Building Sustainable Communities:

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Building Sustainable Communities Respecting the
Needs of People, Plants Animals
Sheila and Lindsay Fink Community Partners for
Affordable Housing (CPAH) And Moonshadow Park
Stewards
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Our Moonshadow Park Experience

• 10 years ago we moved to Moonshadow
• Beautiful forest and creek in our backyard
• On our second floor, looking at the treetops, we
  forget were just outside city limits
• Kids share the woods with
• plants and animals

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Why are so many other people working in our
backyard?

• Started noticing lots and lots of work teams
• Boy Scouts, SOLV, Intel, parks and watershed
  council, Eco-Clubs Every now and then a few
  neighbors
• For past 5 years, weve participated when we can,
  learned a lot about watersheds
• We feel much more connected, and want to get more
  neighbors involved
• Would they respond to a web site or educational
  game? Well find out!

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What we learned about our watershed

• Moonshadow Park 4.76 acres, straddling 1500 feet
  of the middle reach of Ash Creek paved trail
  1200 feet long
• It is in the Fanno Creek sub-basin of the
  Tualatin River watershed
• Fanno designated as winter steelhead and coho
  salmon rearing habitat (spawning, migration)
• This stretch of Ash Creek impacted by high stream
  temperatures (non natives, non point source
  pollution)
• Approximately 1.25 acres of site stream riparian
  zone, and .5 in adjacent upland habitat
• Huge Douglas fir is 5.5 feet in diameter, 17.2
  feet in circumference over 123 plant species in
  park!

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Moonshadow Oleson Woods What do these have in
common?

• Stewardship PEOPLE learning to balance their
  needs with the plants and animals universal
  truth People need access to nature
• Green Urbanism focuses on void as well as the
  built environment, links to thinkers like
  Jennifer Wolch at USC, Director of Sustainable
  Cities Project cities can be transformed into
  natural habitats via land use planning,
  architectural design and public education
  (zoopolis)
•  Eventually, most of us figure out that its
  people, not nature, who create morality, values,
  ethicsand even the idea that nature itself is
  something worth preserving. We choose to be
  shepherds and stewards, or we dont. We will live
  wiselyor we wont, in which case nature will
  fill the vacuum we leave. She is exquisite, and
  utterly indifferent.  --Seth Norman

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ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Father Loren Kerkof

• Grassroots CDC, just starting when we moved to
  Moonshadow
• SW Portland/Southern suburbs
• Area jobs rich, affordable housing services
  poor
• 7 staff, 400k budget, 175 units of
  service-enriched housing, 100 under
  development/in pipeline
• Building housing, building hope, building lives

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CPAHS PORTFOLIO 175 units
New Village _at_ Washington Square Oleson Woods
Apartments Rehab Greenburg Oaks Metzger Park
Apartments Tangela House (5 bedroom)
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WHY CDCs GO GREEN

• CPAHs mission is to build healthy communities,
  through the development of permanent affordable
  housing, sustainable economic growth and
  community based partnerships.
• Green building / smart growth / new urbanism /
  green urbanism / green communities

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CPAHS COMMITMENT TO GREEN BUILDING and GREEN
URBANISM

• Village _at_ Washington Square (2002)
• Oleson Woods Apartments (2005)
• The Watershed _at_ Hillsdale (LEED) (2007)

The Watershed at Hillsdale (2007)
Oleson Woods (2005)
Village _at_ Wash. Square (2002)
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WHAT IS GREEN BUILDING?

