Hi, My name is Michelle Rosenthal. I am a social worker and I have been inspired by watching all of the TED Talks on the internet. That is how I learned about The Open Architecture Network. I joined even though I an not an architect myself. I know the importance of architects for Humanity now more than every before. Our human population is growing exponentially in some places and we need to find a way to house them all that is affordable and sustainable. We need creative design, green thinking and sustainable very eco-friendly practices.

We are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of reducing our ecological footprint on the environment. Now technology has advanced to the point that many buildings are being taken off the grid. There is a small movement encouraging going back to some old technologies to help capture rainwater in barrels etc. We are increasingly reusing bathtub or sink water for the toilets and the like. Many new buildings are being built with alternative forms of energy in place such as solar and wind power.

I have been living and working in NYC all of my life. The problem of the lack of affordable housing has persisted since I could remember. This problem is not going to go away on its own. We are all going to have to do something to alleviate it. Many families separate when their housing is lost. Children's schooling is interrupted and many people lose continuity of their needed medical care.

It makes good sense to help reduce or alleviate the housing crisis in NYC. There are countless thousands of homeless people in the NYC Shelter System and non profit run shelters for homeless families and singles. These shelters are very expensive to operate and they are far from idea placements for anyone involved. It presents a drag on the economy. We need a program to help turn this situation around.

If we develop between 5,000 and 6,000 Units on 153 acres each in each Boro we can possibly make a dent in this problem. I would estimate we need a project modeled in the size and philosophy of Starrett City which has changed its name to Spring Creek Towers, for four of the five boros: Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

I envision a total program where many homeless, low and moderate income people can be involved in every step of the process, be trained to work in various capacities to help the development be constructed and run. It can be a combined housing, education, training, employment program with many onsite social service, health and mental health services. We can inspire people to become or get back to being productive members of the workforce to help all of humanity. The housing developments may also accept applications from other low and moderate income families that do not currently live in a shelter system.

Ideally a community center in each of the developments will be constructed, with ample space for children to play, with local schools near by or inside the development. I would love to include a large community organic vegetable garden that the residents could care for and sell fresh produce to the community. Ample shopping centers and parking would be planned for as well. The project would give off a feeling for the respecting nature. Recycling and composting may be made available in each development.

Many trees, plants and flowers would be planted all around the development. The feel of being in an urban forest may be ideal.

I would prefer that the project be created from start to finish to be very sustainable, green, utilizing all LEED standards, creative planning to be as energy efficient and ecologically safe as possible. It should be built on ground that is free from hazardous landfills or toxic environmental threats.

Ok so that all sounds wonderful and great but the real question is how to take this idea and breathe life into it? How does it become a reality? Is it possible or just wishful thinking? Since Starrett City and other housing projects even as large as the NYC Housing Authority have been thought of and built in the past I know it is possible but I hope this one will become reality as well. It makes financial sense. We have homeless people and families needing a home, we have a low and moderate income housing shortage in NYC so lets get together, put all the pieces of the puzzle together and get this project done! Are you in for it? Please bring your expertise to this project.
We can shape and reshape the details of the program to make them more practical if they are too idealistic.

Together we can change the world.

Sincerely, Michelle Rosenthal, LMSW
646 492 3976
michelleleerosen@yahoo.com