This is some of the information related to one of the groups formed during the 2007 Urban Permaculture Design Course. Some information here might be useful for future reference.
If you want to download image files with higher resolution to see in your computer click here: http://urbansoil.net/laev/ecoWiki/largefiles/chocolateFunImages.zip (zip file, about 2 Mb)
BIMINI STREET RESTORATION
South End Site Analysis:
Sun on south end of street only. South side of Mayfield and Bresee school most sunlight.
All water runoff from Bimini and 2nd street ends at Breesee slough.
Apartments create lots of shade.
Deep depression at end of street.
Mixed use industrial to residential
Formerly site of old spring.
Churches
Auto repair.
Small grove of trees
Major heat island in industrial/religious area.
BIMINI STREET RESTORATION
1. Water is directed from center of street to side planters. It is then filtered by gravel at bottom of planters and runs by gravity into pond at side of planter in walkway. Overflow from pond waters trees and ends up back in the slough. Kiosk planters covered with plants.
2. The street is completely blocked off to car traffic. Emergency vehicles can have access when poles are removed from center of street. 36” gravel tracks are in place for e vehicles to drive on. A cul de sac is left at the end of 2nd street for student drop off to Breesee school and car turn around.
3. To facilitate the removal of cars from the street a Mechanical parking structure is erected on 2nd street in front of the Mayfield bldg. This parking structure will feature a two story walkway to facilitate pedestrians from the apt. bldgs. to Vermont. The walkway will have an aquarium on the first floor that separates peds from parking structure. Top floor will be water plants. The entire parking structure will have a green walkway over it that goes to a vista point on the top of the Mayfield. Water is pumped by windspinner on top of Mayfield to the top of walkway rail planters. Water then runs down and back to slough. All pumped water comes from cistern
4. In the Breesee Park the first feature in from the street will be a waterwheel. Connected to the waterwheel will be a switch gear with outputs for Lathe, Spinning wheel, Potters wheel and grinder.
5. A Merry go round and see saw with pump attached allows children to see water put to work. Their play pumps water to the top of the stream and spins the wheel.
6. The end of the slough will be a water treatment marsh that filters water before it gets to the Cistern under the cul de sac. Grapevines will grow along the South fence, Fruit trees will run down the center line of the park and a grape arbor will shade the school and bring vines into sunlight behind trees. There is a water tank above the cistern for water pressure.
7. A wind spinner on the roof of Breesee school pumps water from the cistern to the roof Carport garden above the Church parking lot. This area is devoted to food production. Ideally parking lot and church would be forest but need for sunlight and food production makes this necessary. Carport garden has 36” raised beds that create garden path and sitting areas.
8. Church building can be removed for hot spring pool. Carport will become shaded areas for spring users. Carport planter extends 14’ into street.
9. Church parking will get access from Adobe street.
10. Both auto shops will be closed. East auto shop will become bike space. Center auto shop will become dance art recording broadcast studio.
11. Area from white house place to church will be food forest. Small pathways will connect residents to spring and forest while maintaining privacy.
12. Area from alley to Apts. Will be recycling area under a weight lifting area next to a skate ramp.
13. There will be a water mister in the street in front of this area to provide cool air in the summer.
14. All buildings have solar panels for water heating and power generation. We do not want to re enforce roofs of historic buildings for food production.
15. Trees will be planted in front of apartments.Apt greenspace frontage will be extended 14’ into street. Greywater will be treated in front of apartments with marsh runoff to elevated garden. All black water will be run to methane digesters at bottom of street. Gas will be used to power generators to store power for festivals and power pumps.
16. A temporary stage can be erected for concerts at the Cul de sac at Bimini and 2nd st. The top of the Mayfield and the carport planter provide vantage points for stage audience.
17. An archway bridge high enough to let emergency vehicles down the street links Apts to church carport roof garden.
18. All building materials recycled. Does anyone know where we can get an old ship or building for the steel?
19. Kreig will elaborate on the transportation and entertainment aspects Jen has something special she’s going to tell you.
BIMINI STREET RESTORATON
South End Plant Analysis.
EXISTING VEGITATION:
Sparse in most areas. Lawns in front of Apt. buildings. Bresee school sad attempt at native plants.
No plants will be removed if possible.
ADDED VEGITATION:
Plants are divided into two categories:
1. Edible
2. Filtering
In a desire to increase food production all plants will be edible except those used for water treatment. Edible plants are further divided between tall and short depending on relation to sunlight. Annuals and perennials o.k. Edibles will be chosen by neighborhood garden council.
TREES:
We would like to add trees behind white house place and connect to existing grove of
Eucalyptus on east side.
Trees will be added to front of rehab center apt. buildings.
Trees will also be added to street scene.
GRAPEVINES:
Grape vines and other fruiting vines will grow on all railings.
GROWING BEDS:
Growing areas will consist of 36” high growing beds with pathways and sitting areas dispersed throughout.