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For more information contact:
Cleveland City Council
Katherine Bulava Samsa, Media Relations Manager
(216) 857-7362 |
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| Councilman Cimperman sponsors ordinance to establish Urban Garden Districts |
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Downtown Councilman Joe Cimperman fully supports the OSU Extension’s ongoing efforts to provide the City of Cleveland with usable gardens through their programming for the last 30 years. The Summer Sprout Program, funded through the City’s Block Grant dollars, helps people grow nutritious food, develop life skills and build stronger, safer communities.
At the February 5, 2007 Council Meeting legislation will be introduced to develop an Urban Gardening District. This district would ensure that urban garden areas are appropriately located and protected to meet the community’s needs for local food production, community health, community education, job training and community enjoyment.
“Urban gardens are a benefit to City residents for a multitude of reasons, ranging from health to finances,” said Councilman Cimperman. “Ensuring the continued existence of these gardens is beneficial to everyone."
Urban Gardens meet all of these needs when properly placed and cared for in several ways. Crime rates in communities with urban gardens have been reduced by 48%, with 56% less violent crime as a result of the attention neighbors give to ensuring the garden is clean, safe and cared for. Property values in areas surrounding the gardens also increase particularly in disadvantaged areas. The gardens also bring in revenues when produce grown there is sold by community members. Furthermore, the gardens provide food, with as much as 95% being donated to disadvantaged neighbors and food pantries. |
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Cleveland City Council
601 Lakeside Avenue
Room 220
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 664-2840
(216) 664-3837 fax
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