Building the Perfect CommunityBPC

The Clean Rivers Lake ConferenceMilwaukee, Wisconsin

2012

In 2000, residents formed a community development corporation to advance economically diverse and healthy neighborhoods

Promote healthy

choices Build healthy

environments Restore

quality housingFoster living

economies

Walnut Way

engages neighbors

to Live well

Target area: 110 block area

Major commercial corridors: North Ave/Fond du LacI-43-20th Street

Approximately 2,700 households

Over 10,000 individuals

Neighbors Without Boundaries

Historical Roots“I knew the Lord had not

forsaken me” Harriet Dorsey, age 106

Oral Narrative Interview

Mrs. Dorsey lived in the only remaining house on the 1500 block of Lloyd Street.

Her house has new siding and windows. She has two new neighbors.

Caring Neighbors Make Good Communities

Water Management

Approach the issue of excess runoff as an opportunity to lessen the need for potable city water for non-potable purposes like irrigation and flushing toilets

3 Bio-filtration swales3Rain gardens-Constructed wetlands -Green roofs -Greywater system

WALNUT WAY CONSERVATION CORPS STORMWATER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES PARTNERSHIP

2005-2006 FINAL REPORT

Residential Action in Neighborhoods [RAIN]-Minimizing Stormwater

Gardens to MarketGardens to Market is here to help teens with their future and give experiences that will help them for a life time. It approaches health at a physical, mental, social, and spiritual level. It teaches vocational education in intensive food production, improved nutritional health, social support, training and professional development. G2M is committed to the philosophy of positive experiences, and guides teens to be successful as they move forward.

Food EconomyGrow and join with familiar farmers and food producers to expand access to quality food

It’s hard work, but its worth it.-Gabrielle

WALNUT WAY CONSERVATION

CORP.

Peace Is Apparent

Create communities of choice and connection: neighborhoods that are good places for families to live, learn, work, and play

Lindsay Heights Quality of Life Plan/ZNI 2009

Comprehensive. Collaborative. Sustainable.

Quality of Life Strategies Academic Achievement Youth and Families Lifelong Learning Housing Commercial Corridors Public Safety Health and Wellness Healthy Food

A Community in Transformation

Key features in 1997 Rated 3rd in Nation growing

in poverty

Undervalued housing

Lack of civic and capital investments

Invisible history

Overwhelming crime

Key features in 2012 Household wealth and living

wages top priorities 165 new homes/221 rehabs

Housing values increase $100,000-$200,000plus

$26M in private investmentMMSD contracts for rain water

management 38 rain gardens installed

Public and private production gardens

Documented oral narratives Over 100 active households Convener for Quality of Life

Plan.

First in the Spirit

.

Reframing

Public Health Issue Zoning: “to protect public health and safety”

Social Justice Issue Mobilized community

Wellness CommonsA gathering place to catalyze neighbor wellness and economic prosperity,

and house organizations and businesses that provide integrated health services.

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Water stewardship

  Urban Agriculture and Environmental

Stewardship are at the foundation of our holistic approach to community revitalization.

For the Orchards: establish sustainable rainwater harvesting systems to irrigate orchards.  Irrigation systems will be solar powered.

For the Commons: Greywater system to reduce water usage.

For our childrenProvide neighborhood based learning…Water awareness..in spirit Water experiencesWater stewardship as a way of life……

Join US to BPC

Walnut Way Conservation Corp

www.walnutway.org http://iwc4change.org/414.264-2326