Neighborhood Revitalization in a Coal Region Community ... · PDF fileNeighborhood Revitalization in a Coal Region Community: Developing a Public Green Space in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania

Neighborhood Revitalization in a Coal Region Community: Developing a Public Green Space in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania

By: Dominic Scicchitano

Bucknell University Center for Sustainability and the Environment

Place Studies Program

29 August 2016

Abstract Neighborhood revitalization­­though at times costly and otherwise challenging­­ is a powerful method for preserving the integrity and beauty of large urban areas and small towns alike. The conversion of previously derelict sites into thriving urban green spaces­­ often in the form of public parks that contain a segment of living greenery­­ presents a concrete strategy for revitalizing these locations. Aside from neighborhood beautification, the development and presence of green space has been found to contribute to increased mental and physical health, create a stronger sense of social inclusion, and promote ecological sustainability among a myriad of other benefits within the populations they serve (Van den Berg, 2010; Seeland, 2007; Attracting Wildlife to a Former Dumping Ground , 2015) . This paper examines a number of case studies from the United States and abroad to illustrate the potential asset of green space in otherwise developed locations, while observing community attitudes towards green space in the Coal Region of Pennsylvania. The research aims to assist the creation of a public green space in the vacant lot adjacent to the Mount Carmel Public Library, which serves four low­income municipalities in the Mount Carmel Area School District, through the aforementioned background literature review, a community survey, interviews, and personal visits to existing spaces to draw upon other successful initiatives. These combined research efforts demonstrate well­documented benefits of green spaces in numerous cases outside of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, as well as resoundingly positive community attitudes regarding the proposed project at the Mount Carmel Public Library. Key Words Green space, urban planning, libraries, sustainability Introduction Urban “greening”­­the processes by which previously industrial or abandoned space is transformed into green space­­ has emerged as a prominent method for revitalizing depressed neighborhoods, municipalities, and even entire cities. Pennsylvania’s Coal Region contains a plethora of communities­­ many having reached levels of relative disrepair following the slow collapse of the underground coal mining industry in the latter half of the 20th century­­ that would benefit greatly from such initiatives. Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania epitomizes a Coal Region town that stands to benefit substantially from any revitalization efforts, with its low educational spending, median household income of $32,278, and 18.5% percent of individuals living below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, 2016). Though “greening” on its own cannot directly address these burdens, the vacant lot adjacent to the Mount Carmel Public Library holds the potential to revitalize a community in need of other, less tangible services by uniting the public to create a space influenced by their shared visions for it. This research aims to explore successful greening initiatives distally and locally through in­person tours accompanied by interviews, as well as through an examination of case studies. . Additionally, it seeks to assess

attitudes of community members in the municipalities served by the Mount Carmel Public Library toward the creation of a public green space in the vacant lot immediately adjacent to the library, with a goal of identifying a collective concept for the project so that it might move forward into further stages of implementation. Background, Assets, and Limitations for Developing a Library Green Space The Mount Carmel Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania that provides free services to all boroughs and townships within the public Mount Carmel Area School District, these being Kulpmont Borough, Marion Heights Borough, the Borough of Mount Carmel, and Mount Carmel Township. This area encompasses a population of 12,577 individuals (2010 census); of this, approximately 8,800 people are library patrons, a testament of the library’s integral role in the community. (“Mount Carmel Area Public Library,” 2016). The school district currently spend the least amount of money per student per year on school operations in the state of Pennsylvania, further emphasizing the library’s educational role (Brown, 2015). In May of 2012, the library purchased a derelict building next to theirs that had fallen into disrepair after substantial neglect, and acted quickly to demolish the building, thus forming a vacant lot measuring 25’ by 150’ (See Appendix B for photos of the lot). The library wishes to convert the lot into a publically accessible green space in an effort to provide a positive asset to the underserved communities within their range and expand their already influential role as an educational and social institution to reach more individuals. Ongoing plans to establish a public green space in the vacant lot adjacent to the Mount Carmel Public Library indicate promising assets but also significant limitations. In 2015 and 2016, donations to the project have totalled $9,866.76, along with various memorial items including four benches and two sapling trees. Another, less tangible asset is an empty room in the library’s basement that is currently set aside for use as a gardening room to store maintenance tools and supplies once the green space is created. Additionally, an exposed wall on one side of the lot provides a promising site for a mural should the wall be refinished. Other intangible yet invaluable assets include an extremely dedicated head librarian committed to realizing the project, and a demonstrated community commitment to revitalizing other vacant lots in the area. However, the library’s green space development initiative faces many (some costly) obstacles to its ultimate realization. When the building adjacent to the library was demolished, it left the library’s uninsulated wall exposed entire, driving up current heating and cooling costs and posing a significant financial obstacle to future development of the vacant lot. Other challenges have stemmed from the lot’s previous occupation by a building, such as the fact that it contains no topsoil, only fill. Hence, raised beds will have to be constructed for any flowers or plants that will be incorporated into the space. The building’s old foundations­ which lie below the lot­ raise questions regarding site integrity and safety that can only be answered by the allocation of time,

