Community Garden Assembly Topic
Dear Editor: Two nonprofits, Sitka Local Foods Network and Transition Sitka, have been working on advancing the idea of developing a community garden in town for a long time. I’m on the board of directors for both organizations, and my first sit-down meeting with the city’s Planning and Community Development director to discuss the prospects of leasing city land for a garden was on Jan. 9, 2023 – two years ago now.
It’s been a long process. But at this Tuesday’s Assembly meeting, a discussion of the land lease terms and conditions is finally on the agenda. Unfortunately, though, it seems that not all Assembly members are convinced that our plans for a Jarvis Street Community Garden have enough public support to warrant their endorsement of the lease. There is a distinct risk that some members will propose lease terms and conditions that are too demanding, that will cost too much, and that will serve to effectively stifle the prospects of proceeding.
One of the advantages of having gone through a lengthy bureaucratic process to get to where we are is that we have a good feel for how much support there is in the community for this project. We ask garden enthusiasts to step forward now, or forever hold your peace. Write an email to the Assembly or attend Tuesday’s meeting. Give them a call. Let them know what you think.
As one of a core group of promoters, I think this project proposal is likely the most thoroughly researched, extensively planned and broadly supported community garden effort that Sitka is likely to get. It’s now or never.
Joel Hanson, Project Lead,
Jarvis Street Community Garden
