Project team

Head: E. 66th and Regent Rd. Block Club

Partners: Regent Park Community Garden, Slavic Village Development Corporation

Project description and goals

The project involves revitalizing a stretch of garbage-filled land into a grape vineyard.  Goals include creating greater access to a fresh fruit in an area otherwise short of proximity to produce, as well as demonstrating to community members the possibilities of neighborhood regeneration through the actual transformation of fallow ground. 

Existing conditions

The lot (125-32-109)—located at E. 66th St. and Regent Rd.—is 5,000 sq. ft., and was once the host for an abandoned residence that was demolished in 2003.  The site is in a high visibility area, with its central location allowing ease of maintenance for the respective community stewards.  As was stated, the lot attracts litter and other large trash, and often, then, serves as a dispiriting eyesore to the passerby. 

Proposed interventions

Interventions include land preparation, including debris removal and top soil placement. Lead contamination is less of a concern on this site given the relative difficulty of soil contamination in fruit-bearing vegetation. Next, grape seeding and instillation of grape vine posts will allow for the eventual rising of the vines.  A fence will also be installed to edge the site.

Site maintenance

Long-term maintenance involves manicuring the grape vines and harvesting the grapes. Activities, here, include pruning, picking, and cleaning, with the dispersing of the fruit throughout the community to follow.  Watering will be available from an adjacent neighboring house.