• philosophy of environmentally sensitive building
  practices, also known as sustainable construction
• meet the needs of the present generation without
  compromising the ability of future generations to
  meet their needs
• typically involves fewer materials, less energy
  consumption, less pollution, less natural habitat
  loss and better indoor air quality
• Oregon Housing Community Services Dept. Green
  Building Resource Guide

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VILLAGE AT WASHINGTON SQUAREDense Suburban
Infill (26 units/1 acre)

• Densitygood design13variances!
• fly ash in concrete
• engineered lumber
• low VOC interior paints
• plywood cabinets
• recycled content carpets
• whole house ventilation
• native plants, butterfly garden
• non-toxic glues finishes
• job site recycling
• near transit/jobs/services

• high efficiency appliances water heaters
• faucet aerators/low flow showers
• compact florescent lighting
• fiber cement siding
• bicycle parking
• reduced on-site parking
• on-site storm water detention/ treatment
• design sensitive to solar exposure

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FROM GREEN BUILDING TO GREEN COMMUNITIES/URBANISM
EPA Says Green Communities Strive for
Sustainability by Balancing Environmental
environmental compliance, waste minimization,
pollution prevention, natural resource
conservation (what we dont build) Economic
locally owned sustainable businesses, adequate
affordable housing, mixed uses and open space,
economic equity Social active/broad citizen
involvement, sustainable public actions
incorporating local values, safe/clean
neighborhoods with recreation, adequate
infrastructure, equitable/effective educational
health care systems
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OLESON WOODS CASE STUDY IN GREEN
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ASSEMBLING THE GREEN TEAM

• Experienced green team (self motivated)
• Firm commitment to project goals realignment
• Highly regulated/sensitive site, cost pressures,
  NIMBY neighbors It aint easy being green

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ASSEMBLING THE GREEN

• Low Interest Perm Loan NOAH/1.4 million
• LIHTC/ESIC 3.2 million
• HOME Loan of 700k
• Community Dev. Block Grant 273k
• Oregon Housing Trust Fund 100k
• Enterprise Green Communities 32k
• Total 5.8 million

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OLESON WOODS ONE GREEN SITE!

• L-shaped, 3.15 acre site in bustling regional
  center
• Land locked multifamily west, single family
  other 3 sides
• Zoned R5-24 w/wildlife habitat overlay on
  portion
• No tree protection ordinance
• Neighbors overriding concern stormwater

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True Stories from the first neighborhood meeting

• Would you be willing to put concrete below the
  fence, so children wont tunnel into our yard?
• Would a barb wire topper be possible?
• How can we afford the number of free and reduced
  lunches added by your projects? the non-English
  speakers present an unfair burden on teachers
• Could you build a 10 perimeter fence?
• If you are allowed to build, Ill put my house on
  the market immediately!
• How can the County allow your project to proceed
  with all the trees youre removing? If you build,
  our flooding will increase.

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KEEPING OLESON GREEN

• Mantra Its all about the trees
• Balance needs of
• plants (35 types)
• animals (22 types)
• people (100) neighbors
• Stewardship Strategy
• Save key, mature trees
• restore non-functioning
• (low value) wetland

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DESIGN GOALS

• Buildings accommodated trees
• Buildings cover only 25 of surface
• Activities focused in center of site
• stewardship of woods wetlands
• respect privacy of neighbors
• Leadership role in community on stormwater
  management

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WHY GREEN NON-BUILDING MATTERS

• Access to nature impact on physical and mental
  healthresearch indicates proximity to nature
  boosts attention /reduces obesity (ecopsychology,
  public health)
• Nancy Wells, NY State College of Human Ecology,
  2000 profound differences emerged in their
  attention capacities even when the effects of the
  improved housing were taken into account
• 1997 study by Swedish researchers foung green
  day care participants had better motor
  coordination ability to concentrate
• 2001, Taylor and Kuo, Human Environment Research
  Lab at University of Illinois found green
  outdoor spaces foster creative play, enhance
  access to positive adult interaction, relieve
  symptoms of ADDthe greener the setting, the
  more the reliefregardless of income level
• 2001, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
  connection between sprawl and obesitylack of
  sidewalks and bike paths

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OLESON WOODS DESIGN OVERVIEW

• Design tucked into trees included
• Community center
• 6 residential buildings
• Basketball and play area
• Woodland path
• Restored/expanded wetlands
• Stormwater detention pond
• Use of existing access roads/ infrastructure
  (purchased 10 parking spaces and easements)

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BUILDINGS ACCOMMODATE TREES
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COMMUNITY CENTERED
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LEADERSHIP ROLE STORMWATER AND WETLANDS
Wetlands
Storm Detention Pond
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Green Homes are Healthy HomesHow do we keep
them that way?

