[Summit] Community gardening

[Dream W]

Here is a report from last night's community gardening public meeting, from the 
SNA website.  Please note that the next two public meetings are scheduled 
for September 26 and October 24 at 6pm. Location will be Summit Commons (99 
Hillside Ave).

>From the SNA site 
 (http://www.sna.providence.ri.us/report-from-the-community-gardening-meeting/ ):


Last night at Summit Commons June Daniel presented her plan to create community 
gardening in Lippitt Park.  Also in attendance were eight neighbors, five of 
which are current SNA board members.  It is unfortunate that there was little 
notice about this meeting, but now that we are in contact with June, we will 
give advanced notice of these meetings as they get set.

June presented her ideas for the project, including potential locations in the 
park and the basic format, which would be modeled closely after the Sessions 
Street community garden of which she is a current member.  In essence, the city 
would bring water to the location, build a fence, and then allow land use rights 
to the community garden group.  The proposed area of the project would be 4,800 
square feet.  The group would then lease the 10' x 10' plots to individuals who 
would use them to grow vegetables.  June said that the details of this 
arrangement are still in the works, but likely costs could be $100 for the first 
year and $35 for each additional year thereafter.  Members who have a plot in 
the current year get first right of refusal for a plot next year.  She reported 
that most other community gardens in the city have a waiting list.

Specific locations discussed included:
1. Southeast corner of the park
2. Southwest area where the Open Market is usually held
3. Northern point where the Farmer's Market is usually held

Locations #2 and 3 above would have those markets moving elsewhere inside the 
park.  Everyone agreed that giving the Farmer's Market first location choice is 
essential, as that market brings much enhancement to our neighborhood.

The neighbors present participated in the discussion, suggesting other locations 
in addition to Lippitt Park for consideration.  The group seemed split on 
whether Lippitt Park was an appropriate location for this type of activity, with 
perhaps a few more than half of those present thinking that it was not the best 
location.

Another location discussed was Collier Field, which perhaps has closer access to 
water and is a less-used location.

This project is something being pursued by June Daniel.  For its part, SNA hopes 
to gauge neighbors' wants in this area and advocate accordingly.  To that end, 
there will be a survey created, as well as at least two additional public 
meetings.  Access to the survey will be made available on this site, on the SNA 
e-mail list, and in the next SNA newsletter for people without Internet access. 
 June has agreed to not pursue this project in Lippitt Park if it becomes clear 
that the neighborhood is against it.  It is difficult to get any accurate 
reading of neighborhood consensus, and the best methods discussed last night 
were through the survey and public meeting discussion.

So if you have an interest in this issue, please participate in one of those 
methods, if possible.  If you are unable, please do contact someone from SNA 
(sna at sna.providence.ri.us) to make your voice heard.  Of course, SNA is not the 
only way to weigh in here; the Parks Department and Mayor's Office should also 
be willing to hear your voice on this issue.

The additional public meetings are set for September 26 and October 24 at 
6pm. Location will be Summit Commons (99 Hillside Ave).


      
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