Status Report - 10–24-2007

After a very successful presentation, organizers in dialogue with DOT officials. Report that one neighborhood is proceeding…

Numerous permanent projects including very creative public place interventions. http://eastbay.cityrepair.org/

Neighbors to Install Eugene’s First Intersection Repair Project

Neighbors in the 22nd and Garfield area of Eugene will be painting a street mural on Sunday, August 26th, 2007 beginning at 9 a.m. A neighborhood block party including entertainment, food, and children’s activities will also be part of the festivities. The intersection at 22nd and Garfield will be barricaded for the event.

The project is Eugene’s first intersection repair project and credits The City Repair Project of Portland for its key role as a model and inspiration. The City Repair Project describes Intersection Repair as the citizen-led conversion of an urban street intersection into a public square. Neighbors gain a sense of place built by participation and cooperation.

The first phase of the Intersection Repair Project at 22nd and Garfield began in 2003 and culminated in a pocket park at the intersection which includes a whimsical spiral patio, wood and stone benches, a bulletin board kiosk, and landscaping. It was planned and installed by neighbors interested in nourishing community and providing a beautiful and interactive landmark in the neighborhood. Funding for this phase included donation of materials and labor by neighbors as well as business contributions and a grant from Eugene Neighbors Inc.

The mural project, the second phase of the Intersection Repair Project, started in the fall of 2005 when neighbors began the design process. A professional artist was brought on board and an initial design was submitted to Eugene Traffic Operations. Subsequent revision followed with neighbors voting on the final design that was submitted to Traffic Operations. Funding sources include $1500 awarded by the Eugene Neighborhood Matching Grants program and $600 from a Lane Arts Council grant. A neighborhood yard sale raised $740. Local businesses are donating food for the event and neighbors have contributed numerous hours of volunteer labor to make the project a success.

Interested public is invited to stop by the site during the event. Please call 334-5046 or 342-5500 for more information.

Several presentations and two workshops by CR Portland, including with past & present mayors and city council. Reports of projects moving ahead…?

One intersection Conversion complete, one traffic island conversion to a permanent permaculture design installation underway. This group is helping guide the transformation of the Burning Man Festival into a more ecological, temporary village. Camille Cimino: 213-804-4792.

There is activity in a few different areas of Minneapolis, ST Paul and Duluth. Check out this website to find out more!

http://www.paintthepavement.org/

Video link to St. Paul project

St. Paul news article

Two Intersection Repair’s, converting neighborhood streets into public gathering places. They have hosted two or more presentations by CR Portland.

Kathleen Byrd

Highly organized, numerous permanent and ephemeral projects, including an Intersection Repair.

OTTAWA SOCIAL FORUM

Over 250 people participated in the OTTAWA SOCIAL FORUM at Dominion-Chalmers United Church, October 18 and 20, 2007. The Forum started on Thursday, October 18 with a talk by Chris Turner, author of the Geography of Hope. He spoke about some examples of projects encouraging sustainable development around the world.

On Saturday, October 20, the Forum continued with 21 workshops on the environment, democracy, arts and culture, anti-poverty, housing and village-building. During the afternoon, we learned about the Hintonburg Neighbourhood Planning Initiative. In the discussion groups, people talked about the Ottawa 20/20 plan, and establishing a citizens agenda for our city. The Forum closed with an inspiring performance by the choir Just Voices.

See http://www.cityrepair.ca

See West Marin Commons

Following a presentation in autumn 2005, the society of muarlistas connected with Chicano Park is saying that hey intend to “reclaim” several consecutive intersections…

A major initiative involving the City of Santa Rosa, led by noted author and ecological design leader Joseph Kennedy.

Highly organized with six permanent projects completed, several ephemeral projects underway. Much ecological design and construction.

10k grant from City of Seattle awarded to support org. development and a test project. Several public presentations by CR Portland and a direct action placemaking event. http://www.cityrepair.info

Ephemeral projects and place-oriented celebrations reported, including dialogues with city officials.

Not-Confirmed Activity Post CR Portland Presentations/Workshops

A week long tour of 12 presentations and workshops by CR Portland. The Metcalf Foundation is in discussions with coordinator Pamela Robinson, potential funding support to develop a CR Toronto.

Public Dialogues following CR Portland Presentation in NY.

received presentations last year and some reports have come in regarding projects in states like Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. Michigan may have lots of activity following a successful keynote for the annual conference of arts administrators there.