cls8438's blog

     This blog is to express some of the differences between my grand-daughter’s generation and mine. I am a Baby Boomer, or according to some experts, an older Boomer. Jalia, a teenager about to enter her senior year of high school, is a member of the Generation Y. She may also be called a member of Generation 9/11, who according to one author, Charlie Bentson King, “… has only seen the world through the prism of the 9/11 tragedy.” At any rate, there is a world of difference between our generations.

     One area where there is a major difference between her generation and mine is technology.  As a baby boomer, born in 1951, I did not grow up with computers. We barely had television. My uncle was the first to purchase a television in the family and we would all get together on weekends to watch some of the shows. Jalia and her generation grew up using computers, cell phones and other forms of advanced technology. It appears to be second nature to them. Their generation often watch television and movies on their computers and cell phones. These marvels of technology are not second nature to Baby boomers, who are often struggling to keep up with the latest technical innovation. Because these innovations are occurring at a late v. early point in the lives of baby boomers, we are not grasping the concepts as quickly and easily as the Gen Y or Gen 9/11 group.

     I think that baby boomers have learned to appreciate cellphones, laptops, the internet and other forms of technology. We grew up with enclyclopedias, books that contained a wealth of information about everything that we needed to know. I remember my mother getting free enclyclopedias with coupons at the grocery store. One week you could get book A, and next week book B, etc. So it took more than six months to get a full set. Obviously, this was a very slow, arduous undertaking to bring more information into the home. In comparison, Gen Y is accustomed to internet use that provides an amazing array of information in seconds on practically any topic of choice. This access to information gives Gen Y an advantage in gaining knowledge and thereby expanding their intelligence.

     So in creating a strategy for reaching constituents of each generation, the differences should be taken into account.  I would advise using the internet for both generations, as both generations are high users of the internet.  However, for reaching Gen Y and teenagers, I would include the stategy of using social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, or others.  This generation would be more likely to get the message through postings on the social media sites.  Additionally, if you can get their friends or celebrities or even the average person on the street to start discussions on the subject through social media outlets, the message would reach a vast number of constituents.  For baby boomers, I would suggest starting with the internet, but also include television, radio and magazines, as we are still getting a lot of information through those outlets. 

     In conclusion, Jalia’s generation and mine may share a lot of the same values, but there are major differences in the way we communicate with the world at this time.  I am more understanding and even appreciative of those differences, because it all adds up to a better quality of life for her and her generation.   Technology and the use of social media are just a couple of those areas where the differences are clear and must be considered whenever communicating across generational lines.

For this assignment, I interviewed Jalia Smart, my granddaughter. Jalia is a teenager and part of the Y generation. She is 16 years old and about to enter her senior year in high school. Jalia’s perspective on social media is that it is a very effective and useful tool. She says that she “uses Facebook heavily to keep up with people she knows, like people who have moved away from her hometown.” She also uses Facebook to post pictures, such as pictures from family reunions, school and church programs.
Jalia indicates that she makes good use of Twitter by “putting out thoughts” on the media. She also uses it to follow people she doesn’t know, paying attention to their daily activities. She also told me about an innovative use that they have for Twitter at her church. Many of the young people are following the sermons on Facebook and posting comments on Twitter, even during the sermon. The Pastor of the church is able to review the comments later and take them into account with future sermons. Overall, she feels that social media is a very effective and useful way for her to communicate with her family and friends, and beyond.

Social media has had a substantial impact on the ability of municipalities to communicate with its citizens.  Cities are now finding that social media, when properly handled, can dramatically increase their ability to connect with many of its citizens.  Some examples include: Fort Worth’s use of Nixel in emergency management to quickly communicate with residents during the threat of a crisis; and San Diego uses Twitter to post unique information on the city, attracting visitors, and encouraging discussion on important local, state and national issues.

On Tuesday, December 28, 2011, while most students were still enjoying their holiday break, we were back in class at UTA, Santa Fe campus.  One of our speakers was Jim Johnson, a UTA doctoral student who works for Downtown Fort Worth Inc.  I recognized Mr. Johnson from earlier meetings at the City of Fort Worth and the Central City Development Committee.  I know that he is very active in volunteering and participating in public forums and local government processes.  He also indicated that he was active in his neighborhood of Blue Bonnett and that he, “supports public policies that enhance, encourage or support sustainability.” 

 Jim discussed how the City of Fort Worth approaches some of the important issues that it faces, such as, transportation systems, zoning and building codes.  All of these issues affect the quality of life for the residents and visitors to Fort Worth.  For example, he said for transportation systems, the city must consider the minimum and maximum width of its streets, parking regulations, traffic, sidewalks, transits and impact fees imposed on new development to help pay for new roads.  The wider the street, the bigger the intersections, resulting in increased sprawl, spreading the city out.

 Zoning has similar effects when the code separates residential uses from commercial uses; set minimum parking requirements; minimum lot sizes, and similar requirements.  These requirements ultimately contribute to the sprawl effect.

