ICND

Urban farm plots beautify and feed

8/2/2010 11:24:42 AM

In any given week, you can find Matthew Jose spreading mulch, yanking weeds, harvesting vegetables or planting or planning the next crop in one of his Big City Farms urban plots.

On his bicycle, he delivers fresh vegetables and herbs to Downtown Indianapolis restaurants. Every week from June to November, residents pick up their “shares” of produce at sites in the Cottage Grove and Broad Ripple neighborhoods.

On the Near Southside, Mark Fritz and his wife, Deb, bag up cucumbers, zucchini and beets from the Green Acres Urban Farm and hand them to Karen and Walt Willett, who use the free vegetables to feed men temporarily staying in the Grace Baptist Covenant House they operate. Nearby neighbors harvest what they want from this 60-foot-by-60-foot garden, which is supported by neighbors, churches and community groups.

The two small urban farms serve distinct local food needs. These for-profit and not-for-profit urban farm plots popping up in town not only supply fresh, homegrown produce to those who crave it, but also turn often blighted, vacant areas into productive, attractive land and reduce the need for vegetables grown far away.

“It can do a tremendous amount to improve the urban landscape,” said Jose, who, with Tyler Henderson, farms 10 plots totaling an acre in the Near-Eastside Cottage Home and Holy Cross neighborhoods. “It diversifies the visual scenery and promotes ecological and environmental sustainability in the city.”

For 24 weeks, 60 households in the Downtown Indianapolis and Broad Ripple areas and six local restaurants get produce grown at the Big City Farm. It’s one of a few local community-supported agriculture (CSA) projects people can join by buying full or half shares, to get part of each week’s harvest.

“The public’s interest in CSAs is growing exponentially,” said Jose, 26, whose Big City Farm has a waiting list of about 25 people in its second year. A full share of 10 to 12 types of vegetables a week costs $650 for 24 weeks.

For Jose, it’s hard work and his primary income. But, he says, “I get a kick out of it. I like working with food, being in the city and being outside.”

This summer, the city of Indianapolis also joined the small but growing urban farming/gardening movement.

City officials have made available 101 plots, managed by the Indianapolis Land Bank, free to anyone who wants to use the land for growing vegetables. The only requirement is signing a licensing agreement saying the land will be used for that purpose for up to five years. Plenty of plots are available. Christian Park Active Community is using five plots, and three others have been requested.

“Land was one of the most urgent needs that urban gardeners told us about,” said Karen Haley, director of the city’s Office of Sustainability, which operates the Indy Urban Garden Program.

Not-for-profit organizations, neighborhood groups, for-profit community-supported agriculture groups and individuals can use the plots.

“It’s exciting for the city to go down that route,” said Tim Carter, director of the Butler University Center for Urban Ecology. “It’s just a start, but there’s a lot of potential here. It could lead to more private investment in the same idea, too.”

The center, which helps manage a half-acre plot on campus, is evaluating the city’s vacant and underused property, analyzing its potential for farming and then giving results to the city.

Carter said urban farming takes on different forms, and many are profit-making. But all of them “help reduce the fossil fuel use and pollutants associated with driving the produce. So, you’re saving energy and costs.”

Those who grow and use the produce value both the global and the personal benefits.

Regina Mehallick, co-owner with her husband, Jim, of R Bistro restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue, uses local food as much as possible. One way is by buying Big City Farm shares for themselves and the restaurant.

“You know that it’s just been recently picked,” she said. “The quality is there, and it’s so convenient. I’ve gotten some gorgeous first-of-the-season kale. Everything is pristine.”

David Warren, a Big City Farm member for two years, likes being able to see vegetables growing in one plot from his Highland Stacks condo in the Holy Cross neighborhood.

He’s learning about and using new vegetables, such as bok choy and kale, that he didn’t use before.

“I’m definitely cooking much more than I used to, and I’m enjoying every minute of it,” said Warren, 34, a union machinist at Allison Transmission.

Knowing and trusting the person who grows his food is important to him, too. “They’re not using pesticides or herbicides or anything we don’t want in food.”

No one appreciates fresh produce more than the Willetts, who have taken in 11 men in the first year of the Grace Baptist Covenant House, associated with Grace Baptist Church of Indy.

“It’s been a blessing,” said Walt Willett, picking up vegetables at Green Acres. “When you have good, fresh vegetables, you tend to eat them more.”

