What is the "State of JP"?

Last year the hot-topic was the closing of Hi-Lo. This year there is mounting concern over proposed MBTA service cuts, and of course, what will happen with the Casey Overpass?

Come out on Feb. 9th to make your voice heard, talk with your neighbors and get answers from your elected officials at the 2nd Annual State of Our Neighborhood forum (6-9pm at English High School).

Over 250 people showed up on a cold February evening last year, and over 120 stuck around for discussions on topics of concern, such as Affordable Housing, Urban Agriculture, Youth, Local Business, Transportation, Community Resilience, and Jobs.

The Jamaica Plain New Economy Transition was launched in recognition that economic and ecological disruptions are certain to continue in coming years, and while the source of these challenges is outside our control, there is still much we can do as neighbors to prepare. The future is not someplace we are going, but something we create together. What future do you want for Jamaica Plain in five, ten or fifteen years? On Feb. 9th come out to share your vision and learn what your neighbors are envisioning.

The 2nd Annual State of Our Neighborhood is a community conversation. In reality, this conversation has been ongoing in multiple places, among various groups, and in different organizations throughout Jamaica Plain. February 9th is a time to come together with a broad swath of neighbors and our elected officials to hear different perspectives. What begins at the State of Our Neighborhood forum will continue throughout the year as increasing numbers of us are getting involved with existing organizations or starting new initiatives.

As one small example, where I live in Egleston Square, a group of neighbors has come together to plant the Egleston Community Orchard in a 30-year vacant city-owned lot. Two years later we have apple trees, raspberries, blueberries, red currants, several raised beds for vegetables, flowers, sculptures, a brick path and a rain water catchment system. The city is supportive, the neighborhood is supportive, and other organizations have gotten involved.

While a community orchard is not a new idea, and while it won't prevent climate change or create many jobs, it is fun to take constructive action together to improve our community. It is even more exciting to understand this action as part of a process of transition that is happening across Jamaica Plain, and indeed across the United States and in other parts of the world. Increasingly folks are coming together to respond to the challenges of this century.

I hope to see you out at the 2nd Annual State of Our Neighborhood Forum on Thursday, Feb 9th, 6-9pm at English High School. I look forward to hearing your ideas and dreams for our future.