HomeMy WebLinkAbout6D(9) Temporary Use of Commission property('O -b (%)_
Staff Report — Don Inks
Temporary Use of Property — Unity Garden @ LaSalle Square
9/28/10
Unity Gardens continues to expand and do well in South Bend. The largest garden is at
LaSalle Square. Unity Garden would like to expand their program at LaSalle Square by
adding walking paths, a small (about 10' X 12 ") greenhouse and a shaded shelter (about
16' X 16') with picnic tables. The greenhouse and shelter will not be attached to
foundations, so they can be more easily moved to another site if necessary. Additionally,
Unity Gardens would like to plant fruit trees to the east of the current garden, and add
community plots in this eastern area. Most of these improvements are being paid for by a
grant from the Neighborhood Resources Corporation for $5,000. Expanding the garden
to the east will mean another water spigot (or tap) will be necessary. Unity Gardens is
requesting the Redevelopment pay for the water extension, similar to the original tap and
spigot provided by Redevelopment when the garden was initially developed in 2009. The
cost is expected to not exceed $3,000.
Attached is the grant application to the Neighborhood Resources Corporation which more
fully explains the proposal for LaSalle Square.
Staff recommends favorable consideration by the Redevelopment Commission.
Neighborhood Resources Corporation Inspire Grant Application
Project Narrative
1. The Unity Garden Neighborhood Collaboration Project seeks to create increased neighborhood
cohesion and involvement in the largest and most public Unity Garden; LaSalle Square Unity Garden, ,
paving the way for participatory neighborhood revitalization. (Located at 3701 Prast Blvd South Bend, IN
46628)
The project plan includes:
1. Developing inviting gathering areas within the garden and walking paths around the
garden to attract new neighbors.
2. Initiating a new Unity framework of "individual plots" in the LaSalle Square Unity Garden
3. Developing and beginning a yearlong educational curriculum surrounding health,
nutrition, and planting, growing, and harvesting food.
4. Purchasing an educational green house to enhanced active learning on site and increase
food production.
5. Conducting active outreach to assure increased awareness of the existing Unity Garden.
This Unity garden location was chosen because of the high need for affordable food within the
neighborhood, the prolific cultural diversity, the socio- economic challenges, and the strength of the
current Unity Garden volunteer base. The specific goals include:
• Plan and hold neighborhood meetings to identify neighborhood goals for Unity Garden
growth.
• Increase neighborhood involvement in the LaSalle Square Unity Gardens(piloting the
successful frameworks and methodology for future Unity locations)
• Facilitate new collaborations between neighbors, businesses, schools, organizations and
religious communities through coordinated Unity service and events
• Revitalize neighborhood and stimulate new opportunities through increased community
connections, action, and attention.
• Reduce crime in targeted areas
• Increase access to fresh produce
The Unity Garden Neighborhood Collaboration Project captures the community vision through existing
Unity Garden Leaders, chosen for their current success in fostering collaborative growth within the
neighborhood. These garden leaders, identified within this proposal as story tellers, will engage in
participatory research i.e. interviews, focus groups, and community town hall type meetings, to identify
the neighborhood vision for the Unity Garden.
Melissa Murowski Unity Garden Leader: Inspire Unity story teller, capturing the
neighborhood story, leading community meetings, and spreading the
word among neighbors.
Carol Culsulski Olive Street Health Center: collaborative health promotions partner,
capturing valuable health promotion opportunities as well as serve as a
referral source.
Julie Hill LaSalle Branch Library: increase community involvement and host
educational events
Jerry Niezgodski Lincoln Way Gateway Association: host Unity Gardens representatives
at neighborhood meetings and facilitate participation and goal setting
from within the population.
Charles Thompson Saint Vincent DePaul society: collaborating to increase awareness.
Mitchel Yaciw Unity Gardens Coordinator: full time Unity Garden volunteer, build the
infrastructure and surround the gardens with the resources necessary
to "grow'. An INSPIRE story teller
Pastor Nancy Nichols Broadway Christian Parish United Methodist Church: outreach and
cultural issues
Donna Ring Urban Garden Market: consistent mission to increase neighborhood
connections to healthy food and local commerce
3. The Unity Gardens Neighborhood collaboration Project will:
Increase participation within the LaSalle Square Unity Gardens by both attraction and
promotion.
Unity Gardens plans to promote neighborhood participation through, increasing community
awareness, disseminating house to house brochures, offering church and school presentations,
hosting meetings and educational events.
Through these increased collaborations, new relationships will evolve; further propelling
increased social capital among neighbors, business opportunities and networking.
Unity Gardens plans to attract neighborhood participation by increasing the comfort, beauty,
and utility of the gardens. Not only will participation increase due to improved accessibility of
fresh produce, but also by providing an appealing public gathering area, so people will come
together with their families and friends. Sitting areas, pathways, and shaded shelters will
provide comfort in the garden. Increased garden activity will then reduce crime and provide for
increased safety throughout the neighborhoods fostering an environment conducive to building
relationships.
C,'1
The Unity Garden Neighborhood Collaboration Proiect
Out of Pocket Expenses Requested from INSPIRE Match
Item Cost
Item Cost
Shaded shelter
2000
25 hours labor
469
4 picnic tables
800
8 hours labor/ gas
225
Greenhouse
1500
4 benches & 2 hrs labor/ gas
856
Walking Path
700
Brochures & 25 hrs labor
1000
Community Garden Plots
900
Main Water to Greenhouse
3000
Educational print outs, supplies,
etc
500
Conference snacks/ veggies
230
Fruit trees
500
Total Requested
Funds 5000 Total Matched Value 7680
*25%
Minimum match; neighborhood 1920
Total Project cost estimated at $12680
The match funds are partly committed and partly pending. Although grants have been awarded in excess of
$7680, not all of the funds are dedicated to this project. Volunteer labor is expected to increase as a goal
of this project. Donated supplies of benches and water are also committed.
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