The River Flows South (Just Like Downtown Progress)

Got up this chilly morning and went downtown for the Greater Dayton Downtown Area Plan Update.

I believe in downtown. I believe the city and region need a dynamic center if the Miami Valley is going to succeed and prosper again.

But, seriously, wake me up a year from now. After the interstate, bridge and other infrastructure projects are completed or near completion.

I’ve attended three townhall meetings and two Urban Nights this year and have seen these same conceptual drawings.

I get it. We’re sitting atop a huge water source; need to attract young professionals; green buildings and sustainability; renovate historic buildings; bike-ability; walkability; and all the other abilities that will make downtown (and I’m getting tired of the over use of this word) vibrant.

All hail the urban playground that will come!!! May its many amenities be sufficiently pleasing for members of the beloved creative class to migrate here and deliver us all unto greater prosperity! Amen.

But you have to build it first. Everyone is anticipating great things, but this seems so premature, like looking at blueprints and already planning the menu for the first house party.

I would’ve been okay with this as a little progress update or a brief detour on my way to Second Street Market if this had focused solely on downtown. But when the attendees broke off into little discussion groups, I listened to a city planner go over a large map with a colored highlights marking areas of renovation and future interest. Fine. But what bothered me was how far south the city planners’ vision extended while highlights west and north of downtown were confined to just along the river.

True, building accessibility between the University of Dayton campus and downtown would be important. Yet all the south end neighborhoods in between were highlighted as well; and the city planner started using a marker to detail additional projects that were all slated for-you guessed it-south of downtown.

And as a north-of-downtown resident I felt excluded…again. For years I’ve been hearing about plans for improving downtown and the surrounding areas, but the greater percentage of them all seem concentrated south of 3rd Street. I would’ve felt better if the map included highlights of all the park land and bike paths stretching north along the river and all the way up to Triangle Park.

After all, green spaces are supposed to be an important part of the downtown vision and it does run along the river. Also, considering all the infrastructure projects west and north of downtown targeting improved traffic flow, I was looking for an indication what positive impact this might have on major streets such as Salem Avenue, North Main Street and Riverside Drive; and how far north might it spread.

So I voiced my lack of enthusiasm. Then I went back and forth with the city planner who kept insisting there were plans for northside neighborhoods like Five Oaks and Santa Clara on another map. And then he tried throwing the argument back on me by asking what have I done to improve my neighborhood.

I’m already aware that a great percentage of the scheduled vacant property demolition slated in northside neighborhoods hasn’t started yet. Nor do I expect revitalization to spread uniformly in all directions. But after our discussion, my impression is that the city planners haven’t put much thought into North Main Street beyond the interstate project.

Perhaps the northside is seen as a little too ghetto to be included in the yuppified playground of a new downtown and will remain a casualty of a shrinking population until companies locate here and new residents look for cheap real estate.

I had a little better time at the table discussing downtown’s green future and efficiency projects. My suggestion that landscaping from many of these soon-to- be demolished properties be salvaged and reused in the dozens of proposed parks and public gardens gained a favorable response. (Well, except for this one woman who followed me from the other table and didn’t seem pleased with how I had spoken to the city planner.) There are many fully grown boxwood, barberry and other bushes and shrubs that would each cost well over fifty dollars apiece at a garden center. Why let all those healthy plants get crushed and ground up by bulldozers?  The same equipment that tears through brick walls and beams could easily scoop out a large bush or shrub and set it aside for transplanting elsewhere.

But I’m tired of talking. Just build it already. Then we’ll talk.

The Caterpillar that Ate Dayton!

I took this picture while walking around the demolition site of 4 Riverplace.  

Surrounded by piles of debris, the awning sort of looks like a giant caterpillar from an old Japanese monster movie.

The Caterpillar that Ate Dayton!  I would so see that movie.

Gardens are Structures Too

I went to Urban Nights and finally got to see the inside of the Arcade–the big fish of all Miami Valley historic preservation efforts.  It also turned out to be the last night the public would be allowed to see the interior before the entire structure undergoes a massive two/three year restoration.  After listening to the two men who purchased the building and will be supervising the project, I’m anxious to see the finished product.

