Here's what the mayor has (and an outline for the rest of us)

This was sent by Mike Roberts to Mayor Jamie Mayo.

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Outline For Monroe Community Gardens :

WHERE: PROPOSED SITES / ROCHELLE AVE PUMP STATION AND MARX STREET PUMP STATION LOTS

(BACAUSE OF PLANTING TIME FRAMES, THESE LOCATIONS ARE GREAT FOR A START, AND CAN GROW TO OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE FALL AFTER FIRST TWO LOCATIONS ARE WORKING PROPERLY)

WHY : THEY ARE CENTRALLY LOCATED TO AREAS WITH CHURCHES,WATER FAUCETS, SEINIORS, AND PARKS THAT ARE VISSABLE TO OUR COMMUNITY

WHO OPERATES: ALL PROJECTS ARE TO BE A PART OF THE MONROE BEAUTIFICATION DEPARTMENT PROJECTS, WITH A DIVERSE COMMITEE PUT TOGETHER FROM THE TWO AREAS THAT ARE TO BE INVOLVED.

MIKE ROBERTS(HOME SWEET HOME TV), BOB TEAGUE (THE NEWS STAR) SHANE DEVAULT (OUCHITA CITIZEN), MELLISA MILLER, KASH SCHRIEFER, EMY TRAYLOR, DREW FLUKE, ROBERT RIDDLE, MONROE HOUSING AUTHORITY MAKEEN PLASA SENIORS, NEAREST GRADE SCHOOL,BOY SCOUT TROOP, ARCO,IS THE BEGINNING COMMITEE FOR THE ROCHELLE SITE.

WE WILL BEGIN SEARCH FOR THE MARX STREET COMMITTEE LOCATION AFTER SITES ARE CONFIRMED.

PROSPECTS ARE: PASTOR OF TRUE VINE BAPTIST CHURCH, ROSEVELT WRIGHT, GIRL SCOUT TROOP OF TRUE VINE CHURCH, BOY SCOUT TROOP TOP GUN, MONROE HOUSING AUTHORITY SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING MEMBERS, NEAREST GRADE SCHOOL, ETC.

WHEN TO BEGIN: ASAP IN APRIL DUE TO TIME FOR PLANTS TO GROW.






FUND RAISING: A SEED COMPANY WILL LET THE GROUP SELL SEEDS, BULBS, AND PLANTS TO THE COMMUNITY AND RECEIVE A 45% PROFIT. www.fundraisingwithflowers.com , ALSO PEOPLE CAN DONATE MONEY AND SUPPLIES THROUGH THE BEAUTIFICATION DEPARTMENT, DEDICATED FOR THE COMMUNITY GARDEN.

THE GARDENS WILL BE USED IN WHAT IS KNOWN AS A SQUARE FOOT GARDEN, WHERE ALL WHO APPLY WILL GET A 4 FOOT BY 12 FOOT AREA TO PLANT THERE OWN GARDEN. THIS IS TO BE DONE THROUGH A SIGN UP LOTTERY IN CASE THERE IS NOT ENOUGH LAND TO USE INSTEAD OF A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS IN ORDER TO BE FAIR TO EVERYONE.

ALSO A LIABILITY WAVER MUST BE SIGNED BY ALL WHO VOLENTEERS OR HAS A GARDEN AREA.

THERE ARE SOME GRANTS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE USDA AND OTHER GROUPS (SEE ATTACHED) FOR THIS TYPE OF ENDEVER AND CAN BE APPLIED FOR THROUGH THE BEATIFICATION DEPARTMENT.

AFTER TALKING WITH 3 LOCAL MASTER GARDENERS, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO DISC UP THE LAND WITH THE SQUARE FOOT GARDENING CONCEPT. WE WILL HOWEVER NEED TO HAVE THE LAND MOWED AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE ONE TIME AND WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST OF THE TIME WITH VOLENTEERS AS WELL AS A COUPLE OF TRUCKLOADS OF MANURE FROM THE ZOO DELIVERED TO BOTH SITES, FOR COMPOSTING.

THE COMMUNITY GARDENS WILL BE ABLE TO ALLOW CHILDREN, SENIORS, HANDICAPED, ARCO, SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES, AND ANYONE ELSE TO REAP THE HARVEST OF A GARDEN.





THE SQUARE FOOT SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR SOME RAISED BEDS FOR WHEELCHAIR ACCESS AND SENIORS WILL NOT HAVE TO BEND OVER WITH A RAISED BED.



THE ADVANTAGES:

1.) IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE IN THE GARDEN.
2.) PROVIDES A CATALYST FOR NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
3.) STIMULATES SOCIAL INTERACTION.
4.) ENCOURAGES SELF RELIANCE.
5.) BEAUTIFIES NEIGHBORHOODS.
6.) PRODUCES NUTRIOUS FOOD.
7.) REDUCES FAMILY FOOD BUDGET.
8.) CONSERVES RESOURCES BY USING RECYCLED PRODUCTS.
9.) CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION, EXERCISE, THEROPY, AND EDUCATION.
10.) REDUCES CRIME.
11.) PRESERVES GREEN SPACE.
12.) CREATES INCOME OPERTUNITIES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
13.) PROVIDES OPPERTUNITIES FOR INTERGENERATIONAL AND CROSS – CULTURAL CONNECTIONS.


ATTACHED IS ALSO A LETTER OF SUPORT FROM THE NATIONAL AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION.

MIKE ROBERTS / VOLENTEER
MONROE COMMUNITY GARDENS
355-9106


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If you would like a copy of the letter of support from the NACGA, send an email to monroegardens@gmail.com and one will be sent to you.

If you would like to be involved in this effort, show up Tuesday at the Monroe City Council's pre-council meeting (starts at 6 p.m. so show up a little early and sign up to voice your support.) You can also send an email to monroegardens@gmail.com and show up for one of the planning meetings. These are 9 a.m. Sundays (skipping Easter Sunday) at Lea's on the corner of Louisville Avenue and 4th Street.