Ayana Smith

Ayana Smith is a freelance writer and community organizer specializing in creative placekeeping. A graduate of Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, she has published research-based articles for the American Institute of Architects and the Urban Design Forum; her journalistic writing appears in publications including City Limits, Gothamist, and the New York Daily News.

Contact

LinkedIn htimsanaya

Recent articles by Ayana Smith

Cooperation

Keeping Queensview affordable

How lifelong affordable housing champion Alicia Fernandez has ensured that her Astoria co-op stays within reach for first-time home buyers

March 26, 2026

Cool Tech

Submetering for savings at Queensview

Behind the metering strategy that shifts the onus for electricity use onto the individual — making users more aware of their own waste

March 26, 2026

Financing

Taking advantage of tax breaks gave this co-op a bigger budget for energy efficiency work

At the Queensview co-op, the J‑51 tax break secured almost $3 million in abatements over a nine-year period

March 26, 2026

Inwoodpark hal inwood park building facade

Profile

How a dyed-in-the-wool cooperator led his building through change

Hal Fuchsman is a lifelong believer in the co-op model of homeownership, but leading his building through an energy efficiency upgrade challenged even him.

October 17, 2025

Cool Tech

What is a “Radiator Cozy” and how does it work?

Inwood Park Apartments was able to save money on fuel and reduce carbon emissions — all by insulating their in-unit radiators

October 17, 2025

Cooperation

“Every win comes with a concession”: The ups and downs of navigating energy efficiency collectively

A change of plan at Inwood Park Apartments required communication, education, and more opportunities for feedback

October 17, 2025

Ayana Smith

Contact

Recent articles by Ayana Smith

Keeping Queensview affordable

How life­long afford­able housing cham­pion Alicia Fernandez has ensured that her Astoria co-op stays within reach for first-time home buyers

Submetering for savings at Queensview

Behind the metering strategy that shifts the onus for elec­tricity use onto the indi­vidual — making users more aware of their own waste

Taking advantage of tax breaks gave this co-op a bigger budget for energy efficiency work

At the Queensview co-op, the J‑51 tax break secured almost $3 million in abate­ments over a nine-year period

How a dyed-in-the-wool cooperator led his building through change

Hal Fuchsman is a life­long believer in the co-op model of home­own­er­ship, but leading his building through an energy effi­ciency upgrade chal­lenged even him.

What is a “Radiator Cozy” and how does it work?

Inwood Park Apartments was able to save money on fuel and reduce carbon emis­sions — all by insu­lating their in-unit radiators

“Every win comes with a concession”: The ups and downs of navigating energy efficiency collectively

A change of plan at Inwood Park Apartments required commu­ni­ca­tion, educa­tion, and more oppor­tu­ni­ties for feedback

How lifelong affordable housing champion Alicia Fernandez has ensured that her Astoria co-op stays within reach for first-time home buyers

Behind the metering strategy that shifts the onus for electricity use onto the individual — making users more aware of their own waste

At the Queensview co-op, the J‑51 tax break secured almost $3 million in abatements over a nine-year period

Hal Fuchsman is a lifelong believer in the co-op model of homeownership, but leading his building through an energy efficiency upgrade challenged even him.

Inwood Park Apartments was able to save money on fuel and reduce carbon emissions — all by insulating their in-unit radiators

A change of plan at Inwood Park Apartments required communication, education, and more opportunities for feedback