The Mt. Joy Orchard in Portland is so cool. A tale, in two Instagram posts, on how community-minded organizations might consider responding to neighborhood density, development and food access in urban communities.
#1) The orchard team, in an honest and authentic push to protect this really special and unique community asset, mobilizes community members to push back against a zoning variance in support of a new high-rise apartment complex right across the street.
https://lnkd.in/eyjCxrhd
#2) They dig in. A community member conducts a shadow/lighting study. It's not actually that bad, at least in terms of blocking out the sun from this shared growing space. The team responds quickly, thoroughly, and with nuance - pointing out that bird-safe glass should be used to protect the haven of biodiversity and that affordability provisions are an essential piece of community livelihood and viability. Commenters and volunteers weigh in to a thoughtful discussion in the comments. https://lnkd.in/e_WQ4_z7
Weighing multiple needs against the status quo? Upholding community health and integrity as we decide what our city looks like next? A reflective and productive conversation in the Instagram comments? Who would've thought.
Executive Director at The Life After Prison Inc
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