• Keep it dry
• Keep it well ventilated
• Keep it free of contaminants
• Keep it clean
• Keep it safe

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KEEP IT DRY (Interior)

• Hot water heater installation
• Durable, moisture resistant materials, tub
  enclosures
• Clothes dryers exhausted to outside
• No use of can lights
• Hard surfaces in entry and dining

Hot water heater, drip pan, insulated under
Seamless fiberglass one-piece tub enclosure
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KEEP IT DRY (Exterior)

• Thick gravel under slab provides capillary break
• Foundation drains, moisture barrier
• Surface water away from buildings
• Slopes of walkways

Sloping and unobstructed basketball court,
walkways
Removed poor draining soils, imported gravel,
installed radon/ moisture barrier
On-site storm detention pond
Functional wetlands
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OLESON WOODS KEEP IT DRY

• Roof, wall and window flashing details

Window, and window pan flashing
Rain screen

• Minimum of 18 overhangs to protect walls and
  windows from rain
• Extended overhangs at entries and community
  building

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KEEP IT CLEAN

• Walk off mats at each unit community center
• Smooth and resilient flooring in units and
  community center

Community center ceramic tile
Units Commercial grade vinyl, sealed with welded
seams, in kitchen, laundry, bath, entry, dining
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KEEP IT WELL VENTILATED

• Whole house ventilation on timer
• Exhaust fans to outdoors (kitchen bath)
• Adequate ventilation Fresh air (stealth vents) /
  HVAC
• Ventilate before occupancy Follow guidelines for
  venting materials
• Blower door test meets
• local green building standard
• Zonal electric heat, no ducts

All kitchen bath fans vent to outside
Stealth vents in windows for trickle
ventilation (make up air always available)
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KEEP IT SAFE

• Water heater temperature at 120 degrees
• Smoke detectors, hardwired battery back up
• Sprinklered buildings in lieu of fire truck
  turnaround to preserve wetland
• Site lighting and walkways designed for high
  visibility light while preventing spillage (owl
  friendly woodlands)
• CPAH encourages Neighborhood Watch knowing your
  neighbor is the best prevention!
• Trust for Public Land claims access to nature
  linked to reductions in crime, juvenile
  delinquency
• Studies indicate that children are safer in sites
  with open space that encourage adult supervision

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KEEP IT FREE OF CONTAMINANTS

• Low VOC paints and primers
• Recycled interior paint meets Green Seal
  standards
• Low VOC sealants and adhesives

• Plywood cabinets with solid wood doors, solid
  wood trim
• No added urea formaldehyde-free underlayment,
  wire shelves
• Green Label carpets
• Smooth and cleanable floors
• No combustion fueled equipment or fireplaces

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OLESON WOODS KEEP IT PEST FREE

• Wall, floor and joint penetrations sealed low VOC
  caulk helps keep pests out

Another Way to Spell PEST Pets

• This site known as feral cat area, impacts bird
  population
• CPAH allows pets with deposit, monitors for
  appropriate care

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OLESON WOODS KEEP IT WELL MAINTAINED

• Users Manuals for residents and complex
• Resident manual
• Checklist of healthy features
• Walk thru discussion of features
• Welcome kits
• Management training
• Lighting, cleaning, landscape

Welcome Kits Door mat, and Cleaning Bucket
baking soda, vinegar, and pre-mixed spray cleaner
(unlimited free refills)
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BARRIERS TO GOING GREEN

• Contractors and subs may be unfamiliar with
  materials and processes, and resistant to change
• Materials cost and availability, both perception
  and reality in some cases hard to find
  expensive (cant always work with usual
  suppliers, can take longer lead time)
• Post construction consumer behavior (resident
  management) can erase green benefits
• Sites with habitat or open space prompt
  management/ owner concerns of legal liability
• Consumer preferences / marketability may prefer
  more carpets, familiar finishes