funds, and human resources. Other obstacles include the cost of installing a surveillance system on the lot to deter illegal activity, and the challenge of discouraging the neighborhood’s feral cat population from entering the lot. Additionally, efforts to create green space face legal considerations. For example, the Borough of Mount Carmel’s ordinance number 2014­01 contains stipulations that will influence the development of the space, but that for the most part are not necessarily challenges but rather implied standards for operation. Specifically, Section 3 includes guidelines for the proper disposal of garbage and recyclables, as well as regulations for the cleanup of animal feces, removal of snow and ice from a property’s sidewalks, and limitations for excessive growth of weeds and other plants (Borough of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania Ordinance 2014­01 (2014)). These stipulations will make regular maintenance to the space imperative, raising the question of what individuals will be responsible for said upkeep. Lastly, though the Americans with Disabilities Act does not contain specific requirements for the dimensions of park benches, they offer suggestions for ensuring accessibility that the library might consider when acquiring seating in the future (ADA Criteria for Benches, 2016). The library might also choose to follow suggestions for public park infrastructure and sustainability outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) ( Sample Community Garden Guidelines , 2012; Green Principles for Park Development and Sustainability , 2012). Though there are challenges to any revitalization initiative, the realization of the Mount Carmel Public Library’s vision for a community green space is not only entirely within reach, but a worthwhile pursuit. Background research into the obstacles faced­­ and ultimately overcome­­ by similar initiatives emphasizes this point, as do the various benefits of public green space highlighted in existing literature. A review of the innumerable assets offered by green space, combined with investigations of distant and local examples, provide insight into the logistics of development efforts leading up to a space’s inception and its enduring benefits. Comparative Analysis of Example Green Spaces In order to gain perspective on the various challenges faced and successes obtained by green space initiatives on a broader scale, six communities were examined, these being Milton, PA and Berwick, PA through the use of personal visits and interviews, and an examination of case studies in Philadelphia, PA, Wilmington, DE, Coventry, RI, and Toronto ON.

In Milton, Pennsylvania much of the town’s existing green space was created in conjunction with the development of the Milton Downtown Historic Walking Tour, which consists of 16 sites in a one­mile downtown loop ( Milton Historic Downtown Walking Tour , 2016) (See Appendix B for photos of sites on the walking tour). George Venios, (Main Street Manager for The Improved Milton Experience (TIME)), indicated that one of the project’s challenges was discovering a way to implement its goals within a constrained budget, as to hire an outside designer would have led to a final cost of over one million dollars. Another was more tangible, being the problems associated with building on abandoned lots where buildings once stood. When digging to place one of the informative kiosks, the basement of a previous building was discovered, and had to be filled in completely to ensure structural integrity (G. Venios, Personal Interview, 25 May 2016). Milton’s greening projects, specifically those associated with the walking tour, have been very successful. Of the 16 sites on the walking tour, 14 were created as entirely new parks, with the other two being integrated into existing green areas (G. Venios, Personal Interview, 25 May 2016). This ratio indicates the successful creation of new areas of green space that serve recreational, informative, and ecological purposes. Additionally, the speedy development of the project—with just one year passing between its conceptualization and dedication—is a testament to the efficiency with which it was fulfilled in not only a temporal but also financial sense (“The Milton Historic Downtown Walking Tour: Milton, Pennsylvania”). The walking tour was self­designed, saving thousands of dollars in outside assistance. Funds were also saved in a way that directly engaged community involvement; building trade high school students designed and built the kiosks that displayed historical text and images, as well as the park benches. Juvenile court teenagers from Northumberland, PA completed initial digging and placement of kiosks, as well as basic landscaping. One­third of the newly formed parks were constructed on private property after TIME reached out to homeowners, leading to indefinite free leases to construct sites on the trail while further strengthening community investment in the project (G. Venios, Personal Interview, 25 May 2016). Additionally, Venios designed the images and wrote the informative text for the kiosks himself. The funds received—nearly 200 thousand dollars in business and private donations—were therefore able to be used very liberally due to the money saved elsewhere. Beyond its development in 2005, the walking tour still engages the community directly and indirectly. Since TIME is responsible for its maintenance, it does not undergo regular upkeep by city agencies. Rather, students from the teen center, Meadowbrook Christian School, and Milton schools are involved in landscaping, painting, and classroom visits. A “Heart and Soles” walking program encourages citizens to log miles in Milton to earn discounts and prizes, drawing them to both the historic walking tour and local businesses (G. Venios, Personal Interview, 25 May 2016). In nearby Berwick, Administrative Assistant Nancy Sborz identified funding as one barrier facing the creation of Heimbach Park, which was constructed atop a vacant peninsula cleared by a multiple­building fire (See Appendix B for photos of Heimbach Park). She also noted

