professor, Paul Mankiewicz, and I iency plans for our most vulnerable wa-
were enjoying the excitement of the end terfront communities. Studios tackled
of semester and discussing the stellar rising tide in Red Hook, economic and
company that we share within PSPD’s social resiliency on the Sunset Park wa-
faculty. “Guild” was the descriptor Paul terfront, and sustainability planning for
used. A fitting name for the concentra- a coastal community near Goa, India.
tion of practicing architects, designers, A Friday evening lecture series has
planners, advocates and scientists we been initiated focused on the sustain-
represent. All unified in our belief in able waterfront; I hope you will join us.
social justice and our pursuits of inno-
vation within our respective fields. Indeed, our most recent curricular
innovations are centered within the
It is in this spirit that I write the science, design and policy of “green
introduction to our PSPD Spring 2011 infrastructure.” Green infrastructure
Newsletter, focusing on and illustrat- represents the hybridization of our
ing faculty and student interests in and buildings and sidewalks to enable
innovation with regard to water. From stormwater capture, mitigate combined
comprehensive watershed and sewer outfalls, increase biodiversity,
waterfront planning to grass-roots water and cool our cities. In addition to
quality advocacy and green hosting the Department of Environmen-
infrastructure design, our faculty and tal Protection’s Green Infrastructure
student pursuits are having a major Community Grant workshop February
impact on both the City and State’s 28th, we are developing, along with the
management of one of our most Institute’s Center for Continuing and
precious natural resources, water. Professional Studies, a professional Spring 2011
certificate in green infrastructure. We
The program I direct, Urban Environ- will continue to explore research grants CONTRIBUTORS
mental Systems Management, explores for interested faculty and students. I Carter Craft
the nexus of environmental science, encourage you to follow our research Toby Snyder
design and policy within our City’s and progress toward innovative solu- Jaime Stein
management of solid waste, energy and tions related to water management. Ira Stern
water. Our faculty is leading the charge • Jaime Stein is the Academic Coordinator for Laura Stinger
on water-related issues that are further Urban Environmental Systems Management. Meg Walker
exacerbated by the impacts of climate Kate Zidar
change. We do so with an unwavering
Cover Photo: Carter Craft
intent on addressing the challenges of
Climate Change. For over a year now
PROGRAMS for
SUSTAINABLE PLANNING
2 and DEVELOPMENT
3. Ira Stern
The Green Infrastructure of the
NYC Water Suppy
The Ridgewood Reservoir on the border between Queens and Brooklyn near Bushwick has been a contentious site between the community, who largely wants it pre-
served and trails restored, and the Parks Department, who has plans to fill it in and turn it into ballparks. For more info on the community preservation effort visit:
http://ridgewoodreservoir.blogspot.com/. Photo: dogtooth77 (Flickr)
U
sually, when the NYC Water components to enhance supply’s stabil- in lost communities include a host of
Supply is described, there tends ity, performance, and longevity. While stormwater swales and vegetated buffer
to be a focus on the thousands it is well understood that the water- zones that require constant upkeep.
of miles of water mains, hundreds of shed itself is comprised of natural and Hydropower facilities were constructed
miles of tunnels, stone waterworks managed areas that produce the clean at the outlet of tunnels that move water
buildings, dams and spillways, and water that New York City is known for, from one reservoir to another.
industrial-sized treatment facilities. there are significant City owned assets
This ‘grey’ infrastructure is critical to of green infrastructure that are operated A major component of the 1997
delivering water to half of NY State’s and maintained on a daily, albeit quiet, Watershed Agreement was to increase
population and is the target of a sig- basis. the original buffer lands through land
nificant proportion of the City’s capital acquisition into the watersheds them-
budget. This green infrastructure includes selves. Protecting land permanently
reservoir buffer lands that include and keeping it in its natural state is
However, the water supply is as de- forestland, fields, wetlands, and a more reliable strategy than control-
pendent on its ‘green’ infrastructure riparian areas along streams. Large ling pollution on developed areas. In
components as it is its vital pipes and earthen dams that create the reservoirs addition, although forestland in any
valves. Besides the land acquired for need to be maintained in grass cover, state is better for water quality than
the reservoirs themselves, the engi- burrowing animals need to be con- developed land, research has shown
neers that designed the water supply trolled and drainage systems main- that vigorously growing forests provide
system, beginning in the mid 1800’s, tained. The roads and bridges that better nutrient uptake than a mature
incorporated a variety of critical green the City built to replace infrastructure forest. Diversity of species and age of
3
4. (Continued from previous page) design of City engineers. It would take passion I have for the environment
the basic elements of good land use and the creativity it takes to work with
the forest protect against pestilence and planning and a ‘roll up your sleeves and communities on difficult situations. I
extreme weather. These factors lead to get to know your neighbors approach’ to want the students to be prepared for
planning and management strategies to implement an effective program. While this challenge, as my professors at Pratt
‘maintain’ this critical piece of green some may call this is an did for me, and, as a result, I enjoy
infrastructure. oversimplification, as a person who was seeing them develop their own careers
‘on the ground’, I can say that until and bring Pratt values to their work. •
On a landscape level, the ecosystem relationships were developed between Ira Stern is a Regional Manager at the NYCDEP
Bureau of Water Supply, a PSPD alumni and
function of natural and managed lands upstate and downstate people, the
member of the faculty.
are dependent on the actions and be- beginning of trust and cooperation (that
havior of people since all land is owned has lasted 15 years so far) would not
by some entity – public or private – and have occurred.
all land is classified for tax purposes
one way or another. This means that I was lucky enough to lead a watershed
green infrastructure is dependent planning division in NYC Depart- Project for
on people and communities and the
dynamic relationships and motivations
ment of Environmental Protection that
was given responsibility to protect the
Public Spaces
of the individual and the collective. watershed through the development and Spring Training
Protecting land permanently and keeping it in its natural state is a more Hosted by the PSPD
reliable strategy than controlling pollution on developed areas.
