55 Tiny Homes, Big Questions

55 Tiny Homes, Big Questions

Author: Dave Gardner February 10, 2020 Duration: 56:40

Big things are happening for tiny homes in Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs Principal Planner Lonna Thelan fills us in on how city planning and zoning issues affect tiny home locations, and Shelley Jensen, founder, CEO and chief community strategist of We Fortify, shares details of her first development, Working Fusion at Mill Street.

Working Fusion is a sustainable tiny-home development in the Mill District that will allow young renters to be more functional earlier into their next phase of housing and establishes trust and responsibility. Each tiny home is designed with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living space. Each new renter receives a bed, bedding, television, silverware, dishes, artwork and a community picture to care for and take with them when they move to more permanent digs. Additionally, KP17 - in collaboration with other organizations - will program community activities such as yoga, summer concerts, community gardening education, poetry slam, and financial wellness classes.

We Fortify is a non-profit homeless prevention organization that creates permanent generational shifts by providing creative, dignified, and environmentally friendly housing solutions in socially supportive neighborhoods.

This program was recorded at the January 17, 2020 luncheon meeting of the Pikes Peak Environmental Forum. The Forum informs the community in Colorado Springs on issues of environmental import. Our monthly luncheon meeting topics have ranged from how earthquakes can predict weather events to sustainable energy solutions. Each month we learn something we weren’t necessarily aware we needed to know, but in broadening our knowledge, we deepen our understanding of, and our connection to, the world. Learn about future luncheons at our Facebook page, or contact us to be put on the email list for meeting notifications.

LINKS:

Lonna Thelan’s Slides

Shelley Jensen’s Slides

Colorado Springs zoning code update

Short Term Rentals information at City of Colorado Springs website

Working Fusion at Mill Street

 

Presenting Sponsors:

Blue Planet Earthscapes

Peak Radar

Additional Sponsors:

Adams Bank & Trust

Black Hills Energy

Environmental Compliance Systems

Old Town Bike Shop

Miriam's Place

OrganaGardens

Terra Essentials

 

UPCOMING ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS:

Accessing Clean Water: The PFAS Story in El Paso County, COPikes Peak Environmental Forum Friday, February 28, 2020 Noon to 2 pmMargarita at Pine Creek 7350 Pine Creek Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80919 Event is free; you buy your lunch RSVP here; very important

Permaculture Design Course 2020Pikes Peak PermacultureFirst class - March 13, 2019Information and Registration

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Colorado Springs Office of Innovation & Sustainability

Dems Environmental Initiative

Green Cities Coalition

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future

Pikes Peak Environmental Forum

Pikes Peak Library District Green Team

Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club

Pikes Peak Permaculture

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Subscribe (free) on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

 


Hosted by Dave Gardner, Peak Environment digs into the real-world choices and conversations shaping life in the Pikes Peak Region. This isn't a distant global overview, but a local look at how environmental care weaves into the fabric of our community, from the trails we hike to the policies our leaders debate. Each episode explores the intersection of our society and our surroundings, considering how sustainable practices impact both our physical health and our cultural values. You'll hear from neighbors, advocates, and experts discussing practical steps for stewardship, the nuances of building a resilient local economy, and the ongoing work toward balanced public policy. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded dialogue that connects personal fitness and well-being directly to the health of the place we call home. Find this podcast for a deeper understanding of what it means to live well, right here.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Peak Environment
Podcast Episodes
131: Art, Hope, and 2025 – an Update from 350 Colorado [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:33
Chelsea and Melissa at 350 Colorado discuss hope and art, in addition to specifics on exciting events in CO Springs coming up in 2025. This episode is a must listen! Also discussed: COP29 Climate Lobby Day – Friday, Marc…
130: Shifting the Status Quo of Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:14
There is a divide among sustainability advocates concerning urban development. At a glance, it may seem that halting all development would be beneficial. However, John Olson urges us to look beyond the surface and consid…
129: Concrete Couch & Concrete Coyote – Art and Sustainability [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:19
Learn how local arts nonprofit Concrete Couch has turned a concrete dump into a community asset – a park and learning center. Caitlin Hannigan and Jorge Estevez also share how Concrete Couch has contributed to increasing…
127: Permablitz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
What is a permablitz? Ally Richardson invites fellow permaculturists Alexandra Malecki and Beth Carbone to discuss this engaging social permaculture event. We couldn’t contain our giggles! Together, we share our experien…
126: Life Happens. Be Ready [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:14
Learn about the GRIT Program that offers training in a brief conversational intervention used to support effective coping for those in your natural social network. In these trying times, we could all benefit from free tr…
125: A Fossil Free Future - Meet 350 Colorado [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:56
Learn how 350 Colorado can help you become a climate activist, or have more fun and be more effective if you’re already an activist. Chelsea Alexander and Melissa Burrell share what 350 Colorado is and does, and then dri…
124: Circular Economy Assistance for Colorado Businesses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:22
Colorado’s Circular Economy Development Center facilitates connections in Colorado to create circular economy solutions using materials that Coloradans recycle. Archibald, Southern Front Range Satellite Office Coordinato…
123: Deep Nature Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:03
Learn about deep nature connection, nature deficit disorder, great programming in the area, and ways we all can engage to feel a belonging amongst the other species that live in the lovely Southern Colorado region. Co-ho…