logistical difficulties in working with PennDOT, whose aid was required in constructing new sidewalks after the demolition of the entire peninsula where the buildings used to sit (N. Sborz, Personal Interview, 26 May 2016). Specifically, acquiring the necessary permits for construction was an arduous process. Though unable to provide specific figures, Sborz noted that funding goals were achieved, largely from a PennDOT grant and multiple individual donations. Individual donations from families of veterans, for example, funded the creation of a water fountain, and “in memory of...” plaques identified benches and other fixtures funded by donations (N. Sborz, Personal Interview, 26 May 2016). The park’s success might also be measured by the improved downtown aesthetic, as previous buildings were quite dilapidated. Additionally, the park succeeded in stimulating community involvement; the various wooden “Singing in the Rain” silhouettes that now adorn the park were painted by community members, including many children. In Toronto, one daunting obstacle to the conversion of brownfields­­ potentially contaminated land that was previously used for industrial purposes­­ to green space was the extensive scale of the problem, with an estimated 865 acres of brownfield present in 1998 (De Sousa, 2003). Additionally, brownfield redevelopment in Toronto has traditionally been viewed as a private sector responsibility, with the city having limited financial resources and political authority to carry out such projects. The financial limitations were another primary obstacle, as the cost of site assessment and remediation was on average 430,000 dollars per project (De Sousa, 2003). Finally, contamination at the sites raised the challenge of creating green spaces that guarantee chemical exposure at minimal levels. Greening projects in Toronto successfully created 1520 new acres of green space in a variety of forms (parkette, reconstructed wetland, park with amphitheater, etc.) (De Sousa, 2003). The city overcame the perception of greening as a private task, as all projects were carried out by the public sector, most by the government’s Park’s Department in spans of 3­5 years for each project. Despite the high project costs, 90­100% of the burdens were assumed by the public sector at various levels of government (De Sousa, 2003). Strategies such as “digging­and­dumping” and “capping” were used to reduce exposure to hazardous remnants of former industrial sites, with other innovative technologies (i.e. X­ray Fluorescent Technology) used for some projects. Toronto’s greening initiatives were also successful in their stimulation of collaboration between multiple agencies, including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Federal Government (De Sousa, 2003). In their efforts to convert a long­abandoned gas station into green space, the city of Wilmington, DE, faced similar challenges of cleaning up a chemically volatile area. However, they successfully removed four underground storage tanks as well as 3,000 gallons of loose product and contaminated water that had been leaked during the excavation, preventing further contamination ( Wilmington, DE: Paving its Brownfields ‘Green,’ 2005). The project was notable