April 28-29
Learning about watersheds and the implementation of voluntary water- Streets As Places
rivers and landscape they depend on is shed programs to purchase priority
fascinating, but it pales in comparison lands, develop stream management
to the people and community dynam- plans and restoration projects, pro- May 5-6
ics that determination the form and duce infrastructure plans and build How to Turn a Place Around
function of the landscape. Facilitation, wastewater treatment plants and
compromise, listening to all perspec- stormwater projects, work with farm-
tives, getting the right stakeholders ers and forest landowners to do pollu- May 20-11
together, and dealing honestly and tion prevention plans and implement How to Create
openly were key to making progress on best management practices. We relied Successful Markets
protecting what is essentially a shared on local capacity building and imple-
resource. While the watershed supplies mentation, peer to peer education,
the lifeblood to a great City, 75% of focused on multiple objectives, and June 9-10
the watershed land is owned by private created local non-profit organizations Placemaking:
individuals. Whose rights are more (funded by the City) to deliver many Making It Happen
important? of these programs. Pratt taught me to
trust the power of good process and to
My experiential education at Pratt (MS rely on the inherent ability of people All courses will take place at
CRP ’85) prepared me well for the chal- to work out solutions when recogniz- the Pratt Manhattan Campus
lenge of working for NYC beginning ing the benefit of mutual objectives.
at 144 West 14th Street
in 1995 just when the City needed to
settle lawsuits with watershed commu- Teaching at Pratt has enabled me to (between 6th and 7th Aves)
nities and develop a watershed protec- reach a cherished level of profes- in New York City.
tion plan that met the requirements sional development since I benefit
of the EPA for Filtration Avoidance. greatly from the energy, knowledge,
The green infrastructure was in place and experience of my students. It
For questions, please contact
thanks to the stewardship of watershed motivates me to keep current in my Dana Kitzes at
residents, farmers, forest landowners, field and provides an outlet for the dkitzes@pps.org.
60 towns and 8 counties, as well as the
PROGRAMS for
SUSTAINABLE PLANNING
4 and DEVELOPMENT
5. Meg Walker well-known Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame, the Cleveland Browns Stadium
Planning for Diversity on the and the Great Lakes Science Center,
and a smattering of boats around the
Waterfront: The PPS Experience
underused Voinovich Park, the water-
front is dominated by port uses. The
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port
T
Authority is planning to move its port
he world’s most appealing urban Makai waterfront, a 200-acre state-
activities east of the downtown so that it
waterfronts, from the Coney owned property near the downtown that
can develop its extraordinary 100 acre
Island Boardwalk to Sydney Har- formerly housed light industry. To kick
property. PPS worked with Ehrenkranz
bor and Vancouver’s Granville Island, off the process, an advisory council was
Eckstut and Kuhn Architects on the
are truly accessible, public environ- created from among the many cultures
master plan for the site, developing a
ments that attract a broad cross section that make up the local community, with
program of uses for its new public
of people, diverse in age, race and cul- native Hawaiians taking the lead, to
spaces.
tural background. Yet, new waterfront formulate guiding principles for the
developments and parks in many cities, project. The group’s #1 principle states
In reaching out to dozens of stakeholder
including New York, too often appeal that Kaka’ako should be a Community
organizations, including a variety of
to only one age group or socioeco- Cultural Gathering Place that will
cultural arts entities and immigrant
nomic sector, or worse, become private “celebrate the intertwined cultures of
groups, we learned that Cleveland-
enclaves that serve only the people who the community by ensuring a welcom-
ers identify with their neighborhoods
live there. How can we avoid the pit- ing gathering place for a broad cross-
-- separate villages that house homo-
falls of exclusivity, particularly in a city section of people diverse in age, income
geneous populations --and rarely with
that already struggles with social and and ethnicity.” Consistent with this
the city at large. Furthermore, the
ethnic tensions, and cultural insularity? goal, participants in the planning pro-
city functions like a donut with noth-
Project for Public Spaces (PPS) helped cess recommended that the waterfront
ing in the middle, since the downtown
to plan a number of urban waterfronts include an outdoor multi-cultural festi-
– although blessed with magnificent
recently where the communities’ goals val space for Honolulu’s diverse ethnic
architecture -- has lost much of its
included putting the public first and communities, educational facilities that
strength as a retail and cultural cen-
celebrating pluralism. Here are some communicate the cultural history of
ter. The lakefront suffers from the
principles we have gleaned from these the area, and a local food and cultural
same fate: tourists may go to the Rock
experiences. market place stocked by local farmers,
and Roll Hall of Fame, but rarely do
fishers and traditional craftmakers.
residents venture down there. Out of
MAKE PUBLIC GOALS
our interviews and public brainstorm-
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE CREATE A SHARED
ing workshops emerged a new vision
Honolulu’s Kaka’ako Makai Waterfront COMMUNITY VISION
for the waterfront: flexible plazas, parks
Urban waterfronts are too valuable to Cleveland’s Downtown Lakefront
and esplanades where all Cleveland-
become the domain solely of a private Unlike a master plan, a community
ers can mingle, and where different
developer or a single user group; they visioning process does not lock a proj-
cultures can share their foods, music,
belong to all the people. Private devel- ect into a prescribed solution. It is a
dances and performances throughout
opment is not unwelcome, but the best citizen-driven initiative that outlines
the year, indoors and out. And we
solutions for revamping waterfronts put a set of goals–ideals to strive for–that
challenged the City to start achieving
public goals first. Community engage- set the stage for people to think boldly,
this dream immediately, with program-
ment – and, ultimately, local owner- make breakthroughs, and achieve new
ming and partnerships that activate the
ship and pride – depend on this basic possibilities. Because a vision is adapt-
underused piers and parking lots right
premise. able and can be implemented gradually,
away, even before the planning for the
starting with small experiments, it often
new district is completed, in order to
Hawaiians are ensuring that this prin- becomes more powerful through time
build excitement for the shared vision
ciple is born out in practice on their as public enthusiasm for making bold
of a waterfront where everyone feels
Honolulu waterfront. PPS is part of changes gains support.
welcome.
a team of planners and designers that
is working with the Honolulu commu- Cleveland’s Lake Erie waterfront lies
nity on a master plan for the Kaka’ako at the heart of the city. Except for its
5
6. (Continued from previous page) serve the broadly diverse population to son River waterfront may do more to
identify ten different public destina- economically revive the city than just
CREATE MULTIPLE MULTI-USE tions that they would like to see on the building luxury residential towers.
