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A Case for Open Space: Transforming Detroit's Vacant Land
The DFC Implementation Office's fourth DFC Ideas for Innovation event, A Case for Open Space is tonight at 6 p.m. at Gleaner's Community Food Bank. This event will address how open space can be utilized to improve quality of life in addition to how Detroit's vacant land liability can be transformed into a multifunctional open space network. Speakers include: Jackie Bejma, Executive Director, Land Inc.; Todd Scott, Executive Director, Detroit Greenways Coalition; Kathryn Underwood, City Planner, City of Detroit Legislative Policy Division; Guy Williams, President & CEO, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice.
At tonight's event, participants will also have the opportunity to tour the Earthworks Farm and the Beaufait Belt Line Greenway, two projects that are contributing to Detroit's growing open space network.
Earthworks Urban Farm
Earthworks Urban Farm is a program of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The garden was created to connect people to each other, the land and their food. Shane Bernardo will give a tour of the certified organic farm, which is located on 2.5 acres of land and consist of approximately seven gardens spread over 20 city lots spread within a two block radius of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. It includes an apiary, a greenhouse for transplant production, a hoop house for year round production, a community orchard, and lots of community plots. Produce from the farm is distributed at volunteer days, in meals cooked at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, and through a seasonal farm stand.
Beaufait Belt Line Greenway
The Beaufait Belt Line Greenway is a vision for a former rail spur line east of Mt. Elliott that connects under Jefferson Avenue to the riverfront. This tour will be an opportunity to walk part of the future greenway and discuss the project with representatives of the eastside greenways network, including Todd Scott of the Detroit Greenways Coalition and Libby Levy of Detroit Eastside Community Collaborative.
Last minute registration is available here. Also, stay tuned for the next Ideas for Innovation events this fall.
Introducing A Little about Lots
A Little about Lots is a tool to help Detroiters understand the value and opportunity of vacant land in their community. The pamphlet defines green infrastructure, and how it can be used to transform vacant land into spaces that make Detroit healthier in many ways, from providing cleaner air and water to job opportunities.
A Little about Lots is also laying the ground work for the Detroit Future City Field Guide to Working with Lots, a tool available later this summer, online and in print, that will provide Detroiters with accessible and actionable step-by-step instructions to help transform lots.
Learn more and download A Little about Lots here.
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DFC Begins Search for New Executive Director
DFC announced, today, the launch of its search for a new executive director, a major step in its process of transitioning to an independent, non-profit organization.
To apply for DFC’s executive director position, a resume and letter of interest should be submitted electronically to ED.DFC@thehawkinscompany.com. First consideration will be given to applications received by September 10, 2015.
Learn more here.
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Ideas for Innovation Publications
Each Ideas for Innovation results in a publication that outlines information, insights, and tips to creating an action plan on topics covered at the events.
Click here for The Making of a Great City publication.
Click here for the Opportunities for Innovation publication.
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