Project team

Head: Justin Husher

Partners: Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation (BPDC)

Project description and goals

The project proposes using vacant land remediation and food growth as an agent of change in attempt to regenerate the Rust Belt narrative.  Moreover—through the installation of a garden as well as a weekly farmer’s market on-site—the project intends to capture the reality of the opportunity that Cleveland’s vacant land affords. In addition to both sustainability and entrepreneurial initiatives, healthy bodies will also be a focus through the implementation of a “community yoga in the garden” series.

Existing conditions

The property (parcel 020-06-016) is a city-owned 7,350 sq. ft. lot located at the corner of W. 130th St. and Sprecher in the Puritas-Longmead neighborhood. Given its proximity to I-480, the lot is in a highly visible location, which facilitates the project’s goals of creating a fiscally viable market as well as providing for a visual example of the possibilities regarding vacant land. Physically, the lot has been maintained, with trimmed grass and only a few unleveled spots which will need grading. Also, the lot sits on a southerly corner, enabling at least 8 hours of full sun a day. 

Proposed interventions 

Soil readings will be the first priority, with phytoremediation techniques involving the plantings of sunflowers, Indian mustards, and Chinese brake ferns if necessary. In addition, soil building will be implemented using such classic tools as leaf composting, earthworm harboring, green cover crops, and mycorrhizal fungi for the layering. Next, four-foot planting rows will run the length of the site, with the focus on marketable crops.  An herb garden will also be placed on the corner of the lot, with other market highlights including a native pawpaw orchard, a blueberry patch, and a shaded mushroom site along the garden’s rear corner.  Placed centrally in the garden will be a community space. Specifically, a grass patio will be developed for the yoga seminars, with the surrounding garden acting as a buffer of vegetation allowing for peaceful recreational opportunities. Lastly, a market area will be developed near the front of the lot.   

Site maintenance

The project director will handle most of the duties, with 40 hour workweeks expected in from spring thru fall. Friends of the director have also provided their support, and duties will be allocated depending on their interests (e.g., gardening, sales). Short-term duties involve garden installation and food plant maintenance, while long-term tasks involve focusing on developing an organic bed. Watering will be accomplished through the installation of a water source on-site.