Gerald Reiling is a junior at Duke University majoring in urban planning. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Gerald currently lives in North Carolina, and enjoys weightlifting, basketball, and thrifting outside of work and academics. During his internship, Gerald completed research to support the future of Hudson Street Stoop. We asked Gerald to reflect on his work as this summer’s Creative Placekeeping Research Fellow!
How did you learn about ACDC and what inspired you to join us?
I learned about ACDC from an alumnus at my university. After looking into the organization, I became interested in how ACDC uses urban planning principles to support the Asian American community within Greater Boston. I was particularly interested in ACDC’s placekeeping work as I have experience with placemaking projects but never within an Asian American community like Boston’s Chinatown.
Describe the research you worked on during your internship.
As a research fellow for the Community Design & Planning Department, I conducted research related to the development of a long-term art installation at Hudson Street Stoop at One Greenway Park, a green space that ACDC oversees. My work consisted of research supporting that installation, from identifying relevant precedents and applicable permits to drafting a preliminary budget and evaluating potential risks and mitigation strategies. This research was ultimately compiled into a comprehensive development framework and strategic roadmap to guide ACDC in developing the green space in the future.
What is a skill that you’ve gained or developed through this internship?
Coming into this internship, I had little experience reading legal documents, such as building and zoning codes or permitting regulations. Through this research, however, a major portion of my work focused on exactly that. While it was certainly difficult at times, I came away from the experience much more confident in understanding and analyzing legal codes.
What has it been like working with the CD&P team?
Working with the CD&P team has been both professionally insightful and socially fun! Professionally, Rob Chin and Jenny Huang were great mentors and collaborators during my internship. They were always willing to help me when I was stuck and provide insight on topics I did not know. Outside of work, they were also kind, funny individuals who made time to get to know me as a person. I will miss the CD&P team not only for their professional support, but also for their friendly banter.
Can you describe your favorite memory from working at ACDC?
My favorite memory from working at ACDC was visiting the currently under-construction Parcel R-1. While the visit had nothing to do with my work at One Greenway Park, when Jenny invited me to tag along, I immediately said yes. On the surface, it was simply fun to wear a hard hat and construction vest, walk around the construction site, climb scaffolding, and see the building process up close. Beyond that, I valued the visit because it allowed me to see ACDC's mission being realized. Since my research project focused on a future development that is still in the preliminary stages, it was rewarding to see another ACDC project actively taking shape.
What advice would you share for future CD&P Interns?
Get to know Rob and Jenny! They will be great mentors and friends during your internship at ACDC! In particular, Rob can give you good food recommendations around Boston if you are not from the area.
What is one take away from your internship at ACDC?
Community engagement and service take many forms beyond directly interacting with people. While that is the most front-facing version of it, for those conversations, workshops, and public meetings to happen in the first place, they require hours of planning and research behind the scenes. While my project did not require me to engage directly with Chinatown residents, it is the primary research for a project that ultimately will, and I am proud to make an impact in that capacity.
How has your work during your internship inspired what work you want to do in the future?
In the future, I am definitely interested in continuing work similar to what I have done at ACDC and with CD&P. While I have always been set on working in urban planning, this experience has inspired me to continue working within Asian American communities. On a personal level, as an Asian American myself, it is comforting to know that my work is benefiting an Asian American community. In the future, I hope I can continue working within similar communities and in placekeeping roles.