in its integration of community input, as multiple meetings were held to acquire a sense of their vision for the space; from these, they determined that a park and parking lot combination was the best use for the space. Additionally, the parking lot is notable in its propensity for actually reducing stormwater runoff through a system that collects water in piping below the lot before transferring it to a bioswale (a depression in the surface that allows water to absorb into the ground). Beneath the lot and the bioswale lies a layer of sand and peat moss to absorb any contaminants carried by the runoff. With these characteristics, the lot serves a dual purpose of providing parking area while also acting as an ecological buffer similar to that of the adjacent green space ( Wilmington, DE: Paving its Brownfields ‘Green,’ 2005) . As in previous examples, efforts to convert a former dumping ground in Coventry, RI, to a thriving green space that could connect to an existing preserve were met with significant challenges. For decades, discarded construction materials had piled up and introduced a variety of contaminants at the vacant property. In response, the town’s public works department removed contaminated soils and solid wastes in accordance with EPA procedure ( Attracting Wildlife to a Former Dumping Ground, 2015) . In addition to chemical cleanup, the town also hired a contractor to mitigate populations of Phragmites, an invasive species of reed. Following the obstacle of cleanup and soil remediation, crews were able to introduce specific wetland plants, construct a parking lot at the park’s entrance, and install the beginnings of a boardwalk that connects to the neighboring conservation area. Additionally, funding was a major obstacle to the town’s goals. However, the US Fish and Wildlife Service awarded 40,000 dollars—restitution paid by a polluter during a previous cleanup effort—to the town of Coventry ( Attracting Wildlife to a Former Dumping Ground, 2015). The town received additional funding support from its sewer commission (who wanted to install a new pumping station on the property), the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (for wetland restoration and park construction), and and additional 143,000 dollars from the USFWS to support floodplain expansion. Hence, the project’s primary obstacle turned into a highly successful fundraising effort ( Attracting Wildlife to a Former Dumping Ground, 2015). Despite obstacles, the creation of the Sandy Acres Recreation Area was highly beneficial. The 20­acre park promotes community interaction through youth group visits and plans to expand community programs to maintain it. From an ecological standpoint, the park enhances wildlife habitat significantly, especially in an area dominated by commercial properties. These habitats offer a dual benefit, as they also extend the floodplain (a serious benefit to local residents whose homes were previously flooded). Additionally, the park draws commerce to nearby businesses, while providing an oasis in a business­driven area. Finally, with regard to the creation of Liberty Lands in Philadelphia, PA, chemical contamination was the primary obstacle, as the lot was previously occupied by a tannery. The EPA’s superfund removal program helped the city remove 1,000 drums and chemical containers from the building

and site in 1987 ( A Vision of Liberty is Realized , 2008). When it was discovered that polychlorinated biphenyls were leaking onto a street three years later, they returned to assist in cleanup. Another significant challenge emerged when the City of Philadelphia demolished the tannery and placed a 500,000­dollar lien on the property (the costs accumulated during demolition), which was owned by the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association. Following a 15,000 dollar EPA grant to perform assessments on the site—the results of which indicated that the property was clear of contamination and ready for green space redevelopment— the NLNA convinced the city to absolve the liens and other debts attached to the property ( A Vision of Liberty is Realized , 2008). Despite initial debt burdens, the NLNA received a 69,000 dollar grant from the Philadelphia Urban Resources Partnership (PURP) ( A Vision of Liberty is Realized , 2008) . A stipulation of the grant required that community members match the grant either in volunteer hours or financing; the NLNA doubled this requirement, demonstrating the community’s passion for the project. In total, they have contributed more than 200,000 dollars’ worth of volunteer hours and 100,000 dollars in donations to the park ( A Vision of Liberty is Realized , 2008) . The NLNA was also extremely successful in receiving more funds from a variety of sources and cooperation with groups such as the Philadelphia Green (part of the PA Horticultural Society). The park was also extremely successful from a sustainability perspective. Biosolids from wastewater treatment, for example, were used as both fertilizer and topsoil. The community’s investment in the project and diverse funding portfolio also spurred the inclusion of a community garden, picnic benches, a Native American herb garden, a playground, a butterfly garden, a composting area, stone retaining walls, more than 100 trees, and a screen for showing outdoor movies ( A Vision of Liberty is Realized , 2008). Benefits of Green Space Much of the existing literature on green spaces pertains to their myriad social, ecological, economic, and other services. The context surrounding the aforementioned cases of the Comparative Analysis also parallels and supports this assertion. Among other benefits, public green spaces and parks’ most visible assets are undoubtedly their ability to provide citizens with areas for their relaxation and enjoyment in an otherwise hectic manmade environment. Northern Liberties Neighbors Association Member Janet Finegar remarked, “A lot of people just eat lunch and watch the greenery. It is the only park in our neighborhood, the only place to just go and sit” with regard to people’s appreciation for Philadelphia’s Liberty Lands. In addition to the tangible benefit of providing individuals with an available space for recreational purposes, public green spaces and parks also provide a variety of social and ecological benefits. De Sousa (2003) cites ecological benefits and stimulated collaboration among disparate groups—such as community organizations and government agencies—as primary benefits of converting previously derelict areas to green space, noting flood control, economic stimulation, and improved neighborhood