DESTINTIONS waterfront and how they could assist in
Yonkers Hudson River Waterfront programming them to serve their needs. In his 2007 report, entitled “E Pluribus
PPS has found that an effective way to Local theater and music groups that Unum: Diversity and Community in the
propel a visioning process is to set a lack space saw the potential of flexible Twenty-First Century,” Robert Putnam,
goal of creating ten great destinations outdoor performance areas; the Parks the author of Bowling Alone, writes:
along a waterfront, an idea we call the Department would like an outdoor skat- “Tolerance for difference is but a first
“Power of Ten.” This focus on des- ing rink; a canoeing club identified a step. To strengthen shared identities,
tinations, rather than “open space” or safe harbor for educational programs; we need more opportunities for mean-
parks, enables a genuine community- the African-American youth center ingful interaction across ethnic lines
led process to take root. Residents, wanted to run recreational programs for where Americans (new and old) work,
businesses, community organizations its kids around a Great Lawn; the Hud- learn, recreate, and live.”
and other stakeholders identify the son River Museum envisions galleries
key public destinations. The same exhibiting local artists on the ground Water, like food, is a magnet for ev-
principle is applied at each destination floors of residential buildings; and, the eryone, a social leveler. The natural
to come up with a list of ten activities Bezak Environmental Center wants attraction of being near the water, of
resulting in a wealth of things to do that more shoreline space for its ecological touching it and, even better, of get-
broadens the appeal of the destination, studies. By constantly emphasizing ting onto it draws young and old, of
encouraging round-the-clock use. that riverfront public spaces are for ev- all races and cultures. Our waterfront
eryone in Yonkers, not just the people public spaces offer one of the best
In our work on Yonkers’ Hudson River who live in the new condo towers, and opportunities for the “meaningful
waterfront (for the Point Street Landing that they could be flexibly-designed so interaction across ethnic lines” that
project with Perkins Eastman Archi- that they can be shared by a number Putnam describes if we plan for it from
tects), we stressed the need to create a of local partners, we helped the City the beginning and sustain it over time
wide range of public destinations on the understand what a tremendous commu- through the continuing involvement of
waterfront to counter the privatization nity-building asset its waterfront could a wide range of partners.• Meg Walker is
that could potentially result from the be. Increased tax revenues are not a Vice President at the Project for Public Spaces.
large amount of residential develop- the only benefits that can be reaped. For more information, go to pps.org
ment planned. We asked community Rebuilding the pride and identity of the
groups and non-profit organizations that Yonkers around its spectacular Hud-
A sketch of the envisioned Cleveland Lakefront Promenade by Ehrenkranz Eckstut and Kuhn Architects
PROGRAMS for
6 SUSTAINABLE PLANNING
and DEVELOPMENT
7. Kate Zidar
Minds in the Gutter
Newtown Creek, which borders Queens and Brooklyn, was the site of the Design/Build ESM course. Photo: Verbunkos (Flickr)
C
ombined Sewer Overflow is is a looming problem, extremely dif- opportunities in the gutter, coming from
everybody and nobody’s ficult to solve through “conventional” a diverse array of sources. Minds in the
problem. During a rainstorm means, that requires and expansion of Gutter launched on Earth Day, April
in New York City, the storm drains in their current skill set. 22, 2010 at the Museum of the City of
the street essentially shunt the total New York with a viewing of the designs
volume of local weather into the same Where all of these viewpoints have and a panel discussion about the proj-
set of pipes as our toilets. When the an opportunity to come together is ect, featuring some of the competition’s
combined system fills up with rain, the the Stormwater Infrastructure Matters jurors, exhibiting designers and repre-
overage – a frothy mix of human waste, (S.W.I.M.) Coalition, an alliance of over sentatives of the S.W.I.M. Coalition.
runoff from roadways and any form of 70 groups dedicated to ensuring swim- In the year since its launch, Minds
litter imaginable - is released directly mable waters around New York City in the Gutter has traveled to multiple
to local water bodies, without treatment. through natural, sustainable stormwater professional conferences and served as
This is happening almost every time it management practices. Through policy, a curriculum for formal and informal
rains at the waterfronts New Yorkers education, outreach, implementation educational events, including Pratt
utilize for employment and recreation. and monitoring, S.W.I.M. members con- Institute. Minds in the Gutter inspired
We might see (or smell) some evi- tribute to the collective understanding a 2010 summer design/build course on
dence of a CSO overflow where float- of how CSO pollution can be reduced stormwater in the Urban Environmental
able garbage collects via currents or while providing environmental benefits Systems Management program. Using
is quarantined behind floating booms, upland through Green Infrastructure. the city and campus as a classroom,
but you basically need to be peering this course explored stormwater man-
over the bulkhead at a known outfall (in Last year, the S.W.I.M. Coalition agement as a planning, policy, design
the rain, at low tide) to know for sure if launched Minds in the Gutter, a call for and social justice issue. Students
CSO overflows are happening. submissions to anyone — professionals, gained exposure to local current events
students, the general public — with involving stormwater management, the
From a planning perspective, this is an ideas for managing stormwater run- broader Green Infrastructure move-
elegant (yet completely gross) illustra- off from New York City roadways and ment, and hands-on experience with
tion of infrastructure carrying capac- sidewalks, and an exploration into how planning and implementation of proj-
ity. From the perspective of boaters, agencies, communities and individuals ects currently underway. For their final
open water swimmers and fishermen, are working on these issues. The jury projects, students created concepts for
it’s a stinky mess they might witness brought leaders from city government, stormwater management interventions
up close, raising serious public heath academia, urban pedagogy and state- on multiple sites within the Newtown
concerns. For community gardeners level green infrastructure planning to Creek sewershed. • Minds in the Gutter lives
and urban farmers, rain is a cherished the table to consider the submissions. online at www.mindsinthegutter.org, and was
created with the support of NYC Environmental
resource to be carefully stored, not The 15 designs that were selected for
Fund. Kate Zidar is a PSPD graduate and mem-
squandered down a drain. For policy the exhibit showcase a broad range of ber of the faculty.
makers, regulators and engineers – this physical and environmental
7
8. Toby Snyder, LEED
Building the Ground it proposed reclamation of approximate-
ly 150,000 square meters of land.
Thomas McKnight, Senior Vice
President of Development at the NYC
Economic Development Corporation,
recently took note of the project and
asked, “If they can do all of that land
reclamation in Copenhagen, why can’t
M
ark Twain once advised, “Buy A case in point is FXFOWLE’s award we do it here in New York?” Puzzled,
land, they’re not making it winning entry, City Regenerative, in I began researching land reclamation,
anymore.” No doubt he was an international competition for the which has been practiced around the
aware of the sky-rocketing cost of land Nordhavnen district, currently a con- world for centuries, from the creation of
in the rapidly urbanizing world of the tainer port and cruise ship terminal, in farm land in Holland and of city neigh-
Industrial Revolution. Although well- Copenhagen, Denmark. Our vision for borhoods in Miami to airports around
traveled, perhaps he was not familiar the 200-hectare waterfront site con- the world. Recently, however, the U.S.
with the practice of land reclamation, in nects urban infrastructure, extends the has viewed it with greater suspicion
which shallow bodies of water are filled existing waterway, weaves open space than Denmark has. I found that physi-
in to create developable and/or arable through a series of neighborhoods and cal geography, economy, history, and
land. Essentially, they are still making commercial nodes, and sets a new stan- culture contribute to the differences in
it. dard for low-carbon consumption. And, shaping our respective policies.
City Regenerative - FXFOWLE’s vision for urban planning and innovative architectural strategies to
house 40,000 residents, create 40,000 jobs, and provide access for 40,000 bicycles.
