Information Hub + Tool Shed
Informational Materials/ Books & Digital Media Library
As a supplement to other on-site programming, the Ghettostead could compile a library of useful information regarding proposed food security and community development projects. Relevant resources may include materials on themes of: horticulture, cooking, food preserving, health and nutrition, food distribution, community organizing, economic development, and nonprofit or small business management. Information can be shared in the form of books, scholarly journals, periodicals, other print materials (handbooks, brochures), websites, blogs, DVDs, etc.
RegulationsThis use would provide a private, non-profit library--which is permitted by-right on property zoned R-4 as long as it meets certain yardage requirements. However, non-profit libraries are also allowed on lower level R zones as Public Benefit Projects, which requires following a prescription of performance standards before receiving a permit to operate--which include yardage and parking requirements. Currently, the Ghettostead site does not meet those requirement.
Tactical Options
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Tools, Equipment, Materials + Construction Tool shed
The site can promote the expansion of similar projects throughout the surrounding community by serving as a hub of tools, equipment, or materials relevant to food security projects such as gardening, preserving, cooking for large groups, etc
Case StudyWest Philly Tool Library
Loans tools to community members for home and yard maintenance. With access to tools and tutorials, area residents are also able to learn new skills through this community resource. |
http://kendipon.org/photoalb/shed/ShedTools.jpg
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RegulationsA private, on-site rental system for tools, equipment and materials as a free service to community members is not a specific use that is regulated in the City of Los Angeles or in the State of California. If, however, the rental system is a paid service, then this use would be commercial. This specific kind of commercial use is not mentioned in the Zoning Code, so it is likely to be regulated as a home occupation, which requires a business licence and prohibits the use of certain materials and substances that may limit what can be rented out.
Tactical Options
Planning Considerations
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Shared-use Mobility Library
The Ghettostead may seek to improve the conditions of its surrounding neighborhood while also connecting people and places within it. A mobility library can support these activities by providing shared transportation resources to community members and to food entrepreneurs. Many models for shared-use mobility hubs exist. Some are decentralized networks based on mobile apps such as Lyft or Sidecar. Other are low-tech complimentary bicycle check-out systems operated by a university transportation center. The most common forms of mobility libraries require a form of deposit or payment. And they often focus on car-sharing or bike-sharing. But many modes of transportation exist and should be evaluated.
Case StudyThe Arcata Library Bike
A volunteer-run bicycle loan program in the city of Arcata, California that works much the same way as lending at a book library. Bicycles could be loaned to an adult for a $20 deposit, which would be returned to the person of the bike were returned within six months. A person could also just renew the loan at the time that it would be scheduled to expire. Over a one-year period, the system checked out 630 bikes. And they average 53 bike check-outs per month. The program has maintained donated bikes, and it has gained support from a number of local businesses. RegulationsWith the tremendous growth in car-sharing, ride-sharing, and bike-sharing businesses and systems throughout the world, shared-use mobility is gaining increased attention from regulators at all levels of government. In fact, regulation was a key subject at the first-ever Shared-use Mobility Summit held in October 2013. The Municipal Code of the City of Los Angeles is mostly silent about shared-use mobility uses on private spaces. Local regulation does address how bike-sharing can be used on private property--though with limited application to the Ghettostead site. In April 2013, City Council passed a bicycle parking ordinance that requires all new developments to replace a portion of their planned vehicle parking with bicycle parking. The ordinance allows bicycle parking to include stations for a bike share program. This ordinance, however, is not applicable to developments on properties zoned R-2. Nor is it applicable to existing developments that will not change use or go through a major remodel. Car-sharing is also a subject of state and local regulation. Whereas the California Public Utility Commission has approved the operation of car-sharing businesses in the state, the Los Angeles City Council has resolved to develop more stringent regulations and challenge the CPUC decision. While this may influence how vehicles owned by the Ghettostead operator can be used, it does not significantly influence land-use decisions at this time. As of yet, no regulation addresses sharing space for other forms of alternative mobility--such as push scooters, skateboards, wheelchairs, rollerskates, Segways or rollerblades.
Tactical Options
Resources |