aesthetics as other benefits. In addition, the health of individuals can also benefit from the presence of greenery. Multiple studies demonstrate a correlation between the presence of green space and increased individual health, both mental and physical. Van den Berg (2010) observed a relationship between the presence of green space in an individual’s environment and their ability to cope with stressful life events such as a death or divorce, quantified as a decrease in number of health complaints and improved perceived physical and general health. Maas (2006) echoed these sentiments, noting additionally that “health differences in residents of urban and rural municipalities are to a large extent explained by the amount of green space,” suggesting that non­urban residents typically benefit from larger quantities of green space per capita (pp. 591). Age also played a role in these observations, as there was a tendency for youth and the elderly to display the strongest health benefits from green space at all levels of urbanity, despite its positive influence on all age groups (Mass, 2006). Perhap related to the benefit to a community’s youth is their propensity for utilizing parks and green spaces as locations for playing, exercising, and socializing with other individuals within their age group. Seeland (2007) stipulates that said interactions in public green spaces may even foster social inclusion amongst youth from marginalized ethnic and socioeconomic groups, thus contributing to an increased sense of belonging and improved mental health. In addition to psychological and social benefits, public green spaces also provide valuable ecological services, acting as species habitats and bridges between larger ecosystems. At times, these sites do so as a result of sustainably­focused development, such as in the case of Philadelphia’s Liberty Lands. There, the use of biosolids as topsoil and fertilizer, creation of a compost area, and inclusion of over 100 trees offer numerous environmental benefits ( A Vision of Liberty is Realized , 2008). Additionally, the mere act of converting a brownfield into green space provides an intrinsic benefit of removing contamination from a site that was once hazardous to the local community. This can also be observed with respect to brownfield redevelopment projects in Toronto, Ontario, Wilmington, Delaware, and Coventry, Rhode Island (De Sousa, 2003; Wilmington, DE: Paving its Brownfields ‘Green,’ 2005; Attracting Wildlife to a Former Dumping Ground, 2015). Generally speaking, the presence of green space has also been associated with benefits to non­human species. Sandström (2006) studied the Swiss city of Örebro and found an increase in both the number of species of birds and individual birds from the city center to surrounding lands, demonstrating a correlation between the ratio of green space and overall ecological richness. Hence, the establishment of urban green space can be expected to provide important species habitat, especially if vegetations mimic natural settings (Sandström, 2006). In Coventry, Rhode Island, the final product of greening efforts also illustrates this concept, providing habitat in which turkeys, deer, turtles and many species of waterfowl and

songbirds have been observed residing ( Attracting Wildlife to a Former Dumping Ground , 2015). Finally, greening initiatives can in some cases stimulate economic gain in addition to the aforementioned benefits. In the case of the Milton Historic Downtown Walking Tour, the sixteen small parks scattered downtown helps boost local business, as does an exercise program that encourages people to accumulate 100 miles on the loop (Interview, 25 May 2016). Other initiatives promote economic security on an individual as well as business level. Coventry, Rhode Island’s Sandy Acres Recreational Area project not only beautifies the surrounding business district by attract patrons with its beauty but also extends the floodplain to protect individuals’ properties and reduce costs associated with flood damage ( Attracting Wildlife to a Former Dumping Ground , 2015). Regardless of scale or context, public green spaces provide a variety of social, ecological, and economic assets to the communities in which they are established. In addition to publications directly pertaining to the benefits of green space, there exist others that explore the role of collaboration in green space development. When initiating any sort of project that involves constituents of the private and public sectors, collaboration among the groups involved is key to that project’s long­term success. Koontz (2006) cites “improved trust and understanding among diverse stakeholders, as well as to increased legitimacy in the broader community” as benefits of collaborative design approaches (pp. 18). One particular version of such approaches, called a “charrette,” shows promise for meeting goals of community engagement in local initiatives relating to green space and other public undertakings. Sutton and Kemp (2006) define design charrettes as “intensive participatory workshops that [address] specific community problems and [provide] a context for integrating design and social science inquiry with local community knowledge” (pp. 1). Other research identifies numerous benefits of employing charrettes in community projects, specifically stemming from its role as a tool for “placemaking”­­the processes by which people intentionally transform their neighborhoods via parks and other elements. Sutton (2002) notes the propensity for collaborative design charrettes to engage children in said placemaking as citizens capable of contributing their own ideas to a project, rather than merely viewing them as “becoming adults.” In this, charrettes may help to ensure that a community’s future interests are being fairly represented by directly involving those who are growing and evolving with it. Design charrettes, while engaging youth, are also notable in their broader ability to integrate cross­disciplinary perspectives. Sutton and Kemp (2006) identify three general classes of perspectives­­the designer’s approach, social scientist’s approach, and community member’s approach­­ which were generally well­integrated in the context of three different charrettes relating to the development of shared public spaces. Specifically, collaborative charrettes were