PROGRAMS for
8 SUSTAINABLE PLANNING
and DEVELOPMENT
9. The Nordhavnen peninsula today, with the city center of Copenhagen in the distance.
to land reclamation. Both the U.S. and competition site. The Danes discovered
UNEQUAL GEOGRAPHY Denmark protect wildlife habitat with that a large population of green toads
Physically, one of the greatest threats regulations that limit or prevent land (bufo viridis), protected by the Euro-
to reclaimed land is the water around reclamation, dredging, pier construc- pean Economic Community Habitats
it. In general, areas with dramatic tion, and shoreline reconstruction. Directive, had established themselves
tidal changes, such as the northeastern Since enacting the Endangered Species in the shallow ponds at the end of the
United States, are more vulnerable to Act in 1970, many U.S. construction Nordhavnen peninsula. Essentially, as
inundation and erosion than areas with projects have been stopped or delayed. long as sufficient measures were taken
small fluctuation, such as the Oresund, The most famous case is perhaps in to create new habitats elsewhere on
the strait that separates Denmark from protecting the snail darter fish (percina site, the toads and their ponds could be
Sweden. Furthermore, climate induced tanasi) from the Tennessee Valley Au- moved.
sea level rises are predicted to increase thority’s construction of the Tellico Dam
non-uniformly around the globe; the (constructed only after being delayed ECONOMIC REALITY
Oresund should experience less in- through injunctions that were argued Few development authorities can gen-
crease than the U.S. Atlantic coast. The before the Supreme Court). Such mea- erate the funds to reclaim land. In most
threat of inundation is greater here as sures are not uniformly applied—much U.S. cash-strapped municipalities, pri-
well, which, due to its particular ocean depends on the specifics of each spe- vate entities with small capital reserves
and wind currents, suffers hurricanes, cies and habitat. A new pier in the East own the majority of land. Conversely, in
storm surges, and floods more frequent- River at the Northside Piers project in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Dubai, South
ly than the well-protected Oresund. Williamsburg was stymied following a Korea, and Hong Kong, each govern-
In fact, in 500-years of practicing moratorium that prohibited disrupting ment owns a majority of the land—pri-
land reclamation Copenhagen has not the river bed and shoreline during the vate property is often held in 99-year
recorded a single flood. fish mating season. land leases. While these well-financed
cities draw on national capital reserves
Approaches to indigenous wildlife also Contrast our approach with the Danes’ for urban projects, the resulting re-
differentiate our respective approaches treatment of the species found on the claimed land represents a
9
10. (Continued from previous page)
smaller share of the government’s total
property portfolio. In recent years, land
reclamation projects have occurred
where low-cost flat land is scarce—
Foster + Partners’ Hong Kong Inter-
national Airport (9.4 km2 reclaimed),
Renzo Piano’s Kansai International Air-
port (10 km2) in Osaka, most of Tokyo
Bay (249 km2) or Bahrain (410 km2), for
that matter, all the Palm developments
in Dubai—and the resulting land value
would be profitable.
Historically, the United States prac- A park created from reclaimed land in “City Regenerative.”
ticed land reclamation more often than take place where enough “cutting” preserved as pure and untouched.
it does today, examples include: the balances it. This was the case in the
Back Bay and Logan Airport in Boston 1970s when 1.2 million cubic yards Copenhagen’s population is very
(1,800 acres reclaimed); much of the were excavated from the World Trade conscious of its role in constructing
San Francisco harbor; the Port of Center site and ’dumped’ at the Battery the landscape. A much longer shared
Providence and East Providence, Park City site in the Hudson River. The civic history dates as far back as the
Rhode Island; and the 92-acre Battery Nordhavnen project in Copenhagen can Vikings and Romans. Copenhagen has
Park City in New York; as well as much only now be realized as a result of the built up its harbor over time, from the
of Lower Manhattan. The post-war increased construction activity taking construction of the Citadel at the city’s
period of suburban sprawl, which place around the city, most notably the heart and the fortification of Slotshol-
greatly spared Copenhagen, has done massive highway tunneling under the men to the creation and expansion of
more to proportionally reduce the Oresund harbor. the Nordhavnen Peninsula itself. With
value of U.S. waterfront sites, making such a long history of continuously set-
it unlikely that any reclamation proj- CULTURAL SPECULATIONS tling the land, it is nearly impossible to
ect could generate comparative value. Stating that all reclamation projects conceive of “pure” land in Denmark or
When high-value land does warrant get a green light in Copenhagen and consider the forces of development as
threatening.
Perhaps the U.S., with its sprawling
metropolitan regions, labyrinthine
property laws, infrastructural fragmen-
tation, and jurisdictional redundancy,
can shift its policies to a simpler, yet
more nuanced, understanding of how
Historical growth of the Nordhavnen peninsula over the last 400 years, with the best to fit into the American landscape.
“City Regenerative” proposal for the next 45 years. Not that we should simply adopt Danish
practices, but we should take a more
added expense, the common practice is a red light in the U.S. oversimplifies holistic approach towards deciding
to build up rather than out. Skyscrapers it. Americans often regard their cities where to develop land and where to
are not common at all in Copenhagen; as constructed out of a wilderness on preserve it. The value of Twain’s quote
rather, the Danes developed a high- “virgin” soil from an often mysterious may yet prove to be prescient advice,
density mid-rise urbanism. and unknown natural world. This has not as a rapacious investment strategy,
led our development to assume either a but as a reminder of the scarce and pre-
The soil and fill needed for reclamation frontiersman-like “battle against cious resource we should not squander
projects, depending on their scale, is nature” or its inverse corollary, or exhaust. • Toby Snyder is a designer for
enormous, and “filling” can only deference to sacred land to be FXFOWLE and a PSPD faculty member.
PROGRAMS for
SUSTAINABLE PLANNING
and DEVELOPMENT
11. Carter Craft often side-by-side. In many ways these
Break Through the Surface,
activities complemented each other,
and they may yet again.
