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44...„y oc� m STAFF REPORT
Development Services Department
DATE: August 2, 2011
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services DirectorYK
SUBJECT: REPORT, DISCUSSION, AND DIRECTION REGARDING POSSIBLE
USE OF CITY PROPERTY FOR A COMMUNITY GARDEN
Recommendation: Provide Direction
BACKGROUND
On June 13, 2011, the Development Services Department received a letter from the
Rotary Club of Arcadia requesting assistance in identifying City-owned property that
might be used to develop a community garden. The letter states that the resources of
the Rotary as well as the Arboretum may be available to bring this project to fruition.
Staff from Development Services as well as other Departments discussed this issue and
identified several sites that may be suitable. This letter and a subsequent email from Dr.
S. Brad Miller of Rotary were provided to the Council. At the July 19, 2011 meeting, the
Council directed staff to provide preliminary thoughts on a suitable location for such a
use on City property.
DISCUSSION
The idea of promoting a community garden was raised at several forums during the
development of the Arcadia General Plan. It was something that was looked on
favorably by those involved with this process. In response to the Rotary letter (and the
earlier comments through the General Plan process) Development Services staff
discussed possible locations for a community garden with Tom Tait, Public Works
Services Director, and Sara Somagyi, Director of Recreation and Community Services.
Although there are not many properties that the City could determine to be "excess" for
a use like this, there are several properties that may be appropriate for such a use.
Clearly, there is a wide variety of types of community gardens. They can range from
very large plots where space is rented through an organization and access and hours
are liberally established...to small temporary plots that can be used for educational
purposes or classes. At this point, staff does not know the desired size or type of garden
being requested by the Rotary. However, there are several location options on City
property that may be suitable for either/any alternative.
For a large community garden, staff has identified two potential locations. The first is the
abandoned well site located at the northwest corner of Michillinda and Hugo Reid, south
of Hugo Reid Park. Another possible location is Fairview Park, an unimproved park
(mainly just grass and trees and a few benches) that that runs between Fairview and
Arcadia Street just east of La Cadena. Maps of both of these locations are attached. In
both of these cases, there is not much existing use to speak of and both sites are
suitable for a garden. The site on Fairview is superior in terms of access, is more
centrally located, and would likely cost less for site work and preparation. The Hugo
Reid location is difficult to access but provides a screened, private area that might be
desirable.
If the idea is to develop a garden that is more modest in scale, there are additional
options. The southwestern corner of the library property, between the public parking lot
and the hedge separating the staff parking area is a possibility as is the shuffleboard
court area behind the Community Center. Both of these locations have good access
and visibility, which would further the goals of a community garden. In addition, although
we have not spent the time to do a substantial search, there may be small, underutilized
portions of various City parks that could be used for this purpose. These sites would be
appropriate if the desire is to utilize the garden on a smaller scale or as a temporary use
that might focus on children's groups or educational purposes.
There are other vacant lots in town, of course, such as several lots on Duarte Road and
one on Foothill Boulevard near Santa Anita Avenue, but these would require a lease
and/or purchase and our focus has just been on City property to date.
Clearly, once a concept and location are developed, there are many issues to be
discussed including start up costs, maintenance, security, hours of operation, insurance,
management, membership (if applicable), and others. There are many cities in the
region that have experience with developing gardens and a great number of private and
non-profit organizations who can help as well. If the City Council is amenable to
pursuing this, staff can research sites in more detail and work with the Rotary and
Arboretum on a specific concept and how it would work on potential sites.
FISCAL IMPACT
Not applicable at this time. Staff has completed several hours of work looking at sites.
Depending on the Council's direction, additional staff time and/or resources could be
spent on research and assistance to the Rotary and/or Arboretum in developing a
concept.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction.
Community Garden Staff Report
August 2, 2011 —Page 2
APPROVED: :Del-pa Ciw►�-a.�
Donald Penman, City Manager
Attachment A: June 11 letter from Rotary Club of Arcadia
Attachment B: Maps of Potential sites
Community Garden Staff Report
August 2, 2011 —Page 3
ATTACHMENT A
POTS`
(
- '- , > Rotary Club o
/Arcadia
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P.O.Box 660638•Arcadia,CA 91066• (626)447-0236 •www.arcadiarotary.org
RECEIVED
June 11, 2011 JUN 1 3 2011
Re: Community Garden Project
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
To Whom It May Concern:
Arcadia Rotary Club has a history of community service since 1927.Our club is noted for its
hands-on projects. Examples include the patio at the Chamber of Commerce and most of the
structures at Camp Trask Scout Camp in Monrovia.
As incoming President for the year 2011-2012 I would like to develop a Community Garden
patterned after the success of neighboring cities such as Pasadena,Altadena and Monrovia.
I have the support of our club board and will be able to draw on the resources of our club
members and Rotary International. Monterey Park Rotary just received a grant to develop a
Community Garden.
I also have the commitment and expertise of our club member and Arboretum CEO Richard
Schulhof. Excess produce would be donated to a local food bank such as Foothill Unity.
May this letter serve to request that our city leadership identify city property that might be
of use to develop a community garden.
Yours in service,
//Liz - „,.. e____
S. Brad Miller DC
Arcadia Rotary President 2011-12
drbradmiller @gmail.com
Ph: 626 930 1355
Service Above Self
ATTACHMENT B
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