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GREEN LESSONS LEARNED

• Integration of disciplines critical for long term
  green (construction, design, property asset
  management, resident services)
• Team discipline/communication essential
  coordination with key subconsultants and
  subcontractors
• Green materials and installation alien to many
  contractors and their subs resistance to change
  requires additional time/training
• Early buy-in is good, but accurate early
  submittals are better
• Something on the add-back list for everyone
  (keeps all focused)
• Green features make the project unique, compel
  extra effort

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CPAHS PROGRAMS

• Youth Adult Education, Public Safety, Hunger,
  Health
• Focus Site-based service integrationbringing
  the Community into CPAHs communities

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PROGRAMS REQUIRE AMPLE COMMUNITY SPACE AND STRONG
PARTNERSHIPS
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CPAH PROGRAMS/PARTNERSHIPS

• Youth Programs Summer Youth Program After
  School Program REAL Recreation, Education and
  Active Leadership (drop out prevention, core
  performance, attendance, parental involvement,
  and leadership)
• SELF Stable Environments to Launch the Future,
  building hope opportunity
• CYCLES of Hope Creating attachment and positive
  parenting (birth 5)
• Other Neighborhood Watch, Recovery Groups,
  Partner Activities (10 Agencies)

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Ballet Folklorico de CPAH
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OLESON WOODS MINI ZOOPOLIS

• Nature education potential far greater with
  immediate access to over 50 plants and animals at
  home
• One of a series of Nature Libraries in Portland
  area
• CPAHs Summer Youth 2006 No Child Left Inside

crow
goldfinch
raccoon
fox squirrel
towhee
scrub jay
kestrel
Ruby crowned kinglet
Screech owl
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Sustainable Communities and Stewardship Dont
Just Happen

• Robert Putnam (Harvard) in Bowling Alone and
  Better Together outlines civic engagement,
  highlights Hillsdale
• Society as a whole benefits enormously from the
  social ties forged by those who choose connective
  strategies in pursuit of their particular goals.
  redundant contacts, mixing and bridging,
  recycling of existing networks,
  multistrandedness, active varied social spaces
• Communication varied daily Active and
  intersecting leadership on neighborhood and
  business associations
• Multistrandedness getting schools, police,
  environmentalists, transportation planners,
  service and housing providers working together on
  common issues
• Takes voluntary leadership (leadership is a
  choice, not a position)youre either a steward,
  or youre not

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The Bertha Triangle in Hillsdale
Brownfield, triangular shaped site bounded by
busy streets Started by naming it Bertha
Stationit was a stop on the old Red Electric
Line and is at Bertha Blvd and Bertha Court
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Why CPAHs next project is called, The Watershed
_at_ Hillsdale

• Hillsdale activists told us our project name was
  trite (Bertha was way over used, and the Red
  Electric didnt run for very long), they would
  help us find just the right one
• They chose Watershed because its between
  Tualatin and Willamette River watersheds, its at
  the headwaters of Stephens and Fanno Creeks, and
  its sensitively handling all the stormwater it
  can on-site
• They think of it as a watershed moment in their
  development history, one of the last pieces of
  buildable land, and a project that will book end
  their neighborhood (the Hillsdale Library on the
  other end is also LEED)

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The Watershed _at_ Hillsdale

• For most of us, watersheds are more than just
  drainage areas.
• They are the place where we live, work, and
  recreate.
• Watersheds provide habitat for specific plants
  and animals.
• In areas like Hillsdale, where streams have been
  undergrounded, people forget that its still a
  watershed!
• So the name ties its past history to its function
  today, as it collects stormwater and lets gravity
  guide it through cascading rain gardens

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John Wesley Powells definition of Watersheds

• "that area of land, a bounded hydrologic system,
  within which all living things are inextricably
  linked by their common water course and where, as
  humans settled, simple logic demanded that they
  become part of a community."