The plot, loaded with corn, beans, zucchini, beets, tomatoes and broccoli, was developed by a group of people from Roberts Park and Lockerbie Central United Methodist churches, with help from other entities. The idea was to provide produce for neighbors and groups, using vacant or donated Concord neighborhood lots.

“Our dream is to have two or three plots in the neighborhood and hire high school kids to help,” said Mark Fritz, organizer.

Already, the first plot, at 1355 S. Meridian St., has produced good paybacks. “It changes what people think of the neighborhood,” said Fritz. His wife, Deb, says the farm has been good “just to build community, come together and have a project to work on together.”

Indy Is Building "Green"

8/2/2010 7:52:51 AM

Indianapolis government leaders have announced a program that provides incentives for property owners and developers to renovate or construct new buildings in a sustainable manner.

The program allows for projects built after Aug. 1 to receive up to a 50 percent rebate on building permit fees associated with the green project. The incentive encourages building owners and developers to integrate sustainable design techniques and practices into building projects.

Allyson Pumphrey, a city project manager, said in a news release that "green" buildings benefit occupants because they typically use less energy and water and have lower operating costs than traditional buildings. They also reduce storm-water runoff, reduce construction waste, and use renewable materials and energy sources.

“Green buildings are an important component of a more sustainable Indianapolis. With this new green building incentive, our desire is to increase the number of green, or sustainable, buildings in Indianapolis, moving us closer to being one of the most sustainable cities in the Midwest,” said Mayor Greg Ballard, in the news release.

WCDC Executive Director Search

7/15/2010 1:43:06 PM

Westside Community Development Corporation (WCDC)
Organization Description
Westside Community Development Corporation (WCDC) was incorporated as an Indiana Not for Profit Corporation and granted its 501(c) (3) status in December 1985. WCDC was organized by the Christamore House (a neighborhood multi-service center), in partnership with WESCO, Goodwill Industries and a number of other neighborhood businesses to help improve the Near Westside neighborhoods in a variety of ways. The organization began by exploring the development of a business incubator. In 1987 WCDC changed its focus to housing development. WCDC provides a variety of housing services including housing development for homeownership and rental development. WCDC also provides home repair assistance through the use of volunteers, Community Development Block Grant funds and mortgages with the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership.

Position Description
The Executive Director is hired by and is responsible to the Board of Directors of WCDC to help develop and execute the organization mission and to implement the board approved strategic plan. To be successful the Executive Director will manage all levels of business operations including fundraising and grant writing, will empower staff to focus on the organization’s mission/plan and provide them necessary tools to be successful in their work, and will constantly monitor market and environmental factors that may have an impact on the corporation’s stated mission. The Executive Director will provide a work environment that fosters innovation and ensures fiscal accountability.

Qualifications
- This position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with 5 years experience in business administration, urban planning administration, not-for-profit organizations and/or community development. Prefer master’s degreed individual.
-The successful candidate will have experience in grant writing and an understanding of current emphases of local philanthropic organizations.
- The successful applicant will be able to document a strong record of leadership working with diverse segments of an organization including stakeholders.
-The successful candidate will understand systems and be able see how and where WCDC fits in the neighborhood’s larger vision.
-The successful candidate will understand the effects of poverty on children, families and the broader community.
-The position requires an understanding of housing issues, of economic development and real estate markets.
-This position requires excellent written and oral communication skills that can be applied at all levels of the organization and its outreach efforts.
-The successful candidate will be a good listener and will be respectful others.

Essential Duties
-Work with the Board of Directors to execute the vision, mission and work plans of WCDC to ensure stability of the organization.
-In conjunction with the staff, board treasurer and finance committee, will develop the organization budget.
-Monitor and report monthly on the financial condition of the organization including actual to budget expenditures, a schedule of accounts receivable and cash flow projections.
-Develop internal systems that ensure impeccable fiduciary management of WCDC.
-Monitor sources of requests for proposal notices to determine potential funding sources.
-Lead grant writing teams and, when necessary, secure appropriate consultants to assist in preparation of proposal and grant applications.
-Ensure that the organization practices the principles of equal employment opportunity and provides a positive and productive work environment.
-Coordinate the selection and use of consultants, contractors and other external personnel who contribute to the work of the WCDC.
-Maintain a system of contact with neighborhood residents, religious and cultural institutions, businesses and educational institutions located in the neighborhood.
-Develops fundraising initiatives for operations and programs of the WCDC.
-Maintain relationships with funders, contributors, financial institutions and others who may be able to assist the WCDC accomplish its mission in the neighborhood.
-Represent the organization at functions in the neighborhood, governmental meetings, and at events of other not-for profit entities.