effective at stimulating involvement in projects focused on outdoor learning in a suburban community, a second on maintaining small­town character as density increases, and a third on developing an abandoned school neighborhood into a small heritage museum/park area (Sutton and Kemp, 2006). In accommodating the objectives, methods, and even biases of apparently disparate designers, community residents, scientists, and students, charrettes present a viable strategy for creating community projects that ensure the most comprehensive combination of empirical, artistic, and individual influences. Methods In addition to the background research and literature review, a survey was conducted to assess community interest in the future development of a public green space adjacent to the Mount Carmel Public Library, while also assessing the current level of community­library interaction across each of the boroughs and townships the library serves. The survey was comprised of multiple choice, likert scale, choose from a list, and open response questions. (See Appendix A for Survey). Each respondent was expected to devote 5­10 minutes to the completion of the survey, with no additional time commitment. Data was collected via a Google Forms survey, using an iPad to obtain responses. The survey ensured anonymity, as it did not ask for or allow participants to enter their name. A separate sign up sheet for participants who had interest in further involvement with the green space project preserved full confidentiality of survey responses. The sample consisted of adults aged 18 and older living in the four boroughs and townships of the Mount Carmel Area School District, which is served by the Mount Carmel Public Library. The respondents were recruited by convenience sampling that encouraged their voluntary participation in a public setting such as a grocery store or farmers’ market. In addition to providing their gender, age, and township/borough of residence, respondents were asked six other questions pertaining to their current and potential future frequency of library usage, their agreement with statements regarding the importance of green space, what features they would hope to see in a green space adjacent to the library, and which services they would be willing to provide to assist the creation of the aforementioned space. A total of 37 responses were obtained in visits to three sites: the Shops on the Corner in Mount Carmel Borough on June 25, 2016, outside of the Mount Carmel Public Library in Mount Carmel Borough on June 30, 2016, and at the Mount Carmel Farmers’ Market in Mount Carmel Township on July 2, 2016. Attempts were made to establish survey sites in other boroughs and townships, but efforts were inhibited by the general unresponsiveness of location contacts. At each location, a table was set up and individuals who passed by were invited to contribute their voluntary participation to the survey. The collected data was then analyzed in Microsoft Excel using commonly­used formulas, including correlation analyses and T­Tests.

Results/Findings The results of the survey indicate strong community investment in the Mount Carmel Public Library’s green space initiative. On average, respondents rated their current frequency of library usage as a 2.93 (occasionally/sometimes). When asked to rate how influential (on a Likert scale of 1­5) the creation of green space would be in increasing their frequency of library visitation, the average respondent answered with “very influential” (3.86). This trend, which exhibits no correlation with age, demonstrates the potential for a green space to promote more frequent use by all library patrons. In response to questions asking them to rate (1­5) their level of agreement with three statements pertaining to the importance of green space­­”I believe green spaces provide a variety of benefits to the communities in which they are located,” “I believe a community green space at the Mount Carmel Public Library would be an asset to downtown Mount Carmel,” and “I believe a community green space at the Mount Carmel Public Library would be an asset to my township/borough of residence”­­ the average participant rated their agreement as 4.92, 4.84, and 4.68, respectively. This mean result, which translates to “strongly agree” indicates a populous that perceives green space as valuable and necessary in both other communities and their own. The survey drew fairly balanced representation from the largest municipalities in the Mount Carmel Public Library’s area of service, with 45.9 % of the respondents residing in Mount Carmel Borough, 18.9% from Mount Carmel Township, 10.8% from Kulpmont, and 24.3% from “Other.” The Borough of Marion Heights was not represented in the survey due to a variety of factors discussed in the following section. With regard to gender demographics, there were no statistically significant differences in responses between males and females across the range of questions. Age also played practically no role in the response to most questions. The average age of respondents was 53, with a 72­year age range (with respondents ranging from 20 to 92 years­old). For example, there existed no discernable correlation between age and current green space usage, nor between age and self­reported “likelihood to join a community gardening club if one were created to serve the created space and/or other local parks”. Conversely, there existed a weak negative correlation between age and projected frequency of future library visitation, should a green space be developed. This suggests a slight propensity for the space to exert greater influence over younger groups, perhaps because older individuals currently utilize the library’s resources more frequently and stand to continue this habit regardless of additions or upgrades. Hence, revitalization appeals more directly to younger adults, some of whom may be parents. In the survey’s two checklist style questions, respondents were asked to indicate what features they would like to see in a green space at the Mount Carmel Public Library, and what services

