Great Example

Amid soaring food prices, urban farms are sprouting across the city

Thursday, May 08, 2008
By Diana Nelson Jones, Pittsburgh-Post-Gazette
Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette

Brad Spencer, Becky Coger, center, and Elena Firsov pause during their work on a garden on Brighton Road on the North Side last week. The three are the driving force behind the newly incorporated Allegheny Market House Cooperative.

A fledgling garden has sprung forth in recent weeks along Brighton Road in California-Kirkbride, a corridor on which anything remotely aesthetic turns heads.

On what used to be 8,000 square feet of battered cars on battered concrete, an expanse of shrubs, trees, flowers, brick walkways and a mulched area for a Monday marketplace is emerging as the initial site of the Allegheny Markethouse Cooperative.

Newly incorporated and using city-owned land through a garden waiver, the North Side cooperative is one of a small spate of urban farm projects occupying lots and wooded hillsides in city neighborhoods, including Lemington, Garfield and the Hill District.

In most cases, the lots have been city-owned and either sold at treasurer's sale or passed to groups for gardening use until the city asks for the property back.

Urban farming is increasingly touted as a tool for developing a neighborhood's economy, nurturing relationships, improving nutrition and minimizing transport, packaging and waste. Nationally, the most successful urban farms hire neighborhood residents, train youth and help residents spin off small businesses.

But the common theme in this nonprofit idea is that neighbors can afford -- and trust -- food grown by neighbors.

The North Side co-op ultimately wants to build a market house, and it has plans for an outdoor market. Right now, it's selling $100 lifetime memberships.

"We need 250 members to trigger a Co-op 500 grant for $25,000 to do more publicity," said Brad Spencer, who moved to the North Side with his wife, Elena Firsov, two years ago. They and Becky Coger, a resident of 35 years, are the co-op's trustees. "With 750 to 1,000 members, we can go to the bank" for a building loan, he said.

The co-op will bring farmers in to sell produce until its own land is ready to be planted. Besides the plot visible from the road, the cooperative has another nearby plot yet to prepare. A Monday market is planned, and a Saturday evening market, with movable street carts, will be established in the neighborhood, he said.

The co-op has enlisted Megan Cook, assistant director of the Farmers Market Alliance of Western Pennsylvania, to attract vendors.

Of the few city-based farms in full-scale operation, Mildred's Daughters in Stanton Heights is the oldest. It has been a working farm since the mid-1800s. The current owners grow enough for themselves and for sale on 1 acre.

"I do not consider us an entrepreneurial venture," said co-owner Barbara Kline, who works as a nurse. "We wanted to create a community up here. We feel like we're an educational venture. We're trying not to lose money and to live a sustainable lifestyle for ourselves."

In Garfield, Maria Graziani's Hillcrest Farm was seven vacant, delinquent lots on 1.7 acres before 2005. Today, she has Grow Pittsburgh as a fiscal sponsor, affiliations with youth groups, the Urban League School and the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh, training commitments from Boston's esteemed Food Project and grants from the Grable Foundation, Weed and Seed and the Student Conservation Association.

Hillcrest's first public fund-raiser of the season is at 6 p.m. today at the Urban League Charter School, 327 N. Negley Ave., East Liberty. The event will feature early garden produce and a demonstration of how the farm will supplement school lunches with the salad produce it raises.

"We're in the process of hiring," said Ms. Graziani. "We hire 10 students a year and pay them to learn" and help with planting and harvesting.

All told, Hillcrest Farm's budget is less than $20,000, she said. The youth employees are paid $7.20 an hour as summer interns. They are all high school students in East End neighborhoods.

The Odessa Place Farm in Lemington is getting started with 100 kiddie wading pools as soil containers. Carole Walsh, a co-founder of the site and of the Urban Farming Initiative, said the group has gotten donations from seed companies and will grow plants from seeds in some pools and start worm habitats in others.

