Letters to the Editor

What You Say

Growing Pains

I wanted to correct a few errors in your column [Loose Canon, "Who Grows?" Bruce Schimmel, Jan. 14]. If you are going to write about urban agriculture, I wanted you to have the correct facts.

Your characterization of the RDA as being charged with "turning vacant land into tax-paying businesses" isn't correct and I don't know where you got that idea. The RDA works to create thriving, balanced, mixed-use neighborhoods. We work to create a full range of land uses, and as part of that, we are committed to fulfilling Mayor Nutter's vision of providing open space in Philadelphia's neighborhoods. Check out our Web site at phila.gov/rda.

You also stated that Greensgrow took a pass on the RDA request for proposals, but that is not correct. In fact, we are still in discussions with Greensgrow about how to finance their project, and both parties would like to see that happen. And, contrary to your assertion, it is indeed possible to finance something that can be "lost" in five years. For example, people finance online ventures that they know will not last for five years. The time horizon simply gets built into the cost of the financing.

Finally, you indicated that Mill Creek Farm is asking Councilwoman Blackwell to protect their land from development, which implies that the RDA wants to end its status as a farm, but in fact, the RDA — which leases the land to the Mill Creek farmers for no cost — has worked with Mill Creek Farm to preserve its status on a permanent basis. The threat of development has been from the Philadelphia Housing Authority. In fact, the three gardens that you cited are all RDA sites, and neither Mayor Nutter nor the RDA has any intention of taking these back from agricultural purposes.

Under Mayor Nutter, the RDA has provided leadership within city government on finding smart and creative ways to use gardening and urban agriculture to promote vibrant, balanced neighborhoods. Last fall, for example, the RDA entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture — this was the first-ever technical services agreement between USDA and an urban government. We are continuing to work with USDA on joint projects exploring urban agriculture. Again, you can get more information on our Web site.

We will continue to work with the Planning Commission, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Water Department, the Office of Sustainability and others to provide leadership on urban agriculture and a wide range of land use issues within the city.