Transforming Suberbia… into Superbia!
Are we stuck with unsustainable, suburban neighborhoods? What will be the future of all those Mc Mansions? How can we feel like we are a part of something meaningful when we look out on the sterile, bird less environmental disaster of most Kansas Cities Suburbs? We wonder about the rising cost of that commute to the ‘veal fattening pen’ that is the corporate workers cubical. Free your spirit let it soar. Un fetter your wings and rise to that bright future you know in your heart we must bring to be. Transform your suburban neighborhood. Its time to unplug the TV, get out of your chair and talk to your neighbors.
Here are 31 steps from the authors of Superbia, Dave Wann and Dan Chiras. Some are easy and some are challenging. Start with one step when completed go to the next step. Share ideas with family, friends and neighbors.
Easy Steps
1. Sponsor community dinners.
2. Establish a community newsletter, bulletin board, and community roster.
3. Establish a neighborhood watch program.
4. Start neighborhood investment clubs, community sports activities and restoration projects.
5. Form weekly discussion groups.
6. Establish neighborhood baby-sitting coop.
7. Form an organic food co-op.
8. Create car or van pools for commuting to and from work.
9. Create a neighborhood work-share program.
10. Create a mission statement.
11. Create an asset inventory.
Bolder Steps
12. Tear down fences: opening back yards to create communal play space and a space for neighbors to mingle and a community garden.
13. Plant a community garden and orchard.
14. Establish a neighborhood composting and recycling facility.
15. Plant shade trees and windbreaks to create a more favorable microclimate.
16. Replace asphalt and concrete with porous pavers and greenery.
17. Establish a more edible landscape—incrementally remove grass in front lawns and replace with vegetables and fruit trees.
18. Start a community-supported agriculture program in which neighbors “subscribe” to local organic farm’s produce.
19. Create a car-share program–purchasing a van or truck for rent to community members.
20. Begin community-wide retrofitting of homes and yards for energy and water efficiency.
21. Solarize your homes.
Boldest Steps
22. Create a community energy system.
23. Establish alternative water and wastewater systems.
24. Establish a more environmentally friendly transportation strategy.
25. Create a common house.
26. Create a community-shared office.
27. Establish weekly entertainment for the community.
28. Narrow or eliminate streets, converting more space to park and edible landscape, walkways and picnic areas.
29. Retrofit garages and rooms in your homes into apartments or add granny flats to house students or others in need of housing.
30. Establish a mixed-use neighborhood by opening a coffee shop, convenience store, and garden market.
31. Promote a more diverse neighborhood.
And of course number 32 is
Grow Food Not Lawns!
http://www.terrain.org/articles/13/superbia.htm
Steve