The Open Hand Ministry at the Union Project in East Liberty has joined as a partner, and the ministry also plans to farm lots in Garfield near Hillcrest Farm, said the Rev. John Creasy.
"Our goal is to bring healthy food to people who may not otherwise be able to afford produce, especially right now with prices as they are," he said. In addition, ministry volunteers are helping at the Odessa site.

On Beelen Street in West Oakland, 10 twentysomethings who bought five lots at a treasurer's sale last spring are shaping a hillside into terraces. To have something to show for their first season, they are preparing raised beds in plywood containers along the sloping dead-end street that looks out on the Monongahela River and the Birmingham Bridge.

"This year, we're focusing on remediation, terracing and putting in a watering system," said Claire Schoyer, one of the Landslide Community Farm members who rents homes nearby. Already, other neighbors are using the compost bin they built for the community, she said. "People have been pretty welcoming."

A Winning Formula

Win-Win Ideas

The overall idea of a win-win situation occurs when different perspectives form a common solution. All are happy because the outcome is something agreed on by all because of cooperation. Without a specific goal in mind by all members of a group a final outcome is difficult to discover.

But in order for everyone to come to agreement there must be some rules to enhance creative thinking:

-Understand why everyone is there
-There are no wrong answers
-Keep an open mind
-Focus on a common goal
-Give respect
-Have no fear, guilt, or self doubt
-Don't be quick to judge
I think the last rule could be the most difficult. The story of the fisherman and samurai comes to mind:

This challenge is vividly captured in an old Japanese story about a samurai and a fisherman. One day, the samurai went to collect a debt from the fisherman. “I'm sorry,” the fisherman said, “but this last year has been a very bad one for me, and I regret to say I do not have the money to repay you.” Quick to anger, the samurai drew his sword and prepared to kill the fisherman on the spot. Thinking fast, the fisherman boldly said, “I have been studying martial arts and my master teaches that you should never strike out of anger.” The samurai looked at him for a minute, then slowly lowered his sword. “Your master is wise,” he said quietly. “My master used to teach the same lesson. Sometimes my anger gets the better of me. I will give you one more year to repay your debt, but if you fail by even a penny, I will surely kill you.” The samurai returned to his house, arriving late at night. He crept in quietly, not wishing to wake his wife, but to his shock, he found two people in the bed, his wife and a stranger dressed in samurai clothing. With a surge of jealousy and anger, he raised his sword to slay them both, but suddenly the fisherman's words came back to him: “Do not strike out of anger.” The samurai stopped for a moment, took a deep breath, and then deliberately made a loud noise. His wife instantly woke up, as did the “stranger,” who turned out to be his mother. “What is the meaning of this?” he yelled. “I almost killed you both!” “We were afraid of robbers,” his wife explained. “So I dressed your mother up in your samurai clothes to scare them off.” A year passed and the fisherman came to see the samurai. “I had an excellent year, so here is your money back and with interest,” the fisherman said happily to him. “Keep your money,” replied the samurai. “You repaid your debt long ago.”

This story brings up another aspect of group work, learning from one another. Understand the situation you’re in. Listen to others, don’t be quiet holding back an argument or comments, truly listen. Wait for all to speak and take in what has been said. Don’t jump to conclusions. Remember, all are here for a common purpose; some are guided by ideas unfamiliar to your own.

In order to be creative one must be relaxed. Tense situations bring out angst among people and often great ideas are held back due to fear of ridicule. Here are some great practices for overcoming these obstacles from Allen’s article:

*Insisting on one "right" answer - Combine best elements of several solutions
*Being totally logical - Use “radiant” thinking to put magic before logic
*Restricting rules - Make rules serve reason
*Being practical - Let purpose guide practice
*Downplaying playfulness - Let wonder and adventure energize interplay
*Over specializing - Cross cultures, bridge disciplines
*Avoiding ambiguities - Hear silence, see spaces, perceive paradoxes
*Fearing looking foolish - Outgrow need for other's approval
*Fearing failure - Filter toxic criticism to learn from let downs
*Doubting self - Suspend judgment, stop second guessing, outwit perfectionism

A final insight that I find very helpful is the power of a positive no, uncover your “yes.” I think I have not been doing this for too long. I was guided by no rather than discovering and following my yes. An easy example of this practice is asking yourself what is important to you. Focus on what is important and these values will help eliminate fear of what you feel is holding you back.

