Begin forwarded message:
From: Amara Rockar <[email protected]>
Date: January 16, 2013 5:02:29 PM EST
Subject: Fwd: Save the Gardens
Looking at the zoning map on http://www.phila.gov/Map it appears the
following West Philly gardens are in CMX-2 zoning and therefore
potentially threated by this bill:
Garden Court garden at 47th and Spruce
Walnut Hill garden at 46th and Market
Warrington garden at 47th and Warrington
If you want to contact Councilwoman Blackwell about this bill, her
office numbers are (215) 686-3418, (215) 686-3419.
Amara
From: "PHS" <[email protected]>
Subject: Save the Gardens
Date: January 16, 2013 2:55:55 PM EST
Community Gardens & Urban Farms at Risk!
Philadelphia's community gardens and urban farms are threatened,
and we need your help.
City Council recently introduced a bill that seriously restricts
community gardens and market farms in residential/commercial
districts (CMX-2). This puts almost a quarter of the gardens in the
city at extreme risk, and would require all market farms and
community gardens in those districts to obtain a “special
exception.” Similar to a zoning variance, a special exception
requires a hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment, demanding
significant time, energy, and expense.
Last August, Philadelphia adopted a new Zoning Code that for the
first time in 50 years recognizes the importance of community
gardens and farms, bringing healthy fresh produce back to our
neighborhoods, while supporting creative solutions to ending blight.
Council Bill 120917 is a step backwards, making Philadelphia less
sustainable just as we are striving to be the “greenest city” in
the country. It serves as a barrier to healthier, more vibrant
neighborhoods.
What Can You Do?
Call and email your District Councilmembers and each of the At-
Large Councilmembers
Ask that they support the current zoning code and oppose City
Council Bill 120917.
Explain how important your garden is to you and your community.
Find your Councilperson: philadelphiacitycouncil.net/council-members
Also call the At-Large Council:
Blondell Reynolds Brown (215) 686-3438
W. Wilson Goode, Jr. (215) 686-3414
Bill Green (215) 686-3420
William K. Greenlee (215) 686-3446
James Kenney (215) 686-3450
Dennis O’Brien (215) 686-3440
David Oh (215) 686-3452
More information at http://pilcop.org/take-action-to-protect-urban-agriculture-in-philadelphia/
.
Thank you very much for your support.
Sincerely,
Drew Becher
PHS President
