Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office    

TO:	Dave Corliss
FROM:	Eileen Horn
Date:	May 6, 2013
RE:	Land licenses for Common Ground Program 2013

Background:  The 2013 Common Ground program will add an urban farm incubator to the list of CG properties, bringing the total program list to:

1. 1313 Pennsylvania- Community Garden
2. 1304 Pennsylvania- Community Garden
3. John Taylor Park – Children’s/Community Garden
4. Burroughs Creek  - Lawrence Community Orchard
5. 815 Oak St. – JCCC Student Farm
6. NEW for 2013! Maple Grove (4.5 acres) – urban farm incubator (licenses already approved)
7. NEW! 639 Illinois St.- Pearl Clark Community Garden

The Pearl Clark Community Garden will serve residents of Old West Lawrence with a community garden for fruit and vegetable production for personal consumption.  Garden Coordinator Michael Morley (successful coordinator for the 1313 Pennsylvania site), has a team of 15 neighbors committed to planning and building this garden throughout 2013.  Partnerships are underway with the Old West Lawrence neighborhood association, Pinckney School, and Little Red Schoolhouse to invite additional community members’ participation.

The site was formerly a surface creek and since changed to an underground storm sewer of 36” in diameter.  The centerline of the storm sewer was identified by the City Stormwater Engineer, and a 20’ easement has been maintained over the sewer to allow city staff to access the site.  The site is being designed with stormwater quantity and quality best practices to ensure that the site both provides food for citizens, and improved stormwater control as well.

Recommendation:  Authorize the City Manager to execute a license for the use of city property for agricultural use for:  Michael Morley, on behalf of the Pearl Clark Community Garden in Old West Lawrence at 639 Illinois St.