I wish my camera hadn’t run out of memory because from there I walked through a few more older buildings, discovering hidden surprises along the way, such as a secluded terrace nestled among the skyscrapers and a turn of the century church sanctuary.  

But then I walked over to Garden Station to see what kind of progress had been made since I donated plants and bricks months ago.  And, frankly, I was upset.

Upset because, as an urban gardener, I believe green space is essential for downtown’s success as a working, social and living environment; and this two-acre lot’s landscaping potential remains so underutilized.  For all the murals on the northern wall and an impressive red arch and flower beds in front, that’s just the periphery.  Absent are any paths, bushes, or real hardscape that defines or provides structure for the area within.  There are a few cement block raised vegetable beds in one area; a tiny cement block water feature over in another; and an enormous fire pit close by along with a few random accent pieces; but nothing tying it all together.

On a bulletin board I saw a drawing of a space full of greenery and thought it was a rendering of what was envisioned for the lot.  Then someone pointed out that this was another proposed mural.  Geez.

The green oasis being created here isn’t a garden and never will be, sad to say.  Maybe an art park at best.  Heck, call it a playground for the creative arts; but don’t call it a garden.   Community gardens are structures just like office buildings and churches.  They aren’t constructed with good intentions alone.

And in a city where there are 1,500 structures set to be demolished during the next eighteen months, there should be a wealth of salvageable brick, wood, rock and metal for an artist collective to create some impressive landscaping.  It’s there for the taking.  However, the people involved with this space seem more inclined to pick up a paintbrush than a shovel or trowel.

While that might sound harsh, back near Courthouse Square, I looked at the display of concept drawings and plans for the redevelopment of areas around downtown and the University of Dayton.  I overheard people near me talking about possibilities, imagining their own participation and the community’s involvement.   Interesting what a little vision can do.

The Dayton AIA had also propped up a plywood cutout of the downtown cityscape on a table.  Beside that were little pieces of metal, tile, plastic and circuit board along with a glue gun and a cordless drill.  I’d seen this earlier before I toured the Arcade; and now, hours later, people had pieced together what was shaping up to be an interesting collage.  Some people just stuck a piece next to another piece.  Yet others glued pieces on top of other pieces and created patterns as well as objects like wind turbines.

And someone else had handed out chalk and encouraged people to draw on Main Street between 2nd and 3rd.  Four lanes of city street had been transformed into a sort of colored chalk quilt of various drawings, patterns and statements.

I’ve never been completely sold on the notion that a “creative class” is essential to boost Dayton’s appeal.  Everyone is creative to various degrees and different ways.  The issue is creativity for purpose of display or function.  After tonight, I’m inclined to believe that what the city needs is creative talent that emphasizes the latter and inspires surprising contributions of expression and involvement.  The result is the sense of community that will link Dayton’s preservation of its past with a vision for its future.

An Urban Night Should Be Longer Than Five Hours

I went to Urban Nights the other evening.  They should really just call it Urban Five Hours.  Businesses, lofts, galleries and creative venues all over downtown Dayton and across the river into Wright Dunbar opened their doors to the public.  There’s a film festival by Dayton-area filmmakers starting at the Neon; live music and entertainment at a half dozen outdoor performance stages; and international food and drink is at the Convention Center.   But somehow people are expected to cover all that territory and absorb all what downtown has to offer in just five hours.  Can’t they start making this a weekend event?  How about a Friday night and a Saturday afternoon?

Next time I’ll stick with the stages and a few galleries.  I covered as much ground as I could by foot again.  Waiting for the shuttles proved to be a waste of time.

Enjoyed seeing the entries in the Light Up Dayton photography contest.  I asked if there were plans for another contest next year.  I was told they didn’t know if they could do another photography contest; but I suggested they have another one with Urban Nights as the subject.   Heck, most everyone seemed to be walking around taking pictures of all the activity.