 Jim stated that the solution included public transit and smaller lot sizes, with higher density, depending on existing infrastructure.  For example, with a duplex, you have one less wall and more efficiency (more density equates to more efficiency).  Part of the solution also is for the city to invest in upgrading its aging infrastructure in the central city, such as the funds invested in the Samuels Avenue/Bluff community projects. 

 Jim also emphasized the need for more regional cooperation, especially in transportation issues.  He said that highways are an example of regional cooperation.  Classmate Bill Russell added that Tarrant County was holding public hearings on the Mobility Plan for 2035, which provided a good opportunity for input.  The transportation planning should include public transportation, commuter rails, buses, etc.

 It was interesting to learn that many of the people who live in downtown, do not work in downtown.  However, Jim pointed out that downtown produces more property taxes and sales taxes than any other area of its size in the city.  That was very interesting.  Thank you, Jim, for some very insightful information on how Fort Worth functions and approaches these very tough issues that certainly impact the sustainability of our community.

Jerry Burbridge was a very interesting speaker with an array of valuable experiences. He stated that he had “42 years of survival in real estate, with a specialty in office building.” He says that he has worked for the Department of Homeland Security, 2 LLs, and others. He told us how to inspect a property: look at all six sides: up, down and four sides. You can even check the down side by have cores done into the ground, as well as checking all around the property. He also stated that you should check all six sides of a building: the roof, foundation, and four walls.  He seemed to have a firm grasp of the real estate industry, especially dealing with commercial properties. 

I was also interested to hear of his experiences in constructing boder stations for Homeland Security, such as the McAllen Border Patrol Station and the Welasco BPS.  The McAllen was a $32 million project  that included a vehicle maintenance building, and a Sallyport.  He indicated that a sallyport was a  building where illegal immigrants are brought in for processing.  The truck can actually drive into the building and the gates close behind it to not allow escapes.  The Welasco BPS was also interesting because it involved a change of use  – from a beer distribution center to a border station.  Each building included fueling station and maintenance facilities for border patrol vehicles.

Jerry had frequent interchange with Andre because Andre asked some very probing questions.  Jerry joked that, “he didn’t like smart people in his class.”

As for the future, Jerry says there is a deep market for change of use and upgrading existing buildings.  The disconnect now is between what we need developers and contractors to do and what they will do because of the money, the cost.  He stressed the importance of NOI, net operating income, as being very important to any sustainability project.

Jerry also had an idea that there should be a law that all pre K – 12^th grades should include a sustainability class at each level, e.g. a cup with dirt so students can grow a plant and understand the difference between good and bad soil.  There should be a sustainability class each year, requiring all teachers to use sustainability examples in each class: math, science, etc., each year for 13 years.  The result would be 2.8 million graduates every year that would be sustainability literate. 

One of his favorite sayings was, “Inch by inch, everything is a cinch; yard by yard, everything is hard.”

Overall, I enjoyed the presentation.  Thank you very much, Mr. Burbridge.

At a Thursday evening class on January 6, 2011, Steve Cheney of the Tarrant County Extension Service, came to speak to the Sustainability class. Steve was quite enlightning with his talk focusing on our growing water problem. He made it clear that in 20 – 30 years, there will not be enough water for the residents of Texas. The state will have approximately 40 million people, but only enough water for 25 million. Steve says the answer is water conservation.

He stated that 95% of the water is from surface water and only 5% is from ground water. So it is extremely important for all of us to become educated on water conservation and take steps to conserve. I was struck by his comment that, “we’re drinking the same water that dinosaurs drank.” That is consistent with Jackson Murphy’s statement that there is no “away.” It is true with water as it is with other materials, they are still with us.

I was also intriqued with Steve’s presentation on Smartscape, landscaping use native plants and no irrigation, only rainwater. I can certainly see that working, although it may not be very attractive, especially in the early years. But, there are many plants native to Texas that have adapted to the sunshine and heat. I was inspired by Steve’s talk and plan to use some of his ideas to make the landscaping in the yard at my home more of a Smartscape.

Thank you, Steve, for a great presentation.

Mike Little, Johnnie Lewis and I carpooled together to visit this green residence in an older part of Fort Worth. We were met by Heather Ferrier, the contractor, and the homeowners, Mr. and Mrs. De la Pena. The Pena home is very nice, but its modern style did not seem to fit in this neighborhood. Still, I was impressed with the energy efficient features that were incorporated into the home. Some of the features included insulation, windows, water heater, appliances, plumbing, heating, flooring and roofing.  Additionally, Heather indicated that they used local resources where possible and took steps to reduce construction waste, going so far as to mulch waste wood products.

As a result of their efforts, Heather stated that the building would likely meet the standards for LEED platinum, although they did not go through the certification process. I was interested in how the contractor worked with the homeowners in such a project and with the subcontractors. Heather said that it was important to educate the homeowners on green building products and methods and to keep them involved throughout the process. One way she is able to accomplish that is to lay out the options for the homeowners and let them make the selections. As for sub-contractors, she develops a relationship with
each of them, making sure that they are trained in green construction, and that they understand and support this method of building. Therefore, the contractor must be very selective in choosing subs to work on green projects.

