More NIMBY

To augment the previous post, a few other NIMBY topics:

toddstanfield.com
cascadiareport.com
seattleworks.typepad.com
seattletimes.nwsource.com
seattlest.com
seattleweekly.com

Obviously, it is an issue AND we do tend to navel-gaze on this topic.

NIMBY

We folks in the greater Seattle area like to be nice. Generous, caring, proactive… we like to think of ourselves this way and have this ideal reflected in our community: support of a wide range of social safety net services, tolerance of diverse lifestyles, environmentally sound urban planning (e.g. “density”), mass transit. We also, however, like our lives to be nice: pretty, quiet, safe, comfortable… with nooooo threat to our property values.

As a result, we often find these two goals to be mutually exclusive, or at least we perceive them to be. We say (and we vote) that we want such services as housing for chronic alcoholics, methadone treatment centers, domestic violence shelters, and temporary, sanctioned camps for the homeless. But it can be a struggle to find a neighborhood that will welcome such a service with a warm embrace. We don’t want to think of ourselves as prudes, so don’t outright ban strip clubs. But, there is a push to corral all the existing strip clubs into one low income neighborhood. In a misguided effort to protect the delicate sensibilities of the local children, there was even an outcry about the name of a new pet store in the Wallingford neighborhood, called High Maintenance Bitch. (Honestly, if there is any appropriate use of the "B" word, this would be it!)

The zoo (the ZOO, of all non-controversial organizations) is getting severe push back from its neighbors because it wants to build a few outbuildings on its property and a parking garage to prevent parking sprawl into the neighborhood. When the proposed garage was to be on the south end of the park, the neighbors on the north end supported the proposal, but the southern neighbors fought it bitterly. Then, the plan changed for the structure to be on the north end. Well, surprise, surprise… now the north end neighbors are up in arms and the south enders think a garage is a splendid idea.

Granted, it is not as pure and simple as this. But, it is the gist. And it is the hypocritical tradition of this otherwise progressive town. We support all things good as long as our own neighborhood is not impacted. "Not In MY Back Yard!” is the common hew and cry.

Oy. As Popeye used to say, “This is embarrasking.”

A P-Patch Post

Winding your way over the hills of Seattle, weaving through the neighborhoods, you will inevitably happen upon a small or large plot of land, sometimes in the most incongruous place, overflowing with dahlias and raspberry canes, bok choy, pea vines, and heirloom tomato plants. This is one of the many P-Patches in the city, small urban farm plots tended by local residents

There are well over 50 community gardens available to all residents and another 15 or so specifically for low income housing residents. Many P-Patchers are first generation immigrants and the produce they raise is a significant source of their families’ food. Community Urban Gardening has been a growing tradition in Seattle for over 40 years.

From Historylink.org on the origin of the P-patch tradition in Seattle:
"In 1922, Italian immigrant Ernesto Picardo bought four of the blocks and began raising vegetables. In 1965, the last Picardo retired from farming. Darlyn Rundberg saw the Picardo farm going unused and she envisioned a community garden. With the help of City Councilman Bruce Chapman, she got the city to lease the land and to pay the outstanding taxes of $688. Three acres were turned over to the Puget Consumers' Cooperative and the plot became the 'P' Patch. By 1971 there were 180 plots being cultivated. The land was purchased by the city in 1973 and the program expanded." In 2001, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods had 38 P-Patches with 1900 plots and 4,600 gardeners on 12 acres of land.


Each P-patch has a different personality based on its location and gardeners. Some are very tidy, ornamental, and artistic. Some are purely utilitarian agriculture. Some are populated by folks wanting the simple opportunity of digging in the dirt, puttering around. Others are a mix of all the above.

The program is supported by both the City of Seattle which helps manage the sites and recruit/organize gardeners, and a non-profit land trust called
the P-Patch Trust which acquires land for the program and works on community development through the program.

A "Co-operative" Culture

Cascadia abounds with joiners. There are so many organizations to be members of, and we do tend to jump on the bandwagon: charities, political organizations, and affinity groups (clubs) fill our lives. The Northwest also has a strong history of building and supporting a range of co-operatives. Some of the country’s oldest and largest co-operatives (“co-ops”) reside here in Cascadia.

What’s A Co-op?

Per the International Co-operative Alliance, a co-operative is: “"an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise." They "are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others."

Very idealistic, non? Also, very practical. Co-operatives are created by their members to further mutual values and goals such as to create/ensure: access to organic food for consumers, access to commonly-owned processing equipment for farmers, affordable and healthcare. There are all kinds of co-ops. Here’s a sampling of a few you will find here:

Co-operative Banking (Credit Unions): Boeing Employees Credit Union

Started in 1935, BECU is ranked the fifth largest credit union (by asset size) in the United States and claims over 460,000 members. Their mission is to uphold our fundamental responsibility to actively serve people within their field of membership, and as appropriate, the communities they live in. They deliver a range of low-cost products and services to members. As stated on their website, “We will continually, in all facets of operations, demonstrate the value of membership in BECU while we look for better ways to reach out to the under-served.” Providing fair, affordable banking services and a commitment to improve quality of life in the community by reaching out to in-need communities in the area is the core of their purpose.

