We are innovating a concept to assist in blighted areas in Kansas City through neighborhood collaboration with those who are hoping to see a radical change in how we live - more local sustainable food & business, more community (crossing the east-west Troost dividing line)and more expressive arts. We are calling and gathering together artists (really we are all artists), friends of artists, green-environmental enthusiasts, local business & food providers, community activists-organizers and current neighbors an opportunity to rethink urban living and community. Most of those who have already joined, including those living in the areas, are wanting to love all abandoned homes back to life with families and individuals wanting to create something beautiful out of decaying homes and lots. We are working on strategies of how that will happen. We originally had a goal of rehabbing 52 houses in 52 weeks. There is enough interest, resources and energy to do a lot more in a lot bigger area.
We will be accessing Weatherization Programs through Federal Stimulus Money and KCP&L/MGE Home Performance With Energy Star that is free to all residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
There is hope of more community gardens, CSA's, sculptures, lots of plants, flowers, bushes and trees, a community art center in a repurposed commercial building with artist studios, artists in residence, classrooms, meeting spaces, dance and performance space, small cafe, a small sustainable product manufacturing company to create jobs, ongoing competitions for the children and youth to create sustainable products, experiments and ideas. These are current hopes and dreams but we will be collaborating with those who have already put in place strategies, action plans, their own dreams and hopes of what these neighborhoods can be. It is a work in progress.
It’s raised bed garden season here in Brooklyn, and I’m digging this raised bed garden made from a recycled door that Erika (who also designed this popular picture frame family tree) shared on Poppytalk. It’s the perfect project for an early spring weekend!
Cool idea. Tutorial included.
These are the commercial buildings we are currently going after for sustainable businesses, schools, art studios, performance space, local food restaurants, pub, coffee house, healing center etc…On Troost & Paseo: 35th-40th,
4240 Virginia Bungalow For Sale $9,900: Foreclosure.
For more information: http://portal.heartlandmls.com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?k=142046X6129&p=DE-5792979-740
1315 E. 40th Bungalow For Sale $13,000: 3 Bed, 1 Bath.
I appreciate your concern, but we are a grassroots organization and have only been in existence for 3 months. We don’t pay anybody to do anything, it is a cooperative effort which is what we want to continue to do, so we are building community and an alternative economy and exchange of services and goods. With that in mind, you are welcome to edit this piece and send to us as an offering to be part of our community. Franny
June 13, 2011 Update on Emerald City’s Description.
Residents who own their home and are 1 of these 3: 62 or older, veteran, disabled, can get their house painted, and minor repairs done in July. Must fill out application.
Visual we are presenting to Green Impact Zone 4-8-11.
I can’t come tonight but I want to be involved. Please email me future info at sarabkm@gmail.com
Hello,
I am writing on behalf of myself, Robin Woolner and my partner Ariel Cooper. We are owner/bakers at Loaves of grass, an old-world bakery in our second year of production. We are interested in relocating our business to emerald City. We are dedicated to pan-symbiosis, the celebration of microbes and the breaking of bread.
The aspects of this project that excites us most is the potential for collaboration and community building- the potential to learn and co-create with a larger group of individuals dedicated to redefining place. We are also excited about finding accommodation that would allow us to expand our business and create employment opportunities for interested parties.
Other skills that we would be bringing to emerald city is a vast knowledge of horticulture. Both of us have experience on a variety of farm and garden systems including biodynamic and co-creative farms and gardens.
We both also have bio remediation experience gained during post Katrina, New Orleans. We see bio remediation as key to refurbishing housing and soil in a healthy and sustainable manor. I would consider, if there was enough interest and resources, spearheading bio remediation team at emerald city, which could also become a community-based business.
Loaves of Grass has already made partnerships with Art Farm. We taught a one day intensive course on Sourdough Bread, which covered detailed baking instructions, the rise and fall of Rome and its relationship to bread and the science of bread (and the difference between whole grain sourdough and comercial yeasted, white flour bread)… There is continued talk of a fallow-up class as well as incorporating a wood fire oven into the Art-Farm garden.
In order to be a part of Emerald City we would need support in purchasing refurbishing a space into a bakery/ co-op.
