Old Cities/Green Cities Book

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is pleased to announce the publication of the book, Old Cities/Green Cities (American Planning Association, 2002), by PHS executive vice president J. Blaine Bonham, Jr. and Gerri Spilka. Subtitled “communities transform unmanaged land,” this report deals with the enormity of the urban vacant land problem and its effect on our cities.

Part 1 of the book explores new ways of thinking about urban vacant land—as a neighborhood resource, or as potential greenways and gateways—and identifies strategies to promote land reuse.

Part 2 includes the story and development of PHS's Philadelphia Green program, from its beginnings in the ’70s in neighborhood greening to its current role as a leader in influencing city policy in a “Green City Strategy.” Borrow this book from the PHS McLean Library or purchase it from American Planning Association's online store by clicking here.