Solaqua

Listserve: http://lists.ourproject.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/sarapis-solaqua

Vision & Prospects

The ideas contained in this section are put forward as a rough design sketch based on convergence of intention by several interested parties as of Sept. 2012 and do not represent a formal commitment or undertaking at this time. It is an open proposal for review, development, support, and collaboration, with several apparent pathways for immediate action and realization.

Basic components for revitalization of the Solaqua mill site may include:

• core team of vision-stewards and coherence-holders for the project
• partnership with existing stakeholders and other aligned entities/individuals
• sustainable economic activities which meet conventional overhead requirements
• modest investment in housing and food production on site
• research and development of early product offerings
• community (local and online) outreach, enlistment, and crowd(re)sourcing
• open/peer-learning and vocational training via entrepreneurial maker-space
• Community Land Trust planning as a long-term stewardship program

This project presents an opportunity to model collaborative transition of under-productive assets into thriving peer-economy hubs in modular, replicable, synergistic form--a living systems approach to social change.

Proposed Development Tracks

1. Site improvements and renovation
2. Workspace establishment and equipping
3. Sustainable food systems
4. Efficient, modular, mobile housing
5. Media, networking, crowdsourcing
6. Small enterprise development
7. Hacker-maker-space
8. Local community engagement
9. Occupy Farms hub
10. Open Source Ecology startup

Background & Status

Solaqua is a non-profit umbrella organization for a range of progressive community development initiatives at an old paper mill site in eastern New York state. It is presently a place- and vision-holding entity, with the potential for collaborative activation and partnership toward innovative peer-economy and Open Enterprise ventures, along with ongoing stewardship roles for creative projects in arts, culture, and community.

The Solaqua mill site is the current operating base of the Emerging Leader Labs community-supported enterprise incubation program.

The site consists of extensive industrial workspace in various modes of use and/or disrepair. There is currently an active alternative energy and building efficiency contracting company with large insulated warehouse and workshop, and a mail-order magnetics and green appliances manufacturing business. There is significant undeveloped land on an adjoining parcel that may provide basic habitat systems for seasonal work-trade residents, including agricultural production.

There is a possibility for short- to medium-term habitation on site and/or in surrounding community network to support incoming participants for the preliminary stages of planning, outreach, and implementation. Contact information and further details coming soon. You may access a Hackpad discussion and planning area here, or leave questions/comments on the Talk:Solaqua page.