Mind Power

The Power of Intelligence

The way one takes in concepts, analyzes them, and then digests them into their mind is a rewarding experience. But everyone does this process in a number of different ways. None better than the other, it all depends on the mind of each individual. Unfortunately this process can be disrupted and rendered useless if the method of teaching does not adapt to the method of learning. The digestion of information turns into a stomach ache, sometimes even rejected out of the mind never to be taken in again.

I think it’s important for those fortunate enough to have experienced all levels of learning to express that there is no right or wrong to learn. There should be no fear in learning. This fear is caused by the chance of answering or learning differently.

I love this quote by Miles Davis and one I will live by from here on out:

Don’t fear mistakes, there are none.

Understanding how you function, how you learn is a skill applicable every aspect in life. But when in a group a single mind will not have the answer to every question. The group must understand the kinds of minds in the group. Are there realists who are relying on facts and actual concepts? Idealists who look for the perfect solution? Synthesists who look at all possibilities? Analysts who model a path to a solution? Or pragmatics who adapt to situations and find the answer? The type of mind in your group will vary but you can count on not all minds being the same. Whatever the mind make no one assumes the way one learns or problem solves. Take the time to share experiences that show how each person works. Don’t put pressure on any one person. Follow the concept of forming a social contract. Stated by Allen Green in his analysis of collective intelligence concerning a social contract, “…good results come from focusing multiple minds on common aims.”

Recently I feel that my mind has become dull, almost too left brain. I felt this has been affecting my creative side and my mind and body felt out of sync with one another. I did some research regarding the right side of the brain and found a book I hope will help. Called “The Power of Your Other Hand: A Course in Channeling the Inner Wisdom of the Right Brain”, this book tells the story of problems encountered by the author and how she overcame them with this method. In entails simple reading then writing with both hands. Starting with the left hand you write something based on each chapter then the right hand answers, almost like a conversation with both hands. I just checked the book out and I hope it can get me back into a right brain mode.

Realizing something wasn’t right was the first step, correcting it will be next.

Collaborative Process

If anyone wants to successfully complete group projects then good collaboration is a necessity. After reading the Collaborative Process article I thought of a good idea for a meeting or workshop.

Put some of the material on a pamphlet and leave it people’s chairs or hand it to them when they arrive at the door.

This would really give people food for thought. They will understand why they are here and what it will take from them for an encouraging result at the end of the day. Most importantly it’s a set of guidelines rather than orders for successfully working together.

I couldn’t agree more that the basic building block for success is trust. Patiently listening and analyzing what has been said seems very difficult when tensions are high or outcomes uncertain. As long as everyone feels comfortable around each other and they all share a common goal then these problems should be minimized.

The “Open Space Participation Process” and “Internalized Obstacles to Creative Collaboration” are what I had in mind to put in the pamphlet when people arrive. Common purposes are stated, everyone can see everyone when they speak, and there’s an agenda for people to follow.

By agenda I don’t mean rules but options and ideas for people to operate efficiently. I really agree with cultural conditioning and the negative effects it can have.

-Freudian drives – lower self must be subdued and disciplined by a higher, civilized self
-Puritan work ethic – your production determines your worth
-Resulting fears of imperfection and conflicted motives that prohibit initiative and inhibit needed risk taking

To undo this conditioning people must have time for:

-Meals, sleep, meetings
-Free time, recreation, leisure reading
-Socializing
-Healthy recreation, like swimming, running, tennis, etc.
-Routines, such as daily commutes, classes, medical appointments, etc.