Here’s How When faced with your next waterfront
design or development opportunity,
think about the following aspects of
your site: bottom condition, water
depth, water quality, movement, and the
water’s edge. Historic maps will give
you some ideas, but in an estuary so
dramatically altered by human ingenu-
ity and intervention, there is no sub-
T
stitute for doing your own investigating
hink about any new waterfront What most of today’s waterfront devel-
firsthand – or at least up to your knees.
development you’ve seen re- opments seem to do best is to keep peo-
cently. There was probably a lot ple from making contact with the actual
BOTTOM CONDITION
of glass, carefully selected to accentu- water. This is unfortunate and unneces-
The condition of the bay-, creek- or
ate the reflections off the water or catch sary. Unfortunate mainly because water
river bottom will show you a number
the color of the sky. An interesting light quality in urban rivers, harbors and
of useful things. Rocky bottoms will
fixture, reminding you that modern bays has improved so dramatically in
tell you there’s probably a lot of wave
aesthetics almost always change – or at the last four decades since the passage
and wake action there. The finer grain
least our tastes do. Nearest the water’s of the Clean Water Act. It’s unnecessary
silts get washed away by the currents.
edge there was a railing, finished in because with a little more consideration
If there’s silt or even muck there then
brushed metal and likely topped by of the natural characteristics of the
you might have some options. Calm
a dense hardwood not native to North water, and just a touch of imagination,
waters are ripe for some human connec-
America. It may even have won some every new waterfront development can
tion. The finer silts here can help hold
award, but it’s relationship to the water help us all reconnect to what historical-
roots for submerged plants or inter-
is probably nothing more than a visual ly was the most vibrant harbor and port
tidal grasses. Muck can swallow your
connection. That’s not just unfortunate, in the western hemisphere. This harbor
shoe, but at the same time not provide
it’s wrong. is historically a place where recreation
enough structure for plantlife to take
and commerce have long coexisted, and
hold. The best of all worlds is sand, it
provides some structure, it’s uniform
and easy to handle, it’s generally clean,
and it’s easy on the feet.
As you head farther away from the
shoreline, you’ll start to find a different
bottom condition at different distances.
For instance, at East River State Park
in Williamsburg you can see the sand
up near the high water line, and heavier
rocks farther. Depending on the size
of your site you may be able to create
different zones of water-related activ-
ity: a mooring area there for sailboats, a
kayak launch here, even some spar-
tina marsh along the edge if it can be
protected both from wave action and
human interference. Pay close attention
to the slope of the bottom – along the
many shipping channels in and around
You CAN Get There From Here: Each year NYC Swim hosts the Brooklyn Bridge swim, where hundreds
of swimmers negotiate the tides and currents for 1 kilometer in the East River. Photo: Carter Craft
12. (Continued from previous page) matter of hours. Unless you know the the Port. Add to this amount the almost
tide cycle quite well it can be hard to 5-foot tidal variation and suddenly its
New York it is not unusual to find some even plan an activity in certain areas. clear why boating doesn’t always work
steep drop-off not at all far from shore. For boats, water depth is also very everywhere we might hope.
No one likes to get in over their head if important. Every vessel has a dimen-
they’re not ready for it. sion known as “draft.” This is the depth Sailboats deserve a special mention.
of the boat’s hull or structure below the Many have a fixed, often deep keel.
WATER DEPTH water line. For something lightweight This is the part of the hull which ex-
At waterfront sites in New York City, like a kayak, the draft can be just a few tends deep down into the water to help
the most important thing to keep in inches. For a small motor boat plan on maintain the boat’s stability while in
mind about water depth is that it 1-2 feet. For a water taxi it might be rough seas or heavy wind. If your sail-
boat has a centerboard - a removable
or pivoting part of the keel that can be
When faced with your next waterfront design or development opportunity, raised up or removed in shallow waters
think about the following aspects of your site: bottom condition, water depth, –it can dock just about anywhere in
water quality, movement, and the water’s edge. the harbor. However, if your sailboat
has a fixed keel then you’ll have to be
changes: the ocean’s tides have a dra- 3-5 feet, depending on the design of much more careful. If you are at the
matic influence throughout the water- the boat. For many of the larger dinner dock at low tide and the bottom condi-
front zone. As the North Atlantic Ocean and party boats the draft could be 7-10 tions are fine grain silts, you might have
sloshes back and forth between North feet and for working tugs plan on 8-15 some scuffing or minor damage to the
America on the east and Europe on the feet. If the vessel is ocean going then keel. But if that bottom condition at
west, the level and the height of the the draft can be much larger. Surging low tide is rock or stone, or the water is
water rises and falls almost 5 feet every and stormy seas demand a deeper keel just too shallow, it’s possible that your
six hours throughout much of NYC. But to help keep the ship upright. Large keel could get wedged, and function
in places like the Upper East River, commercial ships are in a league of like a pry bar pushing your sailboat up
along the south Bronx, northern Queens their own. Most of the modern con- against or away from the dock. This can
and western Long Island Sound, where tainer ships have a draft of 45-50 feet be very dangerous- both for the struc-
the tidal influence is more complex, the or more. This issue of draft is what is tural integrity of the vessel as well as
level of the water can rise and fall close driving the largest dredging project anyone trying to get on or off the boat.
to eight feet with every cycle. This ever in this Port; the US Army Corps of
variation happens because when the Engineers is now in its 2nd decade of a
tide is coming in ocean water first starts $1.3 billion plus project to deepen all
pushing westward through Long Island of the primary shipping channels into
Sound, along the coast of New England.
Soon the High Tide reaches the area The Water Beckons: the Harlem River has a number of opportunities
around the Throgs Neck and Whit- to better connect land and water activities. Photo: Carter Craft
estone Bridges. Meanwhile, the same
surge of the Atlantic has also been
pushing in along the south shore of
Long Island and enters the Narrows. As
the tide moves up through the Harbor,
it can enter into the Kills around Staten
Island, go up the Hudson, or up the
East River Thus, along the Upper East
River for much of the day the tide is
pushing in from both directions.
Water depth is critical for two reasons.
For human use, what may look like an
attractive wading beach in the Inner
Harbor at low tide will disappear in a
PROGRAMS for
12 SUSTAINABLE PLANNING
and DEVELOPMENT
13. Oyster Cove at Pier 101 on Governors Island is home to many water-based programs, including those of the Downtown Boathouse and the Urban Assembly
New York Harbor School. The NYC School Construction Authority is renovating an adjacent building to become an oyster hatchery, boat maintenance shop,
and SCUBA program support space for the School. Photo: Carter Craft
MOVEMENT wedge beneath the Hudson’s salt-free Looking at all these factors above:
Most importantly, keep in mind the water flowing out on top. The water’s bottom condition, water depth, water
Harbor’s water is almost always moving. particular movement in any location quality, movement and wind it is clear
Just the wind can have such a dramatic therefore isn’t just influenced by the that planning for the waterfront is just
influence on the water’s flow speed and tide, but also it’s temperature and salt as complex as planning for the land.
