Converting sidewalk tree pits into flood-resistant bioswales — sounds like a no-brainer, right? But in NYC, this work falls between the cracks of multiple city agencies. Long-term maintenance relies on volunteers, an expectation that excludes communities with less time and money to spare.

The cycle of big ideas without long-term support results in understandable cynicism, especially in historically disinvested neighborhoods. In Vital City, our executive director Deborah Marton calls on government to create more just cities by restructuring its siloed approach to the built environment.

We’re thrilled to be part of Vital City‘s third issue, The Power of Place. With an interdisciplinary perspective, this new journal founded by Elizabeth Glazer — formerly the director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice — provides a broad range of creative and practical ideas to build thriving cities. We recommend spending some time with conversations with Jelani Cobb and Elijah Anderson, Jeanne Gang, John Mollenkopf, and more.

Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong’s COMMON GROUND is one of the “best outdoor art installations” (Secret NYC) and “best NYC events in April” (Time Out New York ). Be sure to catch it at The Plaza at 300 Ashland in Downtown Brooklyn by May 1!

This site-specific, interactive public artwork comprised of a colorful seating landscape and floor motifs that dance across the plaza. In the evening, light shimmers across the sculpture in response to nearby sounds — the movements of passersby, footsteps climbing on the structure, voices, the hum of traffic.

Part of our Public Realm R+D program, COMMON GROUND is co-produced with Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and presented with support from Two Trees Management Co.