EcoCenter 'Design Charrettes' Start Wednesday

Organizers for the proposed Morristown EcoCenter, located at 55 Bank St. (site of the former Mini auto dealership) will be holding several "Design Charette" sessions starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, concluding on May 7.

"We invite your contribution of ideas, suggestions, technologies, products, activities and financial support," noted organizers of the Design Charette in a press release.

The entire EcoCenter project, including the design process, is intended to demonstrate the principles of sustainable economic development, according to the press release. "By bringing in a mix of professionals, local businesspeople and community residents, we are able to bring the best in current sustainable design to the social, economic and ecological aspects of the site," according to the release.

"Our goal is to build a visually-attractive, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certifiable, multi-use and economically self-sustaining operation," according to the release. "As we see it evolving, we see it including a Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Food Hub, Green Retail, Commercial Kitchen, Creative and Event Space, the Business Incubator, Rooftop Greenhouses with demonstrations of urban agriculture technology, educational and event programming, and inspiration for further economic development in harmony with the neighborhood, the community, and the bioregion."

There will be four design sessions, starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4 at 55 Bank St. The full schedule is below:

Wednesday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
Topic: Ideas & Concerns
We will be asking neighbors, experts, and interested parties what they want to see in the EcoCenter as well as what we need to consider to enhance the neighborhood and the community.  
Who Should Attend: All interested parties are strongly encouraged to participate in this kickoff session.
 
Thursday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Topic: Big Picture Planning
Site evaluation, drainage and hydrology, parking and traffic patterns will be discussed.
Who Should Attend:  All those with expertise and strong interests in these topics are encouraged to attend. 

Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Topic: MEP (Mechanical, Electric, and Plumbing)  
Most efficient ways to heat and cool the building as well as other energy savers.  
Who Should Attend:  All those with expertise and strong interests in these topics are encouraged to attend.

Saturday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Topic: Follow up and feedback 
We will be following up on any unfinished topics from the previous days, and will be inviting public comment on results of the previous sessions.  
Who Should Attend: Neighbors, Experts & Interested Parties
 

For those unable to attend in person, EcoCenter organizers will be live-blogging the sessions at http://charrette.morristownecocenter.com/. You can also post an article, sketch, or comment at this site, and these will be projected for those in attendance.

RSVP for attendance at admin@morristownecocenter.com. And, visit, www.morristownecocenter.com.