LUNGS is meeting, Saturday, March 5 at 11 am at 428 E. 10th St. So much to talk about.

Agenda items:

3rd Annual SPRING AWAKENING PLANS
We will celebrate  Spring Awakening 2016, Saturday, April 16. We will consolidate the festivities with one parade beginning at 1:30,pm at 6B Garden walk up Avenue B to 12th St go east on 12th and come down Ave C and culminate at El Jardin del Paraiso for a little food, music, poetry and much more

In addition to food and music we would like to incorporate Gardens Rising into the afternoon. We would like to have a El Jardin Walkabout with members of the Gardens Rising Steering Committee, El Jardin gardeners and anyone else interested in the process. This would give us an real opportunity to specifically address issues in El Jardin, talk about ideas and discuss solutions.  It would be a very dynamic discussion because we would literally be immersed in the garden.

Solar 1 has also agreed to make a presentation at Spring Awakening to talk about solar ideas for the gardens sand the neighborhood.
We also hope to have a bike tuneup workshop at Spring Awakening.

we are looking for more environmental workshops and fun activities for the day, bring your ideas

LUNGS BOARD ELECTIONS:
According to our by-laws, LUNGS is due for board elections this Spring.

Board members serve for two year. According to our by-laws there must be a minimum of five and each board member must be from a different garden.

Board nominations will be accepted at the next LUNGS meeting, Saturday, March 5.  Elections will be held at the annual general meeting, Saturday, April 2. If you are interested in serving on the board please contact us.

Currently there are five LUNGS board members; President Charles Krezell of DeColores, Vice President Maryanne Byington of Green Oasis, Treasurer Karen Kandra of Miracle Garden, Secretary Ayo Harrington of Orchard Alley and Projects Coordinator Christopher Batehhorst of Campos Garden.

STREET TREE PIT Solutions

Many people have expressed an interest in helping the tree pits in the neighborhood that are suffering because of misuse or lack of maintenance. A resolution to support the retro-fitting of our tree pits is soon to be introduced in Community  Board 3’s Transportation Committee. Let’s discuss the resolution and ways we can find grant money to support improving the situation.

FINALLY FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Project Manager Position
Position Available: Project Manager, Gardens Rising Program.

Background:
Since 1996, the New York City Community Garden Coalition (NYCCGC) has promoted the preservation, creation, and empowerment of community gardens through education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. NYCCGC is the only organization in New York City by and for community gardeners, who often live in low-income communities of color that face disproportionate environmental justice and health challenges.

Program Background:
The NYCCGC is a recipient of Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding from the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR) to undertake a feasibility study for stormwater capture best practices within the community gardens of the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The project known as Gardens Rising will combine community participation with engineering expertise, to develop green infrastructure to increase permeability and stormwater capture within forty-seven (47) community gardens located in the Study Area.

The NYCCGC is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of “Project Manager”.

This position plays a critical role in a fast-changing organization. Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Project Manager will be responsible for assisting in the selection, engagement and management of designers and architects. A primary responsibility will be to ensure that technical deliverables align with the vision of the Gardens Rising project, and that deliverables are cost effective.

Applicants should have a positive attitude, possess strong organizational skills, and have the ability to work independently. Applicants should have experience in managing projects with tight timelines and have the ability to minimize project risk. Applicants should also have track record of managing projects that have been delivered on time and within scope and budget.

The Project Manager will report directly to the Executive Director of NYCCGC.

Job Duties:
The following are the general responsibilities for the position of Project Manager, split into two phases.

Phase 1 (Master Plan)

Provide support and advice in developing the RFP for design/engineering firms.
Provide support and consultation to the Steering Committee through all phases of the Master Plan.
Devise and implement a timeline in support of the final feasibility study.
Act as a liaison between the Steering Committee, the community, the NYCCGC and the design/engineering firm.
Develop guidelines for data collection.
Establish and support technical design and reporting requirements.
Provide vision and strategies for all aspects of the Garden Rising project.
Evaluate professional services firms and assist the Steering Committee with the selection of professional services firm.
Facilitate design charrettes in coordination with community gardeners and other stakeholders.
Collaborate with a professional services firm to research legal and technical viability of project design proposals.
Build upon existing relationships and cultivate new relationships with existing job placement programs, local tech start-ups, and members of the local community.
Assist with education, communications, and marketing strategies within the vision of the Gardens Rising plan.
Identify potential fundraising opportunities to further the vision of the Master Plan.
Phase 2 (Implementation)

Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule, and project costs using appropriate techniques.
Perform outreach to local job training workforce/placement programs.
Work with a professional services firm to insure that the project is constructed in accordance with the contract requirements and specifications.
Organize and maintain working knowledge of all project plans, contracts, purchase orders, drawings and all other project related documents.
Track and report on project success with coalition members and other stakeholders.
Coordinate with staff and community/business partners to support implementation of project.
Regularly report on project progress to the Steering Committee.
Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

Ability to effectively multi-task and meet deadlines.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are necessary.
5 years’ experience in project/construction management.
Familiarity with green infrastructure best management practices (highly preferred).
Spanish fluency (highly preferred).
Knowledge of the Lower East Side community and Community Gardens (highly preferred).
Must be available to work flexible hours (including some evenings and weekends).
Salary: PT hourly $50/hr, 10 hours a week.

Responses Due: March 21, 2016.

NYCCGC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. NYCCGC provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination against all employees and applicants based upon race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national origin and ethnic origin, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in this hiring effort are requested to contact Mr. Aziz Dehkan by email at aziz@nyccgc.org.

NYCCGC strongly encourages Section 3 residents to participate in this hiring effort. Information to determine if you are a Section 3 resident can be obtained by contacting Mr. Dehkan at the email address provided above.