Jack White - Inspiration

The Better Block's Jason Roberts plus full Video from Surrey Steps Up.

The Ghastly Tragedy of the Suburbs -TED Talk Video with James Kunstler

  "Everyone Deserves to Live in a Dignified Neighbourhood" 

 Jane Jacobs

Current Abandoned Building- Vacant for 15 years.

 Some Paint, A few Pop-ups cafes, Food Trucks, Musicians and Here's a Place worth Caring about.
A place where people go to feel that they're a part of their community.   

 When it comes to the city/suburban planning debacle that is suburban sprawl without thought, the sometimes controversial  James Kunstler pulls no punches . 

Colorful and funny James is bang on.

We Can do Better.  

From Vacant to Vibrant. An Arts District for Surrey?

ReVisting ReNewton's  ReVitalization Goal....

Close your eyes and imagine this...

A vibrant corner in the heart of your city. Cafes, Shops, Music, Galleries,  FOOD!  and maybe a craft brewery or wine shop. Lots of retail, and live/work spaces above for artists and crafts people.

 A community hub for the rainbow of ethnicities who call this place home. One of the most appealing aspects of living in Newton is its cultural diversity. Perfect for an International Village type environment.

A 'Third Place"

 And, as so many of you  are telling us,  the return of the much loved farmers/public market of the 80s! 

The cries to bring the market back are heard everywhere we go!  

Now imagine this for the stretch of King George Blvd between 6oth and 74th Avenues  in the South Newton area of Surrey. Maybe the promised "Festival Street" could  become a magnet for young musicians and artists. Live/Work spaces, music and art studios anyone?

 The absolute smack-dab heart of Surrey.

 Right now it's still a dream, but  it could become a reality.  When I met with urban planning guru Ellen Dunham-Jones  last year at Simon Fraser University she encouraged us to " keep on fighting"to  Retrofit Suburbia

All it takes is bit of community spirit, a few dollars and decision makers with a vision and a mindset to think ever so slightly 'out-of-the-box'

Imagine ....

    THE GEORGE ARTS DISTRICT

not just for artists

One city's plan to create a vibrant arts+retail hub

Public gathering space - a place where ideas and community live,. A busy place is a SAFE place!

  

What one community did- notice any difference?

 If you support ReImagining, ReCreating and ReVitalizing Newton, 

consider yourself officially a member of ReNewton Nation

Vacant building on the King George has sat empty for 18 years

.

Newton got the slots back in 2012. They are slated to be removed soon.

* Slots have since been removed.

The King George is in need of a suburban retrofitting intervention!

ARTS DISTRICT-not just for artists

New community group in the neighbourhood

Quick post to let friends and neighbours know about a publc forum sponsored by the brand new Newton Community Association.  The NCA is headed by residents in  the area who have vast knowledge and experience dealing with issues around town.  I  think it will be an interesting event. Get there early as it is sure to be standing room only.