direction that it alone warrants a much content. Thus a ship that has a draft of Just as important but not discussed in
longer article. But basic geography 20 or 30 feet may actually be dealing this article is the issue of water quality
and physical form play large roles too. with a current pushing them along 25 – the physical, biological and chemical
Where the river or bay is broad like a feet below, while at the surface of the makeup of the water itself. It’s a very
wide pool the rate is slower. Where the water the tide is working against their dynamic environment and our vision
waterway is constricted and narrow the vessel. Think for a minute what these for it ought to be as well. As our water
pace is much more rapid. The efforts conflicting forces might do if you were quality continues to improve its impor-
to capture tidal energy in the estuary trying to move sideways, which you tant to remember we must try also to
are concentrated along the East River often need to when docking a boat. find the balance between human use
where the water is the fastest-moving and enjoyment and the ecological func-
current anywhere in or near New York tions needed to support the biodiversity
City. But just as the tide rises, so THE WATERS EDGE that defines any healthy environment,
the currents speed up and then slow If you ever find yourself in a situation particularly an urban one. Though our
before the tide starts to fall. That period where you can’t make headway against nation’s politics offer us little hope that
when the current seems to stop – when the wind or the tide, chances are you such a balance exists, the fact that this
the tide is turning – is called “slack” will look for some place to wait for estuary remains home to virtually all
tide. Slack tide is when many sensi- conditions to change, or to tie up, go the native species of fish that dwelled
tive in-water activities get scheduled. get coffee or even come back tomorrow. here before European settlement make
The annual swim under the Brooklyn This is when the unfortunate reality it clear we are blessed with a biologi-
Bridge and the docking of many cruise of our inflexible edges will strike you. cally rich environment. We owe it to
or container ships are all scheduled at There just aren’t many places to get out. ourselves and future generations to
or near slack tide so as to minimize the It’s hard with a boat – but even harder create new connections to and into the
potential influence of the tide on the if you ever find yourself in the water water that can help us create syn-
activity that needs to happen. looking for a place to get out. The best ergy between human use and natural
models for today are probably the ones function, or at least a better balance
Ask any Harbor Pilot about the move- used here years ago: staircases, ramps, than the industrial revolution has yet
ment of the water and he or she may and floating docks or barges. Ladders achieved. • Carter Craft teaches Waterfront
give you a long treatise reminding you are needed at regular intervals to help Planning in the PSPD. He is USCG-licenced
Captain and principal of Outside New York, a
that colder water coming in from the swimmers and scuba divers to get in
consulting firm specializing in programming,
ocean sinks below warmer water flowing and out, in areas where those activities education, infrastructure design, and events.
down the river. Ocean water is saltier are taking place.
as well, causing it to come in like a
13
14. Laura Stinger
Improving the Resiliency of
Coastal Communities
S
unset Park, a community-of-
color on the waterfront is par-
ticularly vulnerable to the effects
of climate change. A recent editorial
published in the journal, Environmental
Justice, explained the uneven impacts
of climate change this way, “Climate
researchers report that vulnerable com-
munities, even in the most prosperous
nations, will be the first and worst hit.
In this country, the most impacted areas
will be communities-of-color, Indig-
enous Peoples, and low-income com-
munities that are socio-economically
disadvantaged, disproportionately
burdened by poor environmental qual-
ity, and least able to adapt. They will
be the first to experience extreme heat
events, respiratory illness, vector-borne
infectious diseases, food insecurity, and
natural disasters.”
In the Sunset Park studio led by Ron
Shiffman, Mercedes Narciso, Ellen could not only weather the effects of polluting infrastructure to be sited near
Neises, Eddie Bautista, and Stuart climate change but slow them and help the water and homes with little or no
Pertz, our client, the environmental protect the community from them. environmental review. As the residents
justice community organization of the community are already burdened
UPROSE (United Puerto Rican Sunset Park is a coastal neighbor- by the Gowanus Expressway, a freeway-
Organization of Sunset Park), posed to hood in Brooklyn, south of Red Hook like Fourth Avenue that cuts them off
us the mandate to create a holistic plan and north of Bay Ridge. The diverse from the waterfront, a waste transfer
to create community resilience in the community of, among others, Puerto station, multiple brownfields, and a
face of climate change. Our approach Rican, Mexican, Chinese, and Pales- severe lack of public space,
to resilience was broad, and neces- tinian residents runs upland from the environmental justice is of the utmost
sarily so, encompassing urban design, waterfront to the park that carries its concern.
community capacity building, land- namesake. The waterfront is a working
scape design, economic development, waterfront and is a source of employ- Sunset Park has been the subject of
affordable housing, disaster planning, ment for residents, 20% of Sunset Park many planning endeavors. There is a
and city and regional policy. We looked residents walk to work. The waterfront 197-A plan, a Greenway plan, a Vision
into ways to foster economic resilience, is a significant maritime industrial area, Plan from the Economic Development
resilience of the built form, tenure and an SMIA, and as such has special zon- Corporation, and the new Waterfront
security for long term residents, a resil- ing that is meant to keep manufactur- Revitalization Plan. All these plans
ient culture, and a diverse and healthy ing in the area but has the unfortunate vary in their commitment and innova-
waterfront and open space network that and dangerous side effect of allowing tion to raising the quality of life for
PROGRAMS for
14 SUSTAINABLE PLANNING
and DEVELOPMENT
15. Sunset Park residents, but they share
one thing in common, they were made
before it was clear that the effects of
climate change must be a main thread
woven through any look at a waterfront
community, especially one with pollut-
ing infrastructure in a storm surge zone.
We knew that any initiative must be
led by the community and therefore
empower and strengthen the commu-
nity, as UPROSE has been doing for
decades. After a disaster, it has been
shown again and again that an affected
community that had a strong and well-
established social network recovered
faster, with more residents returning,
crucial services up and running again
in a shorter time, and in some cases,
improved facilities compared to pre-
disaster. Thus many of our recom-
mendations went beyond land-use and
looked to build and support the vibrant
networks that already exist in the area;
an informed group of activist youth, a Previous Page and Above: Images from the final presentation and report by the Sunset Park Studio
lively tradition of street vending and
entrepreneurship, strong community with programming and events. the industrial sector
organizations, and an active street life. D Innovative ways to help small, green B Making sure the new park at bush
Taken as a whole, we knew that our manufacturing thrive on the waterfront: terminal uses local vendors.
recommendations must simultaneously E A community kitchen for vendors 3 Support for continuing environmental
raise the economic capital, the social to develop ideas, upscale production, health and justice:
capital, and the built capital while hav- and cut down on sanitation violations. A Using the bay ridge salt flats which
ing a strong framework for ensuring that Designed as a closed-loop system, the lie just off the coast of Sunset Park as a
long-term residents are not displaced building would also house large-scale wave attenuation buffer, utilizing ecol-
by gentrification. composting, a wholesale produce dis- ogy restoration and oyster reefs.
