Building Better Neighborhoods: Elyria may provide land for 8 more community gardens in neighborhoods

ELYRIA, Ohio - In an effort to utilize vacant land and help residents get access to fresh produce, Elyria may soon turn over eight pieces of property to neighbors to plant community gardens.

On Jan.  31, city officials will meet to decide if there are enough residents living near the eight vacant properties interested in planting a garden.

The vegetables grown would be shared among neighbors, an initiative supported by the Ohio State University Extension Office in Lorain County. It will help residents get started by providing educational materials and workshops. 

"Community gardens give friends and neighbors a chance to grow fruits and vegetables as well as friendships," said Elyria Mayor Holly Brinda. "Last year, two plots were used as community gardens and the results were wonderful. Residents were able to grow vegetables in a sustainable way that bettered the neighborhood."

The two current community gardens are located at the corner of Chestnut Street and North Avenue and at the former Cascade School on South Abbe Road.

The sites being considered for gardens this year include vacant lots on Shear Street, Furnace Street, Mussey Avenue, West Bridge Street, Lowell Street, Louisiana Avenue, Woodbury Street and Sumner Street.