they would be willing to offer for the creation of such a space. The results are displayed in two charts below:

As demonstrated by the first table, 81% of the respondents (the highest percentage for any one response) checked “Seating Areas” as a feature of interest, suggesting a predominant perception of the green space as a site of leisure. This notion is reinforced by the relatively low (43%) number of respondents that selected “Fruit/vegetable garden,” many of whom verbally expressed the intense maintenance that would be required to maintain such a fixture. The second chart

clearly demonstrates community interest in involvement with the project­ though relatively few respondents were interested in future maintenance of the space, 35% of respondents said they would volunteer in a community work day, with 32% willing to provide monetary donations. Concurrently, 30% of respondents identified themselves as “not able to provide assistance.” Though no further reasons were recorded, one might identify financial or personal barriers that directly inhibit full individual participation in a struggling community. Among the respondents who chose to answer the open response question at the end of the survey, the prevailing view was that of green space as an asset in Mount Carmel. One respondent cited future benefits for the library, calling the green space initiative “vital to the library adapting into a 21st­century space”. Others noted benefits for the town itself, one writing that the space “would beautify Mt. Carmel more, maybe bring some tourists”, another suggesting that the park would provide “somewhere to go” for the town’s youth that otherwise “get into trouble.” In addition to these more particular impacts, one respondent identified broader implications of a greening project in Mount Carmel, stating that the space will serve as an example of “how vision, planning, and effort can make something living and beautiful”. Discussion Though the survey yielded useful results, some difficulties were encountered regarding the representation of Marion Heights in the sample of respondents. The borough’s small population size of roughly 600 individuals and lack of public sites for surveying (the town does not have a grocery store or other market within its area) made surveying directly in Marion Heights very difficult. However, the other three municipalities served by the library were represented in the convenience sample at the three survey sites. In future projects, establishing contact with members of target communities as early as possible might improve the number of survey locations, thus bringing in more results with a broader range of respondents. In the case of this study, a compact timeframe limited the surveying itself to a shorter span than that which might be appropriate in the case of larger, more data­centric studies. This survey’s results support the broader affirmation that green space provides a variety of benefits to the community in which it is developed, while having the potential to unite otherwise disparate groups. The overwhelmingly positive response to this survey demonstrates a strong support for this project among the public, represented by respondents drawn from three of the four municipalities in the Mount Carmel Area School District. Additionally, 22% of the respondents (8 total) provided contact information to pursue further involvement with the project and receive updates from the library, indicating a fair contingent of individuals committed to directly assisting the space’s development. The results of the conducted survey, coupled with the analysis present in the comparative case studies and background literature review, illustrates the promising potential for the development of thriving green space at the Mount Carmel Public

Library in Mount Carmel, PA. The information presented in this paper seeks to assist the library in their goal of acquiring funding for and ultimately developing a public green space in the vacant lot adjacent to their building (See Appendix C for list of potential grant sources). This study essentially provides the groundwork needed for the library to move forward into planning and implementing a design for a space that will provide innumerable benefits to the Mount Carmel area and surrounding communities for years to come. Acknowledgments This research was made possible through generous support from the Bucknell Public Interest Program at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, as well as the continuous guidance from Dr. Shaunna Barnhart, head of the Bucknell University Place Studies Program and my immediate supervisor throughout the course of this project. Additionally, I would like to thank Vivian McCracken, Head Librarian at the Mount Carmel Public Library, for her enthusiasm and openness toward collaborating with an undergraduate student to help the library lay the groundwork for realizing its vision. Lastly, I would like to thank Jake Betz from the Mother Maria Kaupus Center in Mount Carmel for additional advice and support.

