In Hartford food deserts, three vacant properties may be repurposed for urban farming
“Turning formerly blighted, unused and unusable plots of city land into working urban farms and community gardens is a great way to give those parcels a functional use in a sustainable manner,” Arulampalam said.
By Stephen Underwood
Hartford Courant
Feb 08, 2023
Excerpt:
Arulampalam said that research shows beautifying vacant spaces also has an impact on cutting crime in neighborhoods and creating neighborhood pride.
“Studies show it can lead to almost a 30% reduction in violent crime,” Arulampalam said. “We wanted a plan that would reduce crime while also creating businesses in the community. Each of the three lots will be sold to a specific urban farmer. We will sell the property to them and their business. These farmers have both security plans in place for their crops and sustainable business models.”
Herb Virgo, founder of the Keney Park Sustainability Project, is coordinating with the Land Bank to select the three farmers to purchase the lots. The farmers must be local and must submit a detailed business and safety plan for the properties. Much of the food grown will be resold in the community at local farmers markets and grocery stores.
“Having beautiful green spaces connects people to the nature around them. The growing of food is so important but also so lacking in Hartford,” Arulampalam said.
The concept of urban farming as a solution to hunger has taken off within the last few decades.
