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(49 a o') <br />45pUrN °Fti <br />Department of <br />Community <br />ncs <br />Investment <br />Memorandum <br />February 28, 2013 <br />TO: Redevelopment Commission <br />FROM: David Relos, Economic Development Planner' <br />SUBJECT: Unity Gardens @ La Salle Square Update <br />Since 2009, Unity Gardens has had a community garden at La Salle Square on Commission owned <br />property. This garden has grown in scope and outreach in each successive year, and now includes a <br />growing hoop for four season growing, a covered seating area for the surrounding community to <br />gather, and hosts an annual La Salle Square Luau to celebrate the garden and those who benefit <br />from its produce. <br />At today's meeting, Sara Stewart, whose first garden in 2008 has grown to 48 in 2012, will give an <br />update on Unity Garden's impact, goals, and vision for the future. <br />Currently, Sara is in process of working with AEP to bring electricity to the site. She is actively <br />fundraising to cover any costs not donated by AEP, and asks the Commission to consider a possible <br />future funding request if so needed. <br />In December 2011, the Commission and Unity Gardens entered into a Temporary Use and License <br />Agreement (Agreement) for the La Salle Square garden. This Agreement is for a one year period, <br />with renewable options for four successive twelve month periods (November 1 through October 31). <br />Within the Agreement, the Commission is granted termination rights upon written notification. If <br />termination occurs, the Commission agrees to pay Unity Gardens up to $10,000 to relocate up to <br />three temporary structures. <br />Because of Unity Garden's outreach and growth at this site, and to assist it to grow into the future, <br />staff requests Commission approval to amend the Agreement by extending it to fifteen (15) years, <br />keeping in place its termination rights for development opportunities, and to increase the relocation <br />payment to up to $20,000, to accommodate the future growth of the garden. <br />227 W. JEFFERSON BLVD. SOUTH BEND, IN 46601 1 P: 574- 235 -9371 1 FAX: 574 - 235 -9021 1 SOUTH BEN DIN.GOV <br />