PKC - Item 3A - Vacant Property Community GardenTO:
FROM:
DATE:
ROSEMEAD
PARKS COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
THE HONORABLE CHAIR AND PARKS COMMISSION
TOM BOECKING, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
MARCH 5, 2019
SUBJECT: CITY OF ROSEMEAD'S 2ND TEMPORARY COMMUNITY GARDEN
SUMMARY
At the January 2018 City Council meeting, Council Member Ly requested that staff
study options for putting to recreational use for the community's benefit temporary use
of privately owned vacant lots in order to activate the idle properties for public good until at such time the lots are developed by the property owners. On March 6, 2018, staff brought to the Parks Commission a proposal for Rosemead's first community garden on
a vacant lot at 8828 Glendon Way. Upon review and discussion, the Commission
unanimously supported the project and made a recommendation to the City Council for
construction of the temporary community garden. At its meeting on April 24, 2018, the City Council approved a license agreement with the property owner, and on January 19,
2019 the garden was completed and grand opening ceremony was held. The opening
of the garden was successful with all 26 plots reserved and four people on the waiting
list. Staff has received more interest in the garden but once possible customers are told
of the waiting list their interest is lost.
Staff has identified another potential location for the 2nd temporary community garden,
located at 3212, 3220, 3224 and 3232 Del Mar Avenue, north of Emerson Place. The
current private owners are Jenny Yan Yam and May Yam. The owners have no plans to develop the property at this time and are agreeable to allow the City to use the property for a garden. Staff is currently in discussion with the private owners regarding
the terms of the license agreement. The vacant property is approximately 1.25-acre
(54,810 sq. ft.) in area, which is roughly double the size of the current garden. The land
will be decommissioned and leveled with minimal effort to its original condition, and maintenance of the property may be assumed by participants of the garden.
Parks Commission Meeting March 5, 2019 Page 2 of3
Staff is respectfully bringing the item to the Parks Commission to get feedback on the
2nd Temporary Community Garden. The Commission's comments would be conveyed
to the City Council at a future Council meeting pending successful negotiation with the
property owner license agreement.
Parks and Recreation staff has experience in operating a community garden in other
communities and is able to provide insight and expertise.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
That the Parks Commission provide feedback on temporary use of private vacant
properties for a community garden.
FISCAL IMPACT
To be determined, staff will request the appropriate funds in the 2019/2020 Budget.