Greening the South Bronx
By Krissy Lewis
A non-profit organization that transforms rundown neighborhoods into healthy green spaces has proposed a plan to enhance and connect Port Morris and Mott Haven to Randall’s Island. The New York Restoration Project’s “Haven Project” will begin in the Spring 2015.
“From the positive changes my staff and I have witnessed over the years, we know that our green spaces improve neighborhoods,” said project leader Deborah Marton. “But those changes have not been quantified. The Haven Project sets out to demonstrate measurable health and social improvements resulting from a neighborhood-scale renovation.”
Marton said she is working with environmental health experts to determine how trees, bike lanes, and park enhancements improve the lives of local residents.
The NYRP, founded by Bette Milder, owns and manages 52 community gardens within the city and 13 gardens in the Bronx. Now the organization will not only connect the two cities, but rejuvenate the areas as well.
In a meeting on February 5, the NYRP presented five possible routes to the communities of Port Morris and Mott Haven.
City officials and community members had a chance to rank each route based on its walking and cycling practicality, safety, convenience, and desirability.
Alternative E seemed to be the most popular and safest route to the attendees, followed by Alternative D and A. “Working on properties owned by NYRP as well as on city-owned land under multiple jurisdictions, we have pioneered a powerful new land-based approach to building stronger communities, said Marton. “Our integrated process includes community engagement, design and construction, maintenance and operations, education, and public programming. No other organization works as a citywide conservancy like we do.”
Attendees also had the chance to sketch out any ideas that they had on how they’d like tunnels and paths to look. “I think it’s beautiful and very necessary,” said Ray Mendez, a South Bronx Resident. “I think it’s great that the New York Restoration Project and folks like Mychal Johnson care about the people and the future of the community.”
The New York Restoration Project aims to incorporate community engagement and volunteer opportunities into all of their projects. During the renovation of gardens, the process usually consists of multiple meetings with the community to get feedback. Once the design is ready, a contractor works on the garden space. After the renovation is complete, the gardeners are free to use the improved space.
Some of the NYRP’s most active gardens are in the borough. The Puerto Rican community holds an annual pig roast after the Puerto Rican Day Parade in the Willis Avenue Community Garden, where Bronxites hold quinceañeras. The garden also features a cooking area and a mural that commemorates community activist Joe Perez.
NYRP has about 30 staff members and also works with outside services like AmeriCorps to maintain these gardens and parks year round. “Our Bronx staff, for example, are very well-acquainted with the users of our gardens and the communities as a whole,” said Marton. These staff do more than just maintain. They help resolve conflicts, provide training in horticulture and landscape management, connect community members, and make our gardens feel welcoming.”