I borrowed the phrase for my title from an environmental equality visionary named Majora Carter. Although I was not in class last Tuesday, reading through my fellow students reviews on the New York Restoration Project exhibit and the discussion from guest speaker Constance Haydock, I felt that if the exhibit and the speaker’s missions were to be meshed together, the product would be the Majora Carter Group. There was a strong parallel between the mission of providing sustainable and aesthetically appealing outdoor spaces in neighborhoods that are otherwise neglected. As we can see in the photographs attached in this post, the broken down boathouse structure does not provide a very positive vibe. Why should low income neighborhoods be burdened with dilapidated structures, waste facilities, and power plants? They should be given the same environmental equality.

As another student already mentioned, when your city makes an effort to beautify your community, it can have an immeasurable impact on the way that community perceives themselves. They feel like someone cares. Majora Carter spearheaded a similar project in the South Bronx, starting with the Hunts Point Riverside Park and leading to an entire greenway along the South Bronx Waterfront. Through projects such as  Sherman Creek Park and Hunts Point Riverside Park, we can bring about urban renewal, strengthen communities, as well as make an eco-friendly impact in the great city of New York.

PS > click for TED Talk by Majora Carter
(So sad I missed this class!)