Ideas: Organic Green Pepper

Posted on by catinon

I was a server at Green Pepper, a Korean bistro and lounge nestled in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

It was wonderful getting to learn about a new style of ethnic cuisine, I just wish the food were organic. As a personal preference, I wish there was less of an emphasis on meat. The veggie side dishes are part of the meal too, you know.

I also wish there was recycling. And compost.

I wish I could do a sustainability assessment with the help of my friends at Sustainable Pittsburgh and their Sustainable Restaurant Program. Do a complete overhaul and highlight the process as a case study. The ground is ripe with opportunity.

I wish there was more of a dedicated space to learn about Korean culture and history instead of just K-pop and random bits of news blasting at you from giant television screens while you eat. It’s entertaining and immersive, sure, but I’m more of a knowledge and experiential seeking girl. I want to be transported to a place a world away and feel what the vibe is like for everyday people there.

I have a few ideas regarding design, efficiency, placemaking, web development, etc. I’d like to share.

Ideas: Sustainable South Side

Posted on by catinon

Existing circumstances

  • South Side Park Master Plan in progress
  • 21st Street Complete Green Street Project
    • M16 Watershed is a Top 3 Priority watershed in the City of Pittsburgh because of the high density of development in South Side along the route to the river from natural spring water stemming from South Side Park mountain
  • PennDOT Repaving East Carson Street
    • “This approximate $12-15 million resurfacing project also includes signal upgrades, ADA curb cut ramp installation, and pedestrian safety improvements on East Carson Street between Smithfield Street and 33rd Street in the City of Pittsburgh. Work is expected to begin in the fall of 2018 and conclude late in 2019” – PennDOT Website

My wishful thinking of continued green ideas:

  • Traffic circle where Birmingham Bridge meets East Carson Street
    • Facilitate continuous flow of traffic
    • Make the crossing more pedestrian-friendly
  • Dedicated bike lanes
  • No parking on East Carson Street
    • Build garages or have lots nearby
    • Increase and incentivize local public transportation
  • Green buffers like trees, planters, window flowers
    • Traffic calming
    • Noise reducing
    • Pollution filtering
    • Water capturing
    • Business building
  • Eventually turn East Carson Street into a Fußgängerzone
    • Pedestrian-only, like many other cities all over the world have (but not Pittsburgh)
    • Like BikePittsburgh’s Open Streets, but for more than a day
    • If not all the time, then for a week or weekend
  • Solarize South Side through Solarize Allegheny
    • South Side Slopes, specifically
    • For any flat roofs, show us how to put in green roofs or gardens