Competencies/Attitudes
Integrity    Models and demonstrates high standards of integrity, trust and respect for others. Demonstrates integrity in the work of the organization by honoring commitments and maintaining necessary confidentiality.
Work Ethic   Is productive, diligent, conscientious, timely and loyal.
Accountability   Accepts responsibility for actions and results
Interpersonal Skills   Shows understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern to develop and maintain relationships.
Self-Development   Adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions or unexpected obstacles.

Qualified candidates may apply by submitting a cover letter, current resume, and a list of references familiar with the work and character of the applicant. The Search Committee requests that the application packet be mailed or delivered to Phyllis Land Usher, Interim Director, Westside Community Development Corporation, 2232 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
Closing date for receipt of the complete application packet is August 20 2010.

ICND Annual Retreat

7/15/2010 1:42:52 PM

The Indianapolis Coalition for Neighborhood Development (ICND) will be holding their annual organizational planning retreat August 19th & 20th at the Brown County Inn.

The organization along with several of their development partners will map out plans for activites and events for remainder of 2010 & 2011. New this year Board Chairs of ICND members will also be in attendence hosting their own workshops on topics important to their roles as CDC Board chairs. If you are a board chair and planning to attend, please contact ICND Program Manager David Fredricks at 920-2300, x13.

INHP Block Parties

6/1/2010 7:47:55 AM

The Indianapolis Housing Neighborhood Partnership (INHP) will be hosting their BLOCK PARTIES starting on June 5th and taking place every Saturday in June. The Block Parties are meant to hilight various neighborhoods and communities around Indy to potential home buyers. Its a great way to meet new neighbors, and have some great food and fun. For information go to www.inhp.org/myblock/ on the party sites and how you can get involved.

ICND Summer Interns

4/6/2010 6:28:41 AM

ICND is committed to providing leadership and advocacy to promote community-led development of housing and economic opportunities in Indianapolis neighborhoods. As a membership organization of 20 community-based development orgaznizations, ICND is seeking up to 10 highly motivated interns to work with its members this summer. This 40 hour per week, 12 week internship is a unique opportunity for experiential learning and service in community and economic development. Each intern will fulfill a key role in the organization they serve and may be expected to perform a variety of duties related to affordable housing, community and economic development and public safety. Applicants should send a covver letter, resume, and contact information for three (3) references to the ICND Program Manager David Fredricks at dfredricks@iaced.org. No phone calls please! Deadline to submit your information is Monday, April 19th, 2010.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program Affinity Group

2/25/2010 2:01:07 PM

The monthly NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) Affinity group is compiled of the seven projects in Indianapolis. The group meets regularly once a month at Englewood Baptist church, 57 North Rural Street. The purpose of these meetings are to share information, develop policy, share best practices, and program updates amoung the Indianapolis NSP projects. The meeting take place on the 2nd Thursday morning of every month beginning at 8 a.m. For more information contact David Fredricks at 317-603-9084 or dfredricks@iaced.org.

IACED

2/25/2010 1:59:03 PM

Community is the Cornerstone of Economic Development

Community Economic Development (CED) is any local action that creates economic opportunities and improves social conditions, particularly for those who are most disadvantaged. At the Indiana Association for Community Economic Development (IACED), IACED represent the interests of organizations engaged in community economic development across Indiana.

Founded in 1986 to serve and partner with the community economic development sector, IACED's extensive network and diversified areas of expertise give us the capacity to make a difference in member efforts to improve local quality of life.

In 2004, IACED embarked on a strategic alliance with the Indianapolis Coalition for Neighborhood Development (ICND). ICND's board continues to contract with IACED to provide staff support and it has worked very well. Through this partnership, IACED has been able to provide staff support for the Community Development Summit held in Indianapolis, helped the CDCs conduct outreach to minority contractors and work on a variety of policy issues with the City

The Indiana Association for Community Economic Development (IACED) is your dynamic source of information, contacts and assistance.

Get up-to-date information about funding, availability, legislative issues, and what’s new around the state.
Receive community economic development information for free! Just give us your e-mail address and we’ll send you fresh information and good ideas that help you be successful in your community.