Appendix A Replica Survey: This survey is part of a student research project through Bucknell University’s Place Studies Program, in collaboration with the Mount Carmel Public Library. It aims to assess community attitudes surrounding the concept of a “green space,” and the future development of such a project in the vacant lot adjacent to the library. For the purpose of this survey, the term “green space” refers to “an area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an otherwise urban environment.” The survey should take only 5­10 minutes to complete. There will be no risk to you, though you may choose to stop taking the survey at any point by your own volition. The survey is anonymous, though you may choose to provide your contact information on the separate sign­in sheet if you would like to be further involved. The Bucknell University Institutional Review Board has approved this project. Please contact Dominic Scicchitano at [email protected] or (570)­441­7267 with any questions or concerns. I have read the above information, and any questions or concerns regarding it were answered to my satisfaction. By voluntary completion of this survey, I give my consent for the researcher to include my data when analyzing the aggregate responses, thereby participating in this study. Township/Borough of Residence: (drop down including the four townships/boroughs of the Mount Carmel Area School District as well as an “other” option) Age: (type in) Gender: (drop down with options of male, female, other, and choose not to respond) Number of children currently residing in household: (type in) 1. On a scale of 1­5 (1­ Never use, 2­ Almost never, 3­ Occasionally/sometimes, 4­ Almost every time, 5­ Frequently use) how often do you currently utilize the services offered by the Mount Carmel Public Library? 2. How influential (1­ not at all influential, 2­ slightly influential, 3­ somewhat influential, 4­ very influential, 5­ extremely influential) would the presence of a publicly accessible green space be in increasing your frequency of library visitation in the future? 3. Please rate your level of agreement with the following statements (1­ strongly disagree, 2­ somewhat disagree, 3­ neither agree nor disagree, 4­ somewhat agree, 5­ strongly agree): I believe green spaces provide a variety of benefits to the communities in which they are located.

I believe a community green space at the Mount Carmel Public Library would be an asset to downtown Mount Carmel. I believe a community green space at the Mount Carmel Public Library would be an asset to my township/borough of residence. 4. What types of assistance would you be willing to offer to assist the creation of such a space? Check all that apply: (Checklist)­ monetary donation, donation of plants, soil, or other supplies, volunteer in development, volunteer in a community work day, volunteer in future maintenance, other (please specify), I am not able to offer assistance 5. What types of features would you like to see incorporated into a public green space at the Mount Carmel Public Library? Check all that apply: (Checklist)­ seating areas, native plant garden, food garden, butterfly garden, bird feeders, murals, sustainable features (such as a rain barrel or biosolid topsoil), other (please specify) 6. Should one be created, how likely would you be to join a Community Gardening Club that would work on maintaining this green space and/or greenery in other locations (1­ extremely unlikely, 2­ unlikely, 3­ neutral, 4­ likely, 5­ extremely likely)? 7. Do you have any additional comments, ideas, or visions regarding the green space that will be created at the Mount Carmel Public Library?

Appendix B Photos of Vacant Lot Adjacent to Public Library in Mount Carmel, PA:

Photos of Parks in Milton, PA:

Photos of Parks in Berwick, PA:

Appendix C Grant Information:

Title: The Harry and Jeanette Weinburg Foundation, Inc. (General Community Support) Summary: This grant provides funds to support renovation or construction of affordable housing or neighborhood revitalization and community improvement projects in low­income areas in the country of Israel, the state of Maryland, or the state of Pennsylvania. The first step in seeking funding is to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Deadline: Continuous, no defined due date Link: http://hjweinbergfoundation.org/program­areas/general­community­support/ Title: Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program Summary: Offers funds of up to $5,000 dollars in the form of Home Depot gift cards that must be used to complete projects within six months of receiving the grant. Supports projects including the “ renovation, refurbishment, retrofitting, accessibility modifications, and/or weatherization of existing homes, centers, schools and other similar facilities”. Seems to be a viable option to assist the weatherization of the library’s exposed wall. Applications are submitted online. Deadline: December 31, 2016 Link : http://corporate.homedepot.com/grants/community­impact­grants Title: DCNR Grants Program Summary: Offers various grants to assist development of small parks (suggested by Wes Fahringer); must create an account to access grants. Deadline: n/a Link : https://www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us/Dashboard/Grants

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