We have read a lot about green and sustainable infrastructure. In many of our conversations, we were faced with the concern of whether or not these ideas are applicable to our dense city. Gittleman’s article is very important in this sense because it provides us with the agency of doing it without having to replace the buildings we already have. Her study estimates the stormwater retention we would have if we flipped vacant lots into community gardens. Aside from the amazing estimate she provides, she also provides a good way of doing it. Vacant lots are lots that aren’t being used and are not yet claimed spaces. This is means that it wouldn’t be an inconvenience to anyone in the community to just put nature in the lot. Furthermore, she briefly discusses the benefits community gardens and nature can have on humans and a community ,which we have also discussed extensively.
Gittleman’s estimate of stormwater retention surpassed 100 million gallons which I think is absolutely incredible. I thought it was even more incredible to think of when I knew the number isn’t far fetched for a project like this one. Also, she mentioned the amount stormwater runoff we currently have caps our around 15 million gallons, which would mean the green spaces would be more than enough to help our overflowing problem.
I think this is a wonderful way to help our water management systems and increase the amount of greenery in our city with little hassle. This was a brilliant way to approach this dilemma and should very much be funded. It can increase the value of communities as well as the social structure around it, which is something worthwhile.