IACED is the statewide nonprofit association for organizations who re-build distressed communities in Indiana through:

Housing rehabilitation and construction
Employment generating activities
Real estate development, industrial and small business development
Social services

IACED promotes and supports its members’ efforts through:

Training
Direct technical assistance
Public policy advocacy
Research
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Networking & Communications
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Upcoming 2010 Trainings (The following trainings are planned for 2010, but dates are not yet finalized):

Comprehensive Community Economic Development (a series of four): February – July

Practitioners’ Expertise Training

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Cooperative Housing (1st Quarter)
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Land Banking to Facilitate Community Development (3rd Quarter)

Elective Trainings

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Aging in Place (1st Quarter)
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Using Data to Make Decisions (2nd Quarter)

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TBA (3rd or 4th Quarter)
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Affordable Green Housing Development (2nd & 3rd Quarters)

Executive Director Training Series (3rd Quarter)

Project Development Training (a series of five) – 3rd and 4th Quarter.

Stay connected to IACED and its members on Facebook and LinkedIn pages or on their new website at www.iaced.org

Unsung Indy

2/25/2010 1:58:46 PM

When the story of a place aligns with someone’s worldview, there is interest. A worldview is like a tuning fork when it hits something of the same frequency, it resonates. Unsung Indy is a pilot initiative led by the Indiana Association for Community Economic Development (IACED) and funded by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to establish a resonance between potential urban dwellers with Indianapolis’ “unsung” neighborhoods.

Indianapolis is a city of neighborhoods. The objective of Unsung Indy is to tell the story of neighborhoods outside of the downtown mile square which make up the city’s rich diversity. Realtors, small developers, and neighborhood-based community development corporations (CDCs) have marketed individual properties in urban neighborhoods with their limited budgets and time frames. However, there has been little unified effort to promote the quality of life benefits of buying a home in an urban neighborhood in anything like the manner utilized every day by large suburban developers. In response to the challenge of attracting more home buyers to neglected urban neighborhoods, the Unsung Indy campaign is a colorful and unified effort to share the stories of these “unsung” communities and promote the quality of life benefits of living and visiting these unique places.

Neighborhoods selected for the pilot initiative are:

Irvington
West Indianapolis
Watson McCord
Ransom Place
Holy Cross

A secondary aim of the Unsung Indy campaign is to promote the positive aspects of urban living, including but not limited to walkability, diversity and cultural experiences, architectural interest, tightly knit and engaged communities, active lifestyles, rich cultural life, and investment potential.

Such benefits of re-embracing urban living are well documented: better mass transit systems, better educational districts, and more successful law enforcement agencies funded by a deeper tax base. And communities can become stronger, more productive, and more caring through the physical closeness of shared spaces. One recent study by University of Utah researchers found that people who live in urban, walkable neighborhoods are at a lower risk for becoming overweight or obese. The study, published September 2008, found that urban neighborhoods built before 1950 tended to offer greater overall walkability because they were designed for pedestrian use. Newer neighborhoods often were designed to facilitate car travel, the researchers noted.

Finally, Unsung Indy is the first phase of a strategic plan to help the city’s urban communities compete with suburban developers for homebuyers. As a rule, urban neighborhoods don’t have access to the same marketing dollars commercial developers have to promote their various real estate ventures. Unsung Indy is an attempt to level this highly competitive playing field.

Seed money for the first phase of the Unsung Indy was provided by the Local Initiatives Support Corp.. The project is being managed by IACED. Creative materials and media placements are being produced by the three-sixty group. Selected neighborhoods will be supplied with various marketing materials designed to promote their distinct characteristics. A media strategy to promote the Unsung Indy initiative to the general public and build awareness at the neighborhood level is also planned. As resources permit, more unsung Indianapolis neighborhoods will be given an opportunity to share their stories.

Visit the Unsung Indy web site at http://www.unsungindy.org/

Monthly ICND Meetings

2/25/2010 1:58:26 PM

Mark your calendars for the monthly ICND meetings held on the 1st Friday of every month at the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, 1802 North Illinious Street.

Come and be apart of the evelopment of those involved in affoardable housing development and community revitalization in Indianapolis. For more information contact David Fredricks at 317-603-9084 or dfredricks@iaced.org. Meetings start at 11 a.m.