Patching the Infrastructure

Above:  Patching the Infrastructure, Toni Youngblood, 2011, Encaustic and oil pastel on board. 

I had in mind  while painting this piece, making efficient use of  land and existing infrastructure.  Also, I thought about the opportunity to to increase the density of inner-city residential units for sustainable communities.  Suburban sprawl uses undeveloped land which necessitates building new infrastructure and requires more and longer travel into the city center.   

Definition of INFRASTRUCTURE

1 : the underlying foundation or basic framework (as of a system or organization)

2

: the permanent installations required for military purposes

3

: the system of public works of a country, state, or region;also : the resources (as personnel, buildings, or equipment) required for an activity

And there is also Wikipedia, for more detail on "infrastructure".

The words "PATCHING THE INFRASTRUCTURE" are layered into this piece in the cool colors.   The word "CONNECT" appears in a contrasting warm color.

I am pleased with the direction the zoning is going in my own city to take advantage of the existing central assets and infrastructure.  An example is allowing the opportunity for accessory  units within the city. 

WHY ARE ACCESSORY UNITS IMPORTANT?

· Accessory units are a source of affordable housing for small households.

· Accessory units adapt existing housing stock.

· Installation upgrades and improves the property.

· Accessory units make efficient use of land and existing infrastructure.

· Accessory units may encourage economic and personal support between two separate households.

· Accessory units generate rental income for home owners.

 With this new opportunity in our city, if you want to build a secondary dwelling unit on your property, it will be an easier task obtaining permits, for example.  Teachers, service people, police can afford living within the city with less commuting and associated fuel usage and time, and instead will know the commitment of being part of the community in which they work.

Patching the Infrastructure for me means caring for, maintaining, building upon and using what we already have to our best advantage.