Once
upon a time people called “green space” according to its useful
purpose: pasture. And, once upon a time, that’s what East Liberty was …
a broad, lovely green space east of Pittsburgh where people could graze
their livestock … at liberty.
A return to animal husbandry is
unlikely, but East Liberty Development, Inc., suggests that this
thoroughly urbanized neighborhood can be more ecological.
One
of ELDI’s primary functions has been to redevelop housing in the
neighborhood; another has been to rehabilitate and coordinate East
Liberty’s parks and recreation assets. ELDI associate project
coordinator Eric Jester is working to bring the two roles together.
For
instance, Jester says, nonprofits like ELDI are sometimes criticized
for using public subsidy for their projects. But rather than looking
for ways to build cheaply – as they’re often pressured to do – another
way to stretch a dollar is to “buy more with it, or make it last
longer,” by building higher-quality houses whose higher costs will be
recouped in energy efficiency and durability.
The Heinz
Endowments and the state Department of Natural Resources buy the
argument – to the tune of a $100,000 grant, which will pay two
consultants to develop a multi-faceted “green” plan for the
neighborhood. One contract will develop a prototype for an inexpensive,
more ecologically sound home design; another will analyze the
neighborhood’s natural recreation amenities and how to improve them. A
request-for-proposals will be released soon.
Jester believes
there’s popular support in East Liberty for this sort of talk: “When
[outdoor outfitter] REI came within a hair’s breath of coming in, and
we lost ’em to South Side Works, there was a real outpouring in the
community, saying ‘we need that!’”
Jester and Nathan Wildfire, also of ELDI, will present a lecture at noon, March 23, at the Schenley Park Vistitor Center.
Source: Eric Jester, East Liberty Development, Inc.
www.eastliberty.org