Many communities fear “green gentrification” while seeking to balance affordability and economic stability with equitable community development. This panel will highlight the importance of advocating for inclusive solutions that value green spaces for health and wellness, and leverage investments to expand economic opportunities through equitable developments that address the housing and public health crisis.
Case studies include two affordable housing developments–one in Brooklyn, where Hope Gardens presents the opportunity for residents and community to impact 20+ acres of much-needed green space–and another in Philadelphia, where the 22-acre Bartram Village comprises about 500 public housing units scattered across 41 severely distressed buildings that have become increasingly isolated from the surrounding neighborhood. Attendees will learn strategies to capture economic value, prevent or mitigate displacement, and build community stewardship of the natural environment and social resiliency.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Recognize the priorities of residents in low-income neighborhoods in planning open spaces as a part of a larger neighborhood transformation to support health and wellness
- Learn about inclusive design and planning methods that both engage and educate about the importance of open space for health and wellness
- Gain a better understanding of ecological health and the role public open spaces play in contributing to overall community wellness and resiliency