It’s pretty obvious but these principles are overlooked far too much. It’s like that saying don’t bring your problems to work with you. That’s difficult for a lot of people including myself. If things are really tough bottling up that tension is really asking for problems. That is why you have to let off that steam and aggravation. I thought it would be great to have punching bag in a separate sound proof room for people to yell, hit, and kick all their problems aside before getting started on any kind of work. Get what was bothering them off their chest. Having some kind of recreation to get your mind and body in harmony also helps. That’s why there is Physical education, intramurals, sports leagues, pick up games and athletic fields at corporations like People are at their best when they are relaxed and their mind at ease.

These things also give interaction for people to socialized, form friendships, and form trust. People will look at one another as someone who shares common interests, ideas, and objectives. Ultimately there will be productive work and positive energy between people rather than uneasiness.

Sustainability

Are We Sustained?

After looking over the sustainability survey it is very alarming that a lot cities and even towns have poor ratings. I see all three categories quality of life, public information, and transit as stepping stones to an overall rating of a place. First focus on quality of life. Then gradually work toward the overall goal of sustainability. Does everyone have the opportunity to have clean and affordable housing? Does everyone have not only healthy food but enough food? How are people able to gather and socialize? What is in their communities’ that enables them to interact with nature? Once everyone has shelter, food in their stomach, and period of relaxation people’s creative juices start to flow because their happy. It’s the simple things that make people happy.

Now start on working on ideas to develop and sustain an economy. I believe the key fact in this survey is to inform. Inform all what needs to be done and rely on everyone’s ideas to make it happen. I read it later in the reading that to develop a vision it will defined by the people using it, not pros or public agencies. So far we have reached step two of a three step process. People are sheltered, fed, are economically, socially, and educationally inclined. Now work toward a reliable and effective way of moving the population to get there.

I believe this question should be the starting point in analyzing a specific transit system:

How well do paths link homes with public places: schools, shops, parks, libraries, and employment?

Then focus of the amount of time and type of transit. It should be important to separate certain modes of transit or make these modes safe enough to work together. Are there clear and protected walking paths for people of all ages? Will light rail or bus be effective enough to discourage the use of a car? If not then make it. I believe the ideal use for a car is for long trips or hauls, not for daily activities and routines.

Learning and Intelligent Cites

This was very good reading to understand the importance of making learning institutions, employment centers, and public/private institutions as one collaborative force. Time and knowledge is wasted when each entity tries to work for their own good. Output, commerce, livelihood and the three steps for sustainability are almost useless if the city or region can not come together as one.

The eleven guidelines below were used to define planning in dynamic and common sense terms. These should be almost like a constitution for communities to follow when making decisions. If there’s any debate or question refer to these principles.

1. The community is the expert (they know from experience…what's special…)
2. You're creating a place—not a design (…maintained, safe, accessible…)
3. You can't do it alone (innovative ideas, finances, marketing, activities…)
4. They'll always say, “It can't be done.” (meaning “we've not done that before”)
5. You can learn a lot just by observing (how people actually use environments, elements)
6. Develop a vision (defined by people who will use it…not pros or public agencies)
7. Form supports function (failed spaces reflect lack of knowledge about actual uses)
8. Make the connections (foster many activities that are mutually reinforcing)
9. Start with the petunias (build momentum with quick upgrades)
10. Money is not the issue (the public's sense of whether or not they will benefit is)
11. You are never finished (success depends on being cared for well)

Near and Far

Here's a somewhat recent article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette that toys with some of the ideas of this class. Youth, Greening, Education, and Landscape Architecture.

San Francisco landscape architect wins contest to remake Allegheny Plaza
Friday, November 09, 2007
By Patricia Lowry, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Andrea Cochran's vision for Allegheny Plaza.
A San Francisco landscape architect has won the competition to make over the North Side's Allegheny Plaza with a child-focused design inspired by the history, form and ecology of Pittsburgh's rivers and riverbanks.

Andrea Cochran's plan calls for a green landscape bisected diagonally by a dry, undulating river of long, rectangular concrete pavers. Many of the design elements are modeled after the movement of water in waves, eddies and shallows. The concrete river, for example, will lap over the edges of the park onto the sidewalk.