 In fact, someone should sponsor a contest for the best ten minute amateur video capturing as many sights and sounds of Urban Nights as possible.  Put them on a website and let people vote for the best ones.

There’s no shortage of interesting subject matter.  Not just the crowds and people having a good time.

There’s the entertainment.

 

Then there’s the galleries and art.

I walked to Garden Station and chatted with two nice ladies about donating plants and what’s being planned for this green space.  I even let them know where they could find some free brick paving material.

The plans for the entrance arch and wheelchair ramp are interesting; but right now this seems more like a yard or park than a garden.  Small flower beds and a few containers mark the entrance, but there’s more color coming from the painted murals decorating the north wall.  I don’t claim to be a landscaping expert, but artistic accent pieces alone don’t provide the necessary framework for a successful garden.  Bushes, shrubs, and trees will do that, as well as clearly defined paths.  Nothing really draws the eye down through the space to explore it. I commend the effort; but only time will tell what, if any, potential will be realized. 

By the time I left, the sun had set.  I wandered over to the Oregon District.  Bands were playing.  People danced on the sidewalks.  I squeezed through some art galleries and wished there was a little more elbow room, especially when a singer outside started this killer rendition of “Missionary Man”.  Something about that tune just made me want to stride through the rooms instead of having to inch my way from display to display at a stutter step pace. 

Checked out a yoga studio and a few shops.  My favorite stop though was Bonnett’s Book Store. First, because of all the plastic knickknacks lining the shelves.  Muppets meet cartoon characters meet comic book characters meet fast food restaurant mascots.  It’s a neat place for a game of I Spy.

But then I wondered why I found all the stuffed animals hanging from the ceiling so interesting. 

Then I realized they reminded me of parade balloons and  imagined what Urban Nights would be like with a few giant inflated cartoon characters floating through downtown.

Oh well, maybe next year.

Busy Saturday

I woke up early and attended the Capital Improvement Program town hall meeting at the Dayton Convention Center and listened to a panel of city department heads discuss the progress of existing infrastructure projects as well as future ones. Me and less than 30 other people. A noticeably different turnout compared to the 200 that turned out for the Vacant to Vibrant town hall two months ago. And the mayor sounded a little scold-y when suggesting that next month’s town hall could be better publicized.

True, but it could also be that this is the third straight month of public meetings addressing Dayton’s planned future. Last month there was that Creative Youth Summit. Or maybe asking Daytonians to crawl out of bed early on a Saturday morning isn’t going to draw a large audience now that the weather is warmer–no matter how many free knickknack pens and water bottles you set out on tables to lure them.

Actually, I found this a very positive, informative meeting. Thanks to federal stimulus money even more projects are on the table. The good news is that Dayton will be undergoing some very visible improvements, especially around downtown. Rebuilt bridges as well as street and interstate upgrades. Five times more nuisance structures will be taken down. The problem is several of these changes won’t be noticeable for at least another year. Guess it’s a matter of looking at the glass half full.

Afterwards I went to Second Street Market, which seems to be getting more popular lately. This is my favorite place in the city. Diverse crowd. Fresh, organic food. With the live music at the east end and the little kids walking around with their balloon animals it has a recreational, festival atmosphere that the strip malls and shopping centers don’t have. I wish it could be open seven days a week.

 

I think I can spot the Second Street-newbies though because they haven’t figured out that when you shop the Second Street Market it isn’t like the mall or supermarket. The Market’s aisle is much narrower, which means people shouldn’t stop in the middle of it and chitchat. (hint, hint) It just makes getting around even more difficult for others.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From there I drove to the Wegerzyn Gardens Plant Sale where I bought a few tomato plants and a sunflower. Not much of a selection. At least for me.  I wish I had known about their giveaway area because I have hostas, lambs ear and creeping jenny that I need to find a new home for soon and would’ve gladly donated them. Heck, in another month or so I’ll have irises, Russian sage and water lilies to give away too. I might have to take up guerilla gardening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I drove all the way to Green Vista Gardens because I needed barely straw for my green, murky pondwater. I told myself I’d just be in and out, but water features are like garden porn to me. After examining the bog filtration pond I knew I have to try some sort of mini-bog myself because my pump filter needs replacing much too often. Let nature do the work for me.

