Carrots, Squash, Kale Move Into Vacant Lot
Addie Kimbrough had a vision: A community garden in the vacant plot of land opposite her house where neighborhood kids and seniors could plant cabbage, collard greens, kale, and turnips.
By Natalie Kainz
New Haven Independent
Jun 15, 2021
Excerpt:
“The community gardens not only serve as a place for people to grow healthy, fresh food, but as a place for people to gather together outside and enjoy each other’s company, learn from each other, and reclaim derelict spaces to improve the neighborhood,” said Mayor Elicker.
The city worked with government’s neighborhoods agency, the Livable Cities Initiative (LCI), to ensure that there was a license and lease to support the work in the garden. Elicker called Kimbrough’s leadership inspiring because it encapsulates the grassroots spirit of New Haven.
Kimbrough initially approached Eliza Caldwell from Gather New Haven with her vision in January. Caldwell, who came to the garden driving a pickup truck filled with soil, said support from neighbors convinced her organization that the garden was a good idea.
Four members of the local chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity came to the garden as a way to give back to Newhallville, where they all grew up.
“We never had this as youths,” said James Carr, who grew up on Division Street. “To nourish the ground where we played at is exciting.”
