Look Who it Was Random video

Patrick McKenna - New Urban Mechanics Summer Fellowship 2017 Application

186 views · Published 16 January 2017 · 4:56 · Indexed 6 October 2026

Channel: cometpants · 2017 · Comedy

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The City is a Shelter 

Inspired by Jaime Lerner’s book Urban Acupuncture; specifically, the “Love for the City” chapter.

Let’s all think about Boston.
Me, on my part, I think of
third spaces that are the city’s roots.
How can they be elevated 
to truly become our home away from home?

I think of our very own jewel, the Emerald Necklace,
and the mysterious Dorchesterway - the final link.
Too many buildings!
Not enough room!
Not fit for ‘pleasure travelers’, thought Olmsted.
Excluding Columbia Road excluded the people of Dorchester.
Complete the necklace and fasten it around our Dorchester neighbors.

I think of Roxbury
of Malcolm X Boulevard 
of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative heros 
who courageously stood up in the face of the BRA.
They proved that our longtime residents are our best city planners
and because of them the heart of Boston’s black culture is preserved.

I think of the Haley House Cafe - 
Nurturing our community while fostering economic independence.
The redemptive warmth of the Haley House Bakery
comforts and employs our neighbors with barriers to employment. 
Sustainable
Scalable
Supportive
I dream of a Haley House Cafe in every Boston neighborhood.

I think of Mattapan
of Blue Hill Ave.
of ethnic transitions
of white flight.

There’s a wildlife sanctuary, you say?
The abandoned bear cages at Franklin Park Zoo make for a “creepy outing”
says a Boston guidebook.

Mattapan needs it’s very own Theaster Gates -  
Downtown Chicago’s cultural-driven redevelopment authority.
Stop. Mattapan needs a cultural-driven REVOLUTION.
Black Cinema House, Arts + Housing Collaborative, a Place Lab.
Come one, come all Boston philanthropists - 
invest in a Mattapan triple-decker and turn a vacant building
into a cultural institution.

I think of the forgotten Publick Theatre in Allston/Brighton
once bringing neighbors together on the banks of the Charles.
Music, theatre, fun for all ages! 
Now lies vacant 
waiting, wanting new players. 

The tale is not done
look East on the Charles to the Esplanade for inspiration.
Bring back music
performance
encourage picnics 
and cheer!
Dreams cross the Atlantic, to Vondel Park
a waterside cafe or teahouse
a tolerant attitude towards imbibing and delight.

I think of Chinatown
The hub of Asian-American life in New England.
I think of dumplings
dim sum
Phở
Bánh mì.

I think of the colors of the Autumn Moon Festival
yellow lanterns 
red dragons
orange kimonos.

I think of Chinatown Park
an overlooked multiethnic gem.
A thoughtful visit allows us to gain insight 
into Asian-American culture
and further appreciate our global neighbors from the East.

I think of Downtown Boston
The Boston Common
Shakespeare in the Park
The Public Garden
Make way for ducklings!

I think of the Boston Public Market - free samples, organic tea, craft beer.
Where is the Haitian pate, the arepa, the kibe?
The flavors, textures, and aromas 
of our wildly diverse, foreign-born brothers and sisters.
They must be proactively invited to the table
invited to host a stand at the market that features their cuisine. 

I think of Hyde Park - “a small town in the city.”
Rich in architectural diversity from industrial to Victorian.
Home to a beloved and fearless leader, Mayor Menino.

I think of the grant to enhance Sherrin Woods
can we strive for more than trees and trails?
Let the good times roll 
like City Park in NOLA
Theater
Sculpture
Tennis
Golf
I think of Sherrin Woods as an enchanted forest
that exudes the magical powers of equity and diversity.

I think of South Boston
its proud Irish-American heritage.
I think of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Castle Island
Boston accents
beaches.

I think of the South Boston Waterfront
of fish piers
of boat yards
of warehouses.
The land once one with the harbor
now breaking beneath us with rising corporate canyons. 

I think of hope when I think of the Seaport.
Cover the Old Northern Ave. bridge with art.
Host a Boston Neighborhood World Series on the fields at Moakley Park.
I think of fostering a sense of community and belonging among neighbors.
I think of our cold, salty seas rising
and we must now use nature as our guide.

I think of the Boston skyline - 
a great city must have a silhouette.
A city’s skyline is like a key 
a unique pattern that unlocks its spirit and strength.
No matter your race, religion, or socioeconomic status
you see the same skyline.

Every time I see the Boston Skyline
the simplicity and familiarity fosters a sense of place and pride.
I think of the Prudential and Hancock Towers competing for attention
and unbeknownst to them they’re in perfect balance.

I think of the shelters, the third spaces
the city should be one great, encompassing shelter.
I think of Boston today.
Because the city I think of now 
will be with me forever. 

Please note: Direct quotes from “Love for the City” are italicized.

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