[SustainableTompkins] affordable options for country mice and city mice

[Margaret McCasland]

I've been reading these out of order.  Jeanne raises a couple of key 
points: affordability (or lack thereof) of housing in the City of 
Ithaca AND in villages like Trumansburg is a key aspect of 
eco-justice.

I find it ironic that canceling the event has led to a thread 
discussion which gets at the heart of what Elan is inspiring us to 
consider.

Public transport to rural areas is essential, but affordable housing 
in developed areas is also key if we want people of all incomes 
levels to be able to decide whether they want to be a city mouse or a 
country mouse (and perhaps raise food for us city mice).

BTW, I did lots of "porch gardening" after one of my "country to 
city" switches.  It was a great compromise for me.

Margaret


>Most people who don't live in the City don't do so because they?have 
>some gorgeous?scenic country estate; they don't live here because 
>they can't afford it and don't qualify for limited housing programs; 
>can't make a major move right now, family obligations?or a host of 
>other things.
>
>It will be great to make things more sustainble for everyone--which 
>is the theme of another of Elan's planned workshops--Sustainable 
>transportation for ALL. If you're handicapped even if you do live in 
>the inthe City there are a surprising number of barriers: 
>intersections without enough time to safely cross,? bus stops not 
>close enough if walking is a problem and wheelechairs aren't always 
>the answer, insufficient handicapped parking near destinations if 
>you do have to drive, places like the Library which are pretty 
>sprawled out and have only one adult public bathroom area, 
>handicapped shopping carts that are never kept charged and short out 
>on you in the middle of a huge floor area ?etc.?I really need to 
>write an article some time about the challenges of being handicapped 
>even in an 'enlightened' community.
>
I thank Elan for his consideration especially in light of all his 
hard?work in planning this thing to now have to go through all the 
added work of a rescheduled event.

Jeanne