A20 – Developing Criteria For Green Space Implementation On Vacant Lots in Massachusetts Cities
Project:
Developing Criteria For Green Space Implementation On Vacant Lots in Massachusetts Cities,
by Jake Mackenzi, Samuel Ng, and Brendan Russell
Project Overview:
Urban green spaces are an important resource for the health and safety of city residents. Reconstructing vacant lots into green spaces provide significant benefits for a city and residents in an urban environment, but few Massachusetts cities have specific plans in place to capitalize on green space implementation. Based on urban green space plan implementation research, interviews with various city planners, and the analysis of multiple GIS maps, we created a list of recommendations to consider when making a decision to turn a vacant lot into a green space. These recommendations cover potential green space locations, best use of available spaces and how the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would be best able to assist cities with green space implementation.
About Our Team:
The team is comprised of Samuel Ng, Jake Mackenzi, and Brendan Russell. Samuel and Brendan are electrical computer engineering (ECE) students in their junior year at WPI. Jake is a Mechanical Engineer (ME) in his junior year at WPI.
About Our Sponsor:
Our Sponsor was Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, as well as the Division of Conservation Services (A department within the EEA). “DCS is a division of EEA that offers funding to cities, towns, and nonprofit groups so that they can purchase and develop land for conservation or recreation purposes. DCS also provides technical assistance to people interested in CRs, the CLTC program, and Conservation Districts.” Their websites are located at:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-energy-and-environmental-affairs
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-conservation-services