tributor sourcing from upstate farmers B Building a ecology center for youth
Our recommendations laid out a and transported via the Hudson to the environmental education on the wa-
greener and stronger Sunset Park and waterfront rail barge connection, a roof- terfront; including oyster cultivation,
included: top farm, and a wash cut and bag facil- wetland construction, water testing, soil
1 Innovative ways to create more open ity, providing jobs and fresh produce for testing, urban agriculture.
space and manage storm water: the NYC school system. 4 Housing and rights of tenure:
A A backyard farming network with 2 Innovative ways to build capacity and A Using the TIL program, convert
resource and knowledge sharing, work- social capacity: foreclosed properties into affordable
days, all connected to emergency food A A foreign language teaching coopera- housing co-ops.
distribution. tive. B Collaborate with local community de-
B Raised bed food production and a lo- B A mobile health clinic. velopment corporations and innovative
cal vendors market on a former brown- C Connecting the elderly population design-build firms to create housing
field. with the rest of the community through where the future residents participate
C Green waterfront connector streets an intergenerational video project in the design, building, and mainte-
running upland all the way to the water documenting their history and stories. nance of the buildings. • Laura Stinger
and featuring bio-swales, extended tree 3 Innovative economic development: is a second year student in City and Regional
pits, and pedestrian-only weekends Planning.
A Sustainable materials management in
15
16. Landmarks
about the landmark with just a single agriculture, then mechanized it and
tap. It’s designed for students doing added fertilizers and chemicals, we are
field work, architects, historic preser- now on the cusp of the third agricul-
West (and East, vationists, urban planners, and even
tourists and anyone else curious about
tural revolution: growing food in urban
areas, using less land, water and fossil
New York’s rich architectural history. fuels, while applying fewer chemicals.
North, South) The app has been featured on the New
York Times’ City Room Blog as well After a fascinating time travel through
as DNAinfo.com. He has also created the invention of primitive and modern
versions for Boston and San Francisco. agriculture–with all their advantages
Currently, it is built for the Palm Pre or and problems–Dr. Despommier, a
Pixi, but an iPhone version is coming microbiologist, lifts us into the coming
soon. • Learn more at www.spatialityapps.com world of high-rise farming. In new or
refurbished buildings, farmers of tomor-
row will grow all kinds of food that we
Gelvin Stevenson can be eating the next day.
Book review of The Vertical Farm
by Dr. Dickson Despommier The illustrations are lively and infor-
2010, Thomas Dunne Books mative; the style is easy and friendly;
$25.99, 320 pages
and the message is compelling: we eat
better and the eco-sphere can heal
Future Farming itself and once again provide all those
wonderful services–carbon
sequestration and clean water, to
mention two–that it used to do. So while
you’re reading “The Vertical Farm”-
and it is truly a must-read–contemplate
all those advantages, and taste that
T
he ubiquity of smartphones has fresh food. • Gelvin Stevenson teaches Envi-
ronmental Economics in the PSPD.
begun to start to weave their way
into the urban fabric, and a new,
Upcoming
readily accessible layer of an
“augmented reality” is beginning to
emerge. Prior to the development of
these devices, history was marked
geographically by staid plaques hiding Facilities
L
roadside and in the bushes. Now we ooking for a solution to food scar-
are able to tune into the wavelengths
of history as easy as pressing a few
city, excessive chemicals on our
foods, too much energy used in Management
Program
buttons on the devices already in our growing and transporting food, nutrient
pockets. runoff, the disappearance of low skilled
jobs in urban areas, and food that just
PSPD GIS instructor Steven plain doesn’t taste very good? Then
Romalewski has developed a mobile welcome to the vertical farm revolution, Thursday, April 14, 2011
Development as a Contact Sport
app called Landmarks: New York. It and the foundational book on Vertical Robert Sanna, Exec VP & Director,
lists the official landmarked buildings Farming by the movement’s leading Forest City Ratner Companies
near you anywhere in the 5 boroughs, light, Columbia University Professor Atlantic Yards as a development scenario has all
providing details such as when the Emeritus Dickson Daniel Despommier. the hallmarks and the travails of current property
issues. Anecdotes about policy, costs, procedures,
landmark was designated, if it’s in a
marketing and the ultimate goals will elucidate
Historic District, thumbnail photos, and “The Vertical Farm” is a tour de force the story of this new Brooklyn landmark. 6:30 PM,
Wikipedia links. You can view each of the promise of this latest agricultural Room 213, Pratt Manhattan.
location on a map, and email details revolution. Just as humans developed
PROGRAMS for
16 SUSTAINABLE PLANNING
and DEVELOPMENT
17. Nancy Campbell and Anna Peccianti as usual, was engaged in the planning Redemption with Carsten Paludan-
of the event and had volunteered to co- Müller
Alumni Updates chair the newly reformed PPAA. In the
last 10 months, she has had a remark-
April 15: Redefining Artistic Advocacy
with Aaron Levy
able recovery that has her speaking and April 29: New York State Climate Ac-
writing more clearly every day. tion Plan with Alan Belensz
An event will be held in Alison’s honor,
helping to raise funds for Trinity Hu- CONNECT WITH PPAA ONLINE
man Services Center (140 Montrose Av- Pratt Institute Alumni Association has
enue, Brooklyn, NY 11206) on Sunday, recently launched it’s new and
April 3rd at 2pm. A raffle will be held enhanced website: alumni.pratt.edu.
to help support Alison’s family with the The new site features an online direc-
medical costs they have incurred. For tory, alumni news and networking
more information contact Yadhira Deras groups. The site will also help alumni
(THSC) at 718-388-3176 or Rolando take advantage of benefits including
Guzman (St. Nicks) at discounted membership to Pratt’s ath-
rguzman@stnicksalliance.org. letic facility and free entry to some city
museums.
PSPD SPRING LECTURE SERIES
Last month, Programs for Sustainable To make this experience valuable, we
Planning and Development launched need your help. Please visit to alumni.
its Spring Lecture Series. This compel- pratt.edu to log into Pratt’s online
ling series features local leaders and alumni database and make sure that
Allison Cordero leading a public workshop.
Photo: PPAA internationally renowned practitioners the Institute has your most current
discussing and debating current plan- contact information, preferred email ad-
ALUMNI INFO
ning, preservation and environmental dress and any personal or professional
Alison Cordero (Class of 1991) has a
topics. Lectures have been contempo- accomplishments you’d like to share.
long history in serving the communi-
rary and compelling and audience dis- Once you’ve logged-in to the site,
ties of North Brooklyn. Starting at
cussion has been lively and engaging. please find the Pratt Planning Alumni
St. Nick’s Alliance in 1984 as a Pratt
Please mark the series in your calendar Association (search “Groups” on the
Institute intern, Alison has served as
and be sure to share it with friends and left hand side), created just for PSPD
the Deputy Director for Community
colleagues in New York City. alumni. PPAA will disseminate as all
Preservation since 1997. Her nearly
We look forward to seeing you there! relevant news for PSPD alumni through
30 years of service to the Greenpoint-
Reception 5:30; this group.