 

Oh, and I almost stepped on a snake while examining the bog.

Kinda cool though.

 

 

 

 

On my way home I went to a construction site in Kettering because I needed some stone edging for my garden. Over the years, I’ve saved a fortune in stonework by going to contruction sites with a shovel and digging out stones uncovered by bulldozers. I’ve found rocks of all sorts of colors, shapes and textures. Accent stones and the rocks used in my pond and garden paths all came from sites where housing developments and restaurants now stand.

Of course, I follow rules. I never enter a site that has a “No Trespassing” sign.  And I steer clear of the machinery and buildings so as not to give anyone cause for worry. And I never try to take anything too large, not that I could with my little Elantra. Sometimes there isn’t a convenient parking spot and hauling rocks back to the car can be a workout. And it can get muddy.

By the time I finished it was evening, so I took my tired butt home, did some garden weeding and called it a day.

A Little Block Party

A neighborhood church held a block party this afternoon. Nothing fancy. Free hamburgers and balloons. Games and trinkets. The kids and parents enjoyed themselves.

A small, sincere gesture in a part of town not known for sincere gestures. For a few hours there was something neighborly about this northside neighborhood.

Vacant to Vibrant: Lots of Lots to Talk About.

Nearly 200 people, ready to share and hear ideas about improving their neighborhoods and the city as a whole, turned out early Saturday morning for the Vacant to Vibrant town hall meeting at the Dayton Convention Center. 

People from several neighborhoods attended.  I expected southsiders to be there, especially from the historical districts.  But finding other people from northside neighborhoods like Five Oaks and Santa Clara was an encouraging sign.

After a general presentation about Dayton’s past, present and possible future, people split into groups and listened to what specific solutions and programs the city was pursuing concerning vacant buildings and lots.  They also asked for suggestions about how to best utilize the empty lots once the nuisance properties were removed.  People mentioned community gardens, playgrounds and green thoroughfares.  Clearing up red tape so homeowners could buy the adjacent lots was another.

The best news I heard was that the city would be pursuing an architectural salvage program, much like what’s been done successfully in cities such as Cincinnati and Buffalo.  Instead of demolishing vacant buildings, the properties are dismantled and the building materials and architectural details salvaged.  It’s great hearing Dayton is heading in such a green, sustainable direction.  A smart direction too.  All that timber—most of it a hundred years old or more—shouldn’t be splintered into pieces and dumped in a landfill.

I suggested that the city take the program one step further.  Transport the salvaged studs, joists and floor boards to a nearby prefab factory and then use them to build a more energy efficient home, which can be assembled later on the original lot.  Not only would it provide a few more jobs and training, but it would also revitalize the abandoned neighborhoods.  Energy efficient homes would be one way to attract people back to city neighborhoods.  The idea was met with some interest.

The question about what to do with vacant properties depends on where you live.  Some would say dismantling old homes and buildings would be erase a lot of Dayton’s history and charm.   And yet from where I stand–near what’s been described as ground zero in Montgomery County’s foreclosure crisis–I can see where a few good bulldozers can make a world of difference.  Heck, some neighborhoods need a good bulldozer like some colons need a good enema. 
It’s just not my opinion.  The city displayed a large map of the city with properties up for demolition marked with dots.   Covered in a cluster of dots was my neighborhood.  Heck, the city provided people with adhesive dots which they could place on additional lots that they thought should be demolished.  People added even more dots to that cluster.

There was another display where people were asked to rank twelve vacant properties, with “1” being a demolition priority and “12” being a property that could be restored and reinhabited.  I looked around at the other people’s sheets and the number one unanimous choice was a building in my neighborhood.  And the building is major eyesore on a major street in town.

Honestly, some homes aren’t abandoned and vacant because people don’t care enough to live in them.  No, some homes were neglected when they were inhabited, or the home improvement projects and additions throughout the years just rendered the places ugly, unappealing, or structurally unsound.