Water in three states -- steam, water and ice -- also will play a significant role in the park, with a steam sculpture by Ned Kahn, 76 jets of water and a stage area that can be frozen in winter to make a skating pond.

The Children's Museum, which sponsored the design competition, views it as the necessary first step in replacing the existing multi-level concrete plaza across the street from the museum with a children's park that is green in both senses of the word, providing a lush and sustainable landscape.

The six competing design teams were given free rein in interpreting the park's sustainable aspects. The winning design uses recycled materials, permeable surfaces and, to power the park's lights, solar collectors in the wings of tall dragonfly sculptures. The park also is meant to be a learning lab for environmental education.

"One of our primary goals was to create a design that resonated with the museum, the surrounding neighborhoods and the region at large," Ms. Cochran said. "We believe that the park provides a wonderful opportunity to create a green space, and collaborate with artists to develop interpretive experiences that can teach sustainability and the history of the area."

The park also will accommodate open space for events, terraced seating and a flexible area for varied programming.

For children, Ms. Cochran's scheme will provide a backdrop for unscripted experiences of a river and its banks, with reclaimed locust planks suggesting driftwood making a path through meadow grass, and large boulders where the dry river meets the street. Artist-made renditions of craft that once plied the rivers, such as canoes, keelboats and flatboats, will be tethered to docks extending like fingers into the meadow grass. They'll be made of a nontoxic material that combines recycled plastic and reclaimed wood.

The winning design also features a phased plan to reconnect East Ohio and Federal streets through Allegheny Center.

The work is scheduled to be completed in fall 2009.

Ms. Cochran's 12-member firm, established in 1998, has been much praised (numerous design awards) and published (in Dwell, House & Garden and others), partly because it uses native plants in inventive, sustainable ways. Ms. Cochran also is chair of the San Francisco Arts Commission's Civic Design Committee.

The 10-member jury selected La Dallman Architects of Milwaukee as the second-place winner and landscape architect Paula Meijerink of Boston as the third-place winner. They were among six finalists whittled from a field of 25.

The Power of Youth

What If Teens Designed Cities” is a great article show how important and successful youth are in building communities. I loved the process of analyzing, researching, visualizing, experiencing, and communicating their ideas of their community.

“Rather than take their “input” and make a "professional" plan FOR them, my role was to facilitate their own personal and collective visualization…to help them generate their own uniquely contextualized urban plan, from within themselves, working as a creative team.”

That is the formula to get youth involved and motivated. Do not make a plan for them rather guide them with your own experience and resources to help make their ideas a reality. It’s been said many times before, what good is a list of ideas without any action to accomplish them? What do youth get out of that list after they give it to someone? It’s not just the final outcome that is important but the process and knowledge needed to make ideas a reality.

Cultural Creativeness

Am I culturally creative? I would say yes with a little hesitation. After taking the “Cultural Creative” quiz it assured me I was. According to that quiz there are 44 million people in the U.S. like me who qualify as being culturally creative. With a population around 300 million people how big an impact can 44 million have? I would say that it can have a significant impact. The biggest impact it can have is influencing others to show their creative side. That is a huge concern of mine, people who do not know how to express their creativity or who are ashamed to. Some blindly follow ideas that were beaten into their brain rather than created by it. Put yourself in any person’s shoes for a day and experience their life. It will show that everyone has a creative side and could help bring out your own.

Discusssion from Today

Collaboration Can Break Down

What Happens When Collaboration Dies
Lay low and bounce back
Or
Cut and run
Or
Unite and upgrade
-shared motives
-different approaches=a different cognitive map, make it clear up front
-integrate your shadow side(your flaws can be heroic)

Projects should:
Functional
Attractive
What does it mean/stand for (The Virtual Presence)

How to research:
The Books
Observation
Conversation
Participation
Survey

Situational dimension:
Stand out or blend in (each will shine in their own way)

*Gangs are above the Green Plan in San Jose for 2008
*Any project should be deep greening rather than drive by greening