Project team

Head: Mentor-Castle-Clark and Holmden-Buhrer-Rowley Block Clubs

Partners: Tremont West Development Corporation and the Tremont Gardeners.

Project description and goals

The project involves phytoremediation for the purpose of creating a community green space that will: remediate contaminated soil so as to increase the ecological health of the area; beautify an existing vacant space by making a place of meditation; create educational opportunities on the basics of soil clean-up.  In general, the goals of the project—outside of beautification—are sustainably-focused, with emphasis on cleaner soil, the cultivation of community capital, and the education of the broader public about environmental concerns. The project also aims to act as a catalyst for other greening projects to occur along both the existing and proposed section(s) of the Towpath Trail.

Existing conditions

The property—at 1095 Holmden—is a city-owned 2,430 sq. ft. lot located between W. 14th St. and Quigley Rd. The property sits on a slope overlooking the Cuyahoga Valley, and is nearby to both the Steelyard section of the Towpath Trail as well as an existing community garden.  As for the site itself, the plot is currently overgrown with weeds, yet has two mature trees as well as the remnants of a brick wall which create for an interesting baseline from which a sense of place can be fostered.

Proposed interventions

After EPA soil readings, plant selections will be determined, while preparation for planting will commence. Amidst (and concurrent with) the phytoremediation planting, benches will be placed under the existing trees, while informative signage will be developed and installed in tandem with the creation of a “Path to Phytoremediation”, which is an educational walkway showcasing plants that have proven successful in remediation.   

Site maintenance

Initially, weeds and removal of low-hanging branches will be undertaken, as well as soil grading and tilling.  Water is available through a nearby fire hydrant that has been granted access to the group via a city permit.  All work is volunteer-oriented, and the scheduling will be undertaken in-house at the outset, with various volunteer opportunities being made available to other community members via block club and newsletter notices.