Consumer Co-operatives, Food: Puget Consumer Cooperative

PCC started as a food-buying club of 15 families in 1953. Today, it is the largest natural food co-operative in the nation. Their mission is to: 1) Provide the highest quality natural foods and products, 2) Create and cultivate the marketplace for locally grown and organic products and are a vital community resource on food, nutrition and environmental issues, and 3) Create and deliver the most satisfying natural foods shopping experience in the Northwest. PCC actively addresses issues such as farmland preservation, genetically engineered foods, organics and sustainable seafood through its buying policies and through advocacy activity.

Consumer Co-operatives, Outdoor Clothing and Equipment: Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)

REI was founded in 1938 by a group of Seattle-area mountaineers who wanted access to quality outdoor recreational gear at reasonable prices. It has grown to be the country's largest consumer-owned co-operative far exceeding 2 million active members. They focus on serving the interests of our customers through providing high quality clothing and equipment at fair prices with a liberal return policy, promoting environmental stewardship, and giving back to the community. Per their website, REI: “…donates millions of dollars to support conservation efforts nationwide, and sends scores of volunteers to build trails, clean up beaches, and teach outdoor ethics to kids. Through responsible business practices, we strive to reduce our environmental footprint.”

Healthcare Co-operatives: Group Health Cooperative

Group Health Cooperative was opened in 1947 by a community coalition dedicated to making quality health care available and affordable. Group Health is a consumer-governed, nonprofit health care system that coordinates care and coverage. Based in Seattle, the Group Health network serves approximately 568,344 members in Washington and Idaho. Per its website: “Today it is one of the few health care organizations in the country governed by consumers rather than internal executives. Its 11-member board of trustees — all Cooperative members elected by other members — work closely with management and medical staff to ensure that the organization's policies and direction put the needs of patients first.” GHC’s stated purpose is to transform health care, working to improve the care and well-being of their members and communities.

Housing Co-operatives

There are a range of forms of co-operative residences. None are large organizations, but are based on a singe home or small group of homes in the same area. Seattle Wiki has a list.

Co-ops provide viable and competitive options for purchasing goods and services for both individuals and small businesses, like farmers. Since the “shareholders” are the consumers (members) themselves, benefits including profit, is returned. Also, a lack of profit-motive helps ensure that the values and goals the co-ops are founded on do not erode under the pressure to reduce costs and maximize revenue. They are organizations in balance, or least strive to be. Each co-operative is led by a board of directors that represent the membership, ensuring the organizations management and staff operate efficiently and effectively in the organization’s interest. The success of co-ops, despite their relatively minimal marketing and other promotion, in the Northwest proves their relevance and necessity here. For-profit organizations aren’t meeting all needs of a market place that demands values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others as well as quality products at competitive prices. Viva la co-op!

Get to Know the Locals

This blog, as well as Seattle Song, are changing a bit. A blogroll of personal blogs by Cascadians is now added to the sidebar. Each is a blog I have found to be thought provoking, funny or otherwise worth a glance or more. Although not necessarily reflective of my own views or interests, each seems to be thoughtfully (or at least earnestly) written relative to its purpose. Some are philosophical, some political, some pursue a hobby, and others are purely personal. The list is composed to provide readers a smattering of perspectives and experiences of the folks who live in this region. The blogroll will be growing, so keep an eye out for new additions.

On Wind and Community

Another storm will be sweeping into Puget Sound and the Seattle area tonight. Officials are exhorting us to have three days worth of ready-to-eat food and battery-powered lights and radio as we will have winds up to 60 miles per hour (90 in some areas) along with another deep soaking of rain. Electricity, phone and other line-based services will likely be taken out by falling trees. That is, the trees that have not already fallen from winds earlier this week.

Left: Looking toward Bellevue. The calm before the storm.

The wind and rain combination is a dangerous one, particularly in the Northwest where up to 100' foot tall Douglas Firs dominate the landscape. Pacific Douglas Fir trees have very shallow root systems. When rain soaks the ground it softens, making it easier for a tree to topple. Ironically, but logically, it is the largest that are at greatest risk of being uprooted.

In the forests this is not such a problem, of course, as it is simply part of the ecology cycle. It is also less likely to happen in a forest, as the trees absorb the force of the wind as a large group. The bulk and root systems intertwine, acting as buffers and reinforcement. In the city and suburbs, these giants are often standing solo or in small clumps, making them far more vulnerable to the elements.

The vulnerability that comes with isolation stands true for our human community as well, particularly at times like this. Caring for and about our neighbors, in both the specific and general sense, uplifts and provides a greater quality of life for everyone, including ourselves. We create connectedness and relationships. The act of reaching out makes others feel not only safer but more willing to reach out themselves. And, in the act of service, we serve ourselves by exercising our integrity, our generosity, our humanity. We become better people simply from the satisfying act of helping.