Wednesday, April 18, 2012

PUSH unveils Green Zone development plan

 Four years ago, People United for Sustainable Housing created the Green Development Zone, located along the Massachusetts Avenue corridor. After achieving much success and attaining international recognition, the zone is ready to blossom.
 As PUSH gets set to unveil its community development plan on April 18 at the Butler Mitchell Boys & Girls Club, 270 Massachusetts Ave., West Side residents will get a glimpse of what’s in store for the neighborhood.
 “The zone is always changing and expanding,” said Britney McClain, development director for PUSH. “Come spring, it’s really going to be something to see.”
 PUSH will work to redevelop more than 50 parcels of land the organization owns within the zone, comprised mainly of vacant buildings and empty lots, said McClain.
 “Another interesting project is our community rain garden,” McClain said. “It’s a really great trend within the green infrastructure.”
 More than 20 vacant lots have already been converted into rain gardens, pollinator lots and community gardens in the zone as PUSH continues to purchase vacant houses and lots to develop affordable green housing.
 “There’s always a good opportunity for people to come down and take the tour and see what we’re all about,” McClain said. By Jacob Becker and Edward Mazzu