Williamsburg community is undeterred.
Lecture 6:00;
As Frank Lang, Housing Director at St.
Q+A 7:00 We would also encourage you to con-
Nick Alliance attests, “Alison’s big-
nect with PPAA on our LinkedIn page.
gest strength is her consistent desire to
Pratt Manhattan Campus Our group name is “Pratt Planning”.
work in a collaborative manner with all
144 West 14th Street, New York We look forward to seeing you online!
facets of the neighborhood to coordinate
Room 213 (Unless otherwise noted)
and build consensus toward an advo-
RSVP prattpspd@gmail.com
cacy agenda.”
April 1: Vision 2020 Comprehensive
As some of you may know, Alison Click here to visit our LinkedIn page.
Waterfront Plan with Mike Marrella
experienced a stroke in May 2010 just
April 8: Cultural Heritage: Roots,
as the department was preparing to
Relations, Rationales, Rights and
celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Alison,
What is PPAA? The Pratt Planning Alumni Association (PPAA) aims to invigorate our dynamic
alumni network to bring the benefits, resources and expertise to alumni and to current
students. To provide PPAA with financial contributions or volunteer time, please email PPAA
Co-Chairs Nancy Campbell and Anna Peccianti at prattplanningalum@gmail.com.
17
18. AAKRITI, the journal of the Goa College for
Architecture, wrote an article about the experience
Accomplishments of Pratt’s studio on the coast of India. The studio wil
be covered in full in the summer issue of
Multiplicity. Click here to read the article.
In December, Eddie Bautista was a part of Lee Miller, ‘13, a joint-degree student at the craft Requests for Proposals to redevelop to the
the White House’s first panel on Environmental Pratt Institute and Brooklyn Law School was area, while continuing to consult with the Com-
Justice. He spoke on the Healthy Communities awarded the American Planning Association’s munity Board.
and Place-based Initiatives panel and requested (APA) Daniel J. Curtin, Jr., Planning Law Fel-
federal assistance to support local efforts by City lowship. The APA’s Planning Law Division Eric Allison spoke at the Neighborhood Pres-
officials and NYC-EJA members to reform the awards the Fellowship to one student annually ervation Center co-sponsored by the Historic
Significant Maritime Industrial Area’s designa- to foster greater interest in the study of land use Districts Council, discussing the new book
tion found in the NYC Waterfront Revitalization planning and its interrelationship with the law. he co-authored with Lauren Peters, Historic
Program. The recipient advocates for thoughtful planning Preservation and the Livable City. The book
by preparing articles on land use for publication, serves as “a guide to how historic preservation
Joan Byron was a part of a panel discussion, assisting in the APA’s educational programs and can enhance the economic and environmental
Roads to Nowhere: Public Works in a Time of the solicitation and review of session proposals sustainability of cities and towns.
Crisis. The panel was co-sponsored by the Pratt submitted by Planning Law Division members
Center and the Regional Plan Association as for the annual National APA Conference. Sciame Construction sponsored this se-
a part of the Musuem of the City of New York’s mester’s OSHA-10 certification classes. This
on going Urban Forum series on New York Adedayo Ologundudu put together a forum at event was held at the Sciame offices in Lower
Infrastructure. Columbia University as a kick off event for the Manhattan.
non-profit he has founded, the Global Environ-
Steve Jones from McGraw-Hill construction mental Management Foundation. Additionally A book that included a contribution from Ron
shared research findings with Construction and he serves as Associate Lecturer and Research Shiffman, What We See: Advancing the Observa-
Facilities Management students on how BIM is Fellow within the Department of Quantity Sur- tions of Jane Jacobs, has been named one of the
transforming building design, construction and veying, School of Environmental Technology at top books of 2010 by re:place Magazine. It was
operation, with profound implications for future Federal University of Technology in Akure, Ni- also recently listed as one of the ten best books
Construction Managers. geria, and is Chief Priest of the Yoruba culture. of 2010 in urban planning, design, and develop-
ment by Planetizen.
Ned Kaufman will give the keynote speech
at the Looking Forward Symposium being put Nadine Post, Editor at ENR, lead a discussion Jaime Stein was a speaker at the second instal-
together by Historic New England and Roger in project delivery systems and BIM at Pratt lation of the NYC Future Metropolis events
Williams University. The event is to take place Manhattan in January, as well as other forms of put on by Solar One, a Green Energy, Arts,
on the 1st of October, 2011. collaborative delivery. The “lean” construction and Education Center located in Stuyvesant
initiative, specifically the Lean Construction Cove Park. She spoke on the subject of Green
Institute, was reviewed. Infrastructure.
In January, Manhattan’s Community Board 3 PSPD and the Consulate General of the Federal
approved a set of guidelines to redevelop six Republic of Germany co-sponsored a discussion
acres of largely vacant City-owned property on at the Center for Architecture in December with
the Lower East Side – one of the largest tracts Englebert Daldrup and Peter Zionicky, authors
of such land remaining in Manhattan – collec- of the book, Large Scale Project in German
tively known as the Seward Park Urban Renewal Cities: Urban Development 1990-2010. In this
Area. Over the past 40 years, efforts to rebuild work, the authors examine nineteen large-scale
on the sites, which were originally raised as projects that have been undertaken over the past
part of an urban renewal scheme, have been twenty years. They discussed a few of these proj-
immobilized by strong community disagreement ects, focusing on Hamburg and Stuttgart, and
over what should be built there, and for whom. whether these efforts have indeed contributed to
Since April 2010, the City has been working the ‘renaissance of the European city.’ The book
with a designated CB3 committee to create a is available for order on Amazon.
plan that represents a good compromise between
divergent community voices. The meetings have
been facilitated (and the guidelines drafted) by
PSPD’s Chair John Shapiro, PSPD Professor
EDITORIAL
William Calabrese
Eve Baron, and Simon Kawitzky, a recent Geoffrey Dyck
SAVE THE DATE! graduate. As approved, the guidelines call for
Saturday, April 16 11am - 6pm more than 800 units of housing, approximately
Re:Construction: Rebuilding Dialogues, a sym- half of which will be affordable. Also called for CHAIR
posium on diversity sponsored by PIPSA and are substantial amounts of retail, commercial, John Shapiro
and community space, as well as public open
LEAP will be taking place in Higgins Hall. space. The City intends to use the guidelines to
PROGRAMS for
18 SUSTAINABLE PLANNING
and DEVELOPMENT