Create a process and standards for privatization of vacant lots, especially those that can become side yards. Create community-friendly standards for what uses can be put on these purchased lots. Provide similar support to help residents control the semi-private space in their neighborhoods through gating of vacant lots between houses and gating of footways and alleys. Encourage and support the use of community arts as an option for reclaiming vacant space. Arts projects can require less maintenance than community gardens and other means of reclaiming vacant lots.
Effective projects are collaborations between artists and communities.
Help create an intermediary that enables community based organizations to gain permanent access to vacant lots that they want to reclaim for community use. NeighborSpace obtains liability insurance for the sites that it purchases at a low cost through the Land Trust Alliance, a national nonprofit. NeighborSpace also provides technical assistance to teach people how to care for community spaces. When residents know that they will have long term access to a site, they will be more willing to invest their time and energy into maintaining a community space. Work with Board of Education to incorporate community open space projects in school curricula and after school projects.