South Bronx Park Transforms From Industrial Wasteland to Green Jobs Training Hub
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📰 The quick summary: Concrete Plant Park in the South Bronx has transformed from an abandoned industrial site into a green training hub, preparing residents for careers in the expanding green job sector through the Intervine program.
📈 One key stat: New York City plans to create nearly 400,000 new green jobs by 2040, offering significant employment opportunities for residents trained in environmental maintenance and infrastructure.
💬 One key quote: “It’s not just about getting a job. It’s about keeping a job, navigating a job, and understanding that there are always going to be ebbs and flows,” said Tracey Capers, HOPE’s executive director.
1️⃣ The big picture: A former concrete plant in the South Bronx has undergone an impressive transformation into Concrete Plant Park, becoming a vibrant green space and training center. The park now serves as the training ground for Intervine, an intensive three-month program run by the nonprofit HOPE that equips participants from underserved communities with skills for green careers. Trainees learn practical skills in horticulture, native plant identification, rainwater harvesting, and green roofing—all aimed at preparing them for New York City’s expanding green job market. Beyond employment training, the program emphasizes community engagement and creating a sense of shared ownership of this revitalized space.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This urban transformation demonstrates how abandoned industrial spaces can become community assets that provide both environmental benefits and economic opportunities. The program creates a direct pathway to employment in the growing green sector, with fewer barriers to entry than traditional industries. Graduates like Rodney Santiago have successfully transitioned from unemployment to fulfilling careers in environmental work, showing the program’s tangible impact. The pollinator garden attracts essential insects while serving as a hands-on classroom for trainees and community members alike. This model of combining ecological restoration with job training addresses multiple community needs simultaneously, offering a blueprint for other cities facing similar challenges.
3️⃣ What’s next: HOPE and Intervine are actively seeking new partnerships to expand employment opportunities for their graduates, recently reaching out to the Mid-Bronx Desperadoes community housing corporation. Program administrators continue adapting their curriculum to meet evolving market demands in the green sector. The program aims to maintain momentum in training qualified workers as environmental jobs become increasingly vital to urban sustainability efforts.
Read the full story here: Inside Climate News – A South Bronx Park is a Hive of Activity—for Bees and for New Yorkers Training for Green Jobs
