produce food for individual consumption, but may produce food for sale, be designed for

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1 R TOWNSHIP OF MONTCLAIR A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTCLAIR S SUPPORT FOR THE CREATION, PROTECTION AND LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY GARDENS December 19, 2017 WHEREAS, community gardens are any piece of private or public land where plants are grown and maintained by a group of individuals in the community. Community gardens often produce food for individual consumption, but may produce food for sale, be designed for beautification of the community, or be used for educational purposes; and WHEREAS, community gardens make a significant contribution to the civic and cultural life of communities and create gathering places that bring people together across boundaries of age and ethnicity; and WHEREAS, community gardens provide access to healthy, culturally specific food for people of all economic backgrounds, allowing residents to improve nutrition and lower food costs; and WHEREAS, community gardens may provide positive attributes as urban green spaces: they beautify areas, build a sense of community among neighbors, abate criminal activity, and prevent trash accumulation, dumping, and littering; and WHEREAS, community gardens contribute to the preservation, access to, and use of open space, vacant lots, and public parks; now therefore Rev. 12/16/2017 7:44 AM

2 BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Community Garden Guidelines attached hereto as Exhibit A are hereby adopted. RECORD OF COUNCIL VOTE YES NO ABS N.V. AB YES NO ABS N.V. AB Baskerville Hurlock McMahon Deputy Mayor Schlager Spiller Mayor Jackson Russo X - Indicate Vote ABS - Abstain N.V. - Not Voting AB - Absent I HEREBY CERTIFY the foregoing to be a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, at its meeting held on December 19, Linda S. Wanat Clerk of the Township of Montclair, N.J.

3 Exhibit A

4 Part I What is a community garden? A community garden is a space where neighbors come together to grow community and steward - plan, plant, and maintain -a piece of open space. Community gardens are gathering places that promote healthier eating, physical activity, and environmental stewardship. Non-commercial community gardening means a group of individuals growing and harvesting food crops and/or non-food ornamental crops, such as flowers, for personal or group use, consumption, or donation. Community gardens may be divided into separate plots for cultivation by one or more individuals or may be farmed collectively by members of the group and may include common areas maintained and used by group members. The produce grown, in community gardens on public land will be used for personal consumption by members of the leasing organization. A communal section of the garden, equivalent to 20% of the raised beds will be exclusively dedicated to growing food for local community food pantry organizations. Part II Guidelines: Community Gardens on Public Land Community gardens can provide community engagement, safety, and economic vitality for a neighborhood and its residents and provide environmental benefits to the community at large. It is recommended the Department of Community Services identify appropriate sites on public property larger than half an acres, including parks, public easements and surplus property, where qualifying groups of citizens can create community gardens and related environmental projects that benefit the community. It will prioritize the establishment of new

5 Township of Montclair Proposed Community Garden Guidelines gardens in neighborhoods that are underserved by other open space and healthy eating opportunities. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will assist to ensure the garden areas are appropriately located and protected to meet needs for local food production and environmental enhancement. Establish Partnerships It is important to establish partnerships with people or organizations, such as gardening, horticultural, environmental, and health organizations, that can help bring together the resources and expertise needed to start, publicize, and maintain the garden. These groups and individuals can provide educational workshops, tours, and training for garden participants and the general public on gardening, composting, nutrition, environmental stewardship, and related topics. Permitted Use of Community Gardens Community Gardens shall consist of land used for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, trees, shrubs, flowers, or herbs by multiple users. The gardens will follow ecologically sound urban farming practices. The land shall be served by a water supply sufficient to support the cultivation practices used on the site. The site will be designed and maintained so that water and fertilizer will not drain onto adjacent property. The community gardens will comply with existing zoning ordinances. Health Department Input The Health Department can advise gardeners regarding the most nutritious vegetables to grow, provide information on the benefits of healthy eating, and provide pre-season workshops on nutrition and healthy eating habits. It will also require soil testing for possible pollutants in food production areas. Park Recreation Cultural Affairs - Advisory Board 2

6 Township of Montclair Proposed Community Garden Guidelines Part III Recommendations: FOLLOW TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE IN PLACE Composting Composting activities will comply with existing township ordinances regarding composting. Composting will be set up in consultation with the Environmental Department. Electricity and Sewers Community gardens will obtain any necessary permits for water, electricity, sewer connections, and the building of any sheds for storage. Fencing Any fencing will comply with townships ordinances. Signage Any signage will comply with township ordinances. Parking The applicant shall demonstrate that sufficient parking spaces and loading spaces will be available or provided for all uses proposed Part IV Additional Recommendations: Any changes to the design or foliage of the parks or other public areas must follow proper township administrative procedures and be approved by the Township Council. Park Recreation Cultural Affairs - Advisory Board 3

7 Township of Montclair Proposed Community Garden Guidelines If an individual does not obtain prior written approval for changes, he or she must pay a penalty to the township, a fine of equal or higher value to the plants harmed plus the incurred cost of labor to restore the damage. New Construction: Encourage [ or require ] all new affordable housing units to contain designated yard or other shared space for residents to garden. Encourage [ or require ] all or some new construction, such as multifamily residential, commercial, institutional or public construction to incorporate green roofs and/or edible landscaping, and encourage the use of existing roof space for community gardening. Comment: The Township should ensure that building codes address safety concerns, including appropriate fencing and added load weight, when permitting roof gardens. Community roof top gardens shall count towards park and open space. Park Recreation Cultural Affairs - Advisory Board 4