While Eli Zabar was in attendence, unlike last time he didn't publicly speak out against it, but I did see him sign a petition against it in the hurried last minutes before the meeting. The opposition this time came from neighbors in the adjacent buildings to PS 6 who basically feared the greenmarkets would bring more rats, bugs and create too much traffic and noise. They spoke very passionately and frankly I thought they might prevent or at least significantly delay the siting of a greenmarket there - by far the larger of the two locations under consideration.

I spoke out (even used the $70/barrel oil crisis as my openning line!), along with a representative from the Greenmarkets operations department and a letter from the PTA president of PS 6. The community board dismissed concerns about rats as a separate issue the buildings need to sort out with the school but that it should not prevent the siting of a greenmarket there. I was elated. And frankly I plan to keep rolling on this issue, promoting the 2 new greenmarkets for this season, help enrolling people in the local CSA and finding some more locations for the greenmarkets in the UES.

Finally, here is my honor roll of people who helped make a difference in making these Greenmarkets happen:

1. Councilmember Jessica Lappin and members of her staff who not only listened to my ideas about bringing Greenmarkets to the neighborhood, but followed through with real leadership in finding a great site for a greenmarket in her district.

2. Tom Stromolo from the Council on the Environment who spoke eloquently and forthrightly about what Greenmarkets are, all the rules they have and their success in other neighborhoods.

3. The PS 6 and St. Stephen's Church community. You stepped up to the plate and offered to provide your community with a wonderful place. We thank you very much.

4. Damek, a reader of TOD who volunteered to help hand out flyers, put flyers under people's door and in general give sound advice at key moments. He wrote a post on his personal blog which I wanted to share:

I have to wonder, how the heck do other activists do what they do? How do you motivate people who support your ideas to friggin' come out and show their support?

Because that's what matters. About 10 people spoke out against greenmarkets, and 3 spoke for. And they didn't even have to speak; for everyone speaking against, there was much clapping after each speaker. But for the 3 in support, there were about 5 clappers. The difference is audible at a small community board meeting.

What I'm saying is that something this positive, this supported, the NIMBYs should be easily outnumbered. It's made me think about all the sorts of things I've heard about over the years and supported only in my mind. What good is agreeing with an idea if I don't show up at a meeting or sign a petition?

Amen. You need to become a part of your local democracy to have a voice, to make a difference and to frankly get things done. It's not enough to have opinions. Democracy requires you to show up and have your voice counted.

If we are going to make headway on preparing for peak oil, we need to become more involved in our democratic communities. You'd be surprised how much you can have an impact. I know I am.