Okay, it's not quite arts related, but it's a very interesting story:
On Monday, the nonprofit Groundwork Hudson Valley brought the Science Barge up the Hudson River from Chelsea Piers in Manhattan to its new home on the Yonkers waterfront. The Science Barge is a tremendously successful and unique
floating environmental center powered by solar panels, wind turbines, biofuels and rainwater. Its greenhouse grows a huge array of organic produce – tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, melons, cucumbers, and more - through an energy-efficient and
environmentally sustainable aquaponic growing system.
The Science Barge was built by the nonprofit New York Sun Works as a demonstration site for renewable energy, sustainable farming, and integrated ecological systems. In a few years, the Barge has received international acclaim and is a magnet for school programs and visitors from around the region and the world. New York Sun Works transferred ownership of the Barge to Groundwork Hudson Valley this month (the NY Times reported for the grand sum of $2), and it will be based on the revitalized Yonkers waterfront, where it will reach thousands of visitors, school groups, and tourists each year.
It is expected to cost upwards of $200K a year to operate (I assume mostly staff)
"This is a wonderful moment for Yonkers and Westchester to have such a remarkable program open to the public on their doorstep," said Rick Magder, the Executive Director of Groundwork. "It is a one-of-a-kind experience for students and visitors alike," said Bob Walters, the soon-to-be Science Barge director for Groundwork, "and is one of the few places that everyone can learn about environmental systems that will be a critical part of the future of our planet."
The acquisition of the Science Barge was made possible through partnerships with New York Sun Works, Mayor Phil Amicone of Yonkers, and City Council President Chuck Lesnick. Other partners include the Beczak Environmental Education Center, the
Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID, and the New York State DEC. Potential sponsors are expected to include the New York Power Authority, HSBC, Domino Sugar, Whole Foods, and local and national foundations.
READ THE NY TIMES ARTICLE
VISIT GROUNDWORK YONKERS WEBSITE
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