I enjoyed looking at this home, the first that our class toured in the series. I did not like the design of home, but I certainly did get an appreciation for the energy efficiency of the building and its amenities.

A big thank you to Charlotte and Thomas De la Pena for opening your home to us.

After a quick lunch in downtown Dallas on Saturday, January 8, 2011, the Sustainability Class met at the Trinity River Audobon Center in southeast Dallas.  Zeshan, the Education Manager, was there to meet the class and take us on a tour of the facility.  Zeshan informed us that the building is designed to look like  a bird, with a feather motiff of recycled cotton on the ceiling.  The facility is located on a brownsfield mediation site, home of two former illegal landfills, 30 acres each with about 1.5 million tons of trash.  The site is located in the Pleasant Grove Neighborhood, which took legal action against the city to get help in dealing with the dumping.

Now, the site is home to a LEED Gold certified facility owned by the City of Dallas and operated by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Audobon Society.  One interesting feature we noticed was the vegetative roof with a soil depth of 12 – 18 inches.  Also, the water from the roof is harvested providing approximately 33,000 gallons annually to irrigate the prairie grass and native plants in the landscape. 

Zeshan also took the class on a walk through a nature trail to the river.  It had warmed up some, and the walk was quite refreshing.  The Audobon Center is unique and very interesting, but also energy efficient.  Thank you Zeshan for sharing so much information about the Center with us.  I am hopeful that the City of Fort Worth will in the future renovate the facility at its nature center in a sustainable manner.

On January 8, 2011, at eight o’clock on a cold winter Saturday morning in Dallas, Texas, the Sustainability Class met at the Huitt-Zollars Building.  Many thanks to Jackson Murphy, the Sustainability Econometrics Expert for the company, for taking time to provide a tour and a presentation to our class.  Jackson stated that this building is the first LEED Gold high rise building in the South.  The construction was completed in April or May, 2010, and the company moved into the building in August, 2010.  The building was only 30% occupied at that time, with three companies moved in: Cohen Financial, Colliers International and Huitt-Zollars.

The building has many features that make it energy efficient.  One feature is location, at 1717 McKinney Avenue in Dallas; it is located in walking distance of restaurants and public transportation.  The exterior is landscaped with native plants, using very little watering, supplied from the runoff of the HVAC system.  They are also proud of parking for alternative fuel vehicles, a bike rack in the garage and changing stations for their employees who may bike to work.  Another interesting feature was the terazzo floor in the breakroom made of recycled materials including glass bottles and windshields.  The carpet was also made from recycled materials and is recyclable.  Enviroglass is the company that installed the countertops, also made of recycled bottles, in the breakrooms.  I was also glad to learn that the company used green cleaning products throughout their part of the building.

Throughout his presentation, Jackson Murphy stated his position on waste, “there’s no such place as away, it’s still with us.”  This is such a true statement, in line with the principle of mass conservation, that matter cannot be created or destroyed, just changed into different forms.  A trip to the landfill will confirm his statement to any disbelievers.  Our waste is still there,  just buried in the ground and deteriorating slowly, very, very slowly.  Thank you, Mr. Murphy for a very insightful presentation.

On Thursday, January 6, 2011, our class visited the newly constructed home of Phillip Newburn, an architect. The home is located at 2321 Ryan Place, in the Ryan Place Neighborhood just south of downtown Fort Worth. This is an historic neighborhood which made it hard to believe that a modern home with modern exterior styling could be built in the midst of older, historic residences. Newburn explained that the historic district did not reach the lot that he purchased for the home. Officials had begun to consider extending the district lines to his street and surrounding areas, so he had to move quickly to get the house built. He and his wife wanted to do two things: (1) start from stratch and build an energy efficient home, and (2) build it on a lot close to downtown.

One of the most interesting structural features of the house is the fact that it is built using a pre-fab system. The system uses pre-fabricated walls and roof panels called SIPS, structural insulated panels, that make the homes much tighter than normal construction. All of the panels were pre-cut and sized to fit at the factory, delivered to the site, and then hoisted into place by a small crane.

Inside the home, the the Newburns incorporated a number of energy efficient features, including a tankless water heater, CFL (compact flourescent lighting) fixtures, and an electric furnace. The east wall in the living room featured floor to ceiling storefront type windows that were aluminum framed, thermally broken windows. He says in the daytime, it makes you “feel like you’re outdoors.”

Another interesting aspect of the home is the use of an alley in the rear for parking. The Newburns were able to get approval from the City of Fort Worth to use a permeable surface for that portion of the alley and use it exclusively. Phillip says this is the first permeable alleyway in the city, thanks to Fernando Costa, Assistant City Manager, for his approval.

Overall, I was delighted with this home, its energy efficient features and its modern styling. The house is certified LEED Platinum, apparently the first in Fort Worth. Many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Newburn for hosting us in your home.