4 May 2011
EcoCenter Updates and Event Invitations
Posted by Admin under: Events; Green Building; Morristown EcoCenter .
Our May 21 meeting will focus on the latest developments at the EcoCenter—and in the meantime check out our line-up of art events, fundraisers, and the Design Charrette Apr 4-9.
Our next Sustainable Leadership Forum will focus on the progress we are making with the Morristown EcoCenter; and there is an opportunity for you to participate in this progress as it is occurring on a daily basis.
Design Charrette
This week we are beginning the EcoCenter Design Charrette — the kickoff is Wednesday, May 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. — and we welcome your participation at some or all of the sessions if you want to contribute to the design. Here’s some more detail on this:
The community design process for the proposed EcoCenter at 55 Bank Street, Morristown, NJ will take place over the following series of sessions:
Wednesday, May 4: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Topic: Ideas & Concerns
We will be asking neighbors, experts, and interested parties what they want to see in the EcoCenter as well as what we need to consider to enhance the neighborhood and the community.
Who Should Attend: All interested parties are strongly encouraged to participate in this kickoff session.
Thursday, May 5: 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Topic: Big Picture Planning
Site evaluation, drainage and hydrology, parking and traffic patterns will be discussed.
Who Should Attend: All those with expertise and strong interests in these topics are encouraged to attend.
Friday, May 6: 11am to 5pm
Topic: MEP (Mechanical, Electric, and Plumbing)
Most efficient ways to heat and cool the building as well as other energy savers.
Who Should Attend: All those with expertise and strong interests in these topics are encouraged to attend.
Saturday, May 7: 12pm to 5pm
Topic: Follow up and feedback
We will be following up on any unfinished topics from the previous days, and will be inviting public comment on results of the previous sessions.
Who Should Attend: Neighbors, Experts & Interested Parties
For those unable to attend in person, we will be live-blogging the Design Charrette at
http://charrette.morristownecocenter.com/
in a wiki-type format.
The entire project, including this design process, is intended to demonstrate the principles of sustainable economic development. We have opened the project up to the community, and we are effectively co-designing the revitalization of the property with the neighborhood. By bringing in a mix of professionals, local businesspeople, and community residents, we are able to bring the best in current sustainable design to the social, economic, and ecological aspects of the site.
Our goal is to build a visually-attractive, LEED-certifiable, multi-use, and economically self-sustaining operation. As we see it evolving, we see it including a Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Food Hub, Green Retail, Commercial Kitchen, Creative and Event Space, the Business Incubator, Rooftop Greenhouses with demonstrations of urban agriculture technology, educational and event programming, and inspiration for further economic development in harmony with the neighborhood, the community, and the bioregion.
We invite a wide contribution of ideas, suggestions, technologies, products, activities, and financial support. We are currently seeking both private investors and commercial financing. If you can join us for one or more of these sessions we welcome your input.
Other Events at the EcoCenter
- Raw Milk Forum, May 5, 7-9 p.m.: Hosted by the Health Shoppe — Panel discussion of the benefits and risks of raw milk. Legislation will also be discussed.
- Arts Showcase May 12-14, Opening Reception May 12, 6-9 p.m.
- Green Builders Showcase, May 19-20.
- Sustainable Morristown Celebration, May 21-22.
- Farm to Table Fundraising Dinner June 6.
For a complete calendar of events, please visit http://MorristownEcoCenter.com, and click on Calendar.
Sustainable Leadership Forum, Saturday, May 21, 1-4 p.m.
A comprehensive update on the Morristown EcoCenter, and how you can participate in creating this unique sustainable demonstration and development project. RSVP to rsvp@slforum.org. Members and first-time guests are free; otherwise $20 — or join at any level. For more details, see SustainableLeadershipForum.org.