Committee Report CR-1

The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on June 4, 2013 at 4:38 PM in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to explore the potential and long-term impact of developing urban agriculture initiatives throughout the neighborhoods in the City of Cambridge.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Craig Kelley, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Lisa Peterson, Commissioner, Public Works, Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, Community Development Department (CDD), Chris Basler, Project Planner, Economic Division, CDD, Penny Peters, Mayor Davis' Office, Rebecca Rutenberg, Aide to Councillor Cheung and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present at the meeting were Elias D, Kolsun, Founding Bloombrick partner, Ross Cardio, Founding Bloombrick partner, Julian Lewis, Bloombrick partner, Isaac Dupree, Kathryn Christman, Carolyn Mathews, Eliza Cohen, Ana Vaisenstein, Helen Snively, Emily Rosen, Fiona Seabell, Dave Lewis, 58 Regent Street, Adam Jankauskas, Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, Luisa Oliveira, 33 Warren Street, Kim Motylewski, 39 Magazine Street, Robert Kellogg, 195 Binney Street, Jose Wendell, 1480 Cambridge Street and George Mokray.

Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose.  The public has expressed interest to the City Council about the parameters currently in place around urban gardening in the City of Cambridge. There has been much confusion about what is currently legally permitted and what is not allowed.  This meeting will explore this matter and craft guidelines on urban gardening.  Somerville has recently completed a large urban agriculture initiative and the City of Boston is currently in the process of restructuring their zoning laws.

Councillor Cheung thanked those present for their attendance.  He stated that the meeting is being recorded by audio devices.

This was a mayoral initiative that allowed local businesses and the public to grow and promote local, sustainable, and healthy food options.   In an effort to promote this while minimizing the potential for conflict and litigation, a multidisciplinary team was formed including legal, zoning, ISD, DPW and the Animal Commission.  A great deal of time was spent looking at important issues such as reducing the potential for soil contamination to allow for safe growing, appropriately located bee-keeping, and chickens.  The team put a large emphasis on community outreach and actively sought input from those who were already undertaking these projects, allowing for the development of guidelines and rules to eliminate conflict

Ms. Oliveira noted that the team was especially conscious of issues surrounding chickens and rats, making changes to both the zoning ordinance and procedures put forth by the Board of Health.  Residents can own a maximum of 6 chickens, but never roosters.  Food for chickens must be kept in the primary residence and the coop must be kept cleaned.  Henhouses were considered accessory structures and must have indoor and outdoor areas for chickens. Odors from the henhouse must not be present at the property line. Above all, the plan emphasized the importance of good chicken husbandry.  Chickens are producing a product: food.  To make the regulations as easy to understand as possible, the City established the

.  (The ABCs stand for Agriculture, Bees and Chickens).  To own a hive or chicken, residents must apply for a permit and watch a video about safe owning practices including "

Ms. Oliveira stated that in Somerville, a City farm has been placed in the South Street parking lot and vegetables are sold at mobile markets.  To ensure that all produce is safe, the City allows all residents to sell the food that they grow as long as they post the results of their soil tests at their stands.  Best practices are encouraged including using raised beds and clean soil.  Doing this allows for a network of food sources and the promotion of smaller scale economic development, There is a center for urban agriculture in Union Square called "Relish", and an Urban Ambassador program. The Zoning Ordinance and the Health Code were passed unanimously by the Board of Alderman in Somerville.

Mr. Dash gave an overview of Cambridge's programs including community gardens and making sure that there is access to community gardens.  He spoke about the food policy and presence of Farmers Markets.  Cambridge has looked at Somerville and Boston's regulations.  The Zoning Ordinance will be reviewed to address topics such as chickens, medical marijuana, rooftop gardening, and large-scale operations.

Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the City Sprouts Program that allows each elementary school to have a garden on site. She noted that fruit and nut trees were looked at for street trees.  Commissioner Peterson stated that Cambridge does not feel comfortable with fruit and nut trees for street trees.

Councillor Kelley stated that the City of Cambridge has incredibly valuable and expensive land. He said it will be more difficult for people to find land to use for farming.

Ms. Vaisenstein asked if in Somerville was there exploration in developing gardens in housing complexes, including public housing.  Ms. Oliveira stated although this had not been explored, the City would be amenable if there was a maintenance plan. She noted that to obtain a permits for chicken and bees, an individual must live at the residence so that they can find the inspectors. She emphasized the importance of encouraging the most responsible kind of urban agriculture and discouraging improper use. This can be achieved by open communication and education about best practices. Somerville has a group called SLUG (Somerville Loves Urban Gardening), an urban agriculture blog via Tumblr, a Twitter, and Facebook to enhance communication.   She also noted that there are several lots that can be temporary gardening lots. There was a garden at Somerville City Hall, and the City encourages people to grow food in small containers. The City emphasizes the philosophy of informing people of the parameters and then working collaboratively with them to find a project that works.

Kim Motylewski asked if Somerville has worked with business models such as Farmers to You that have drop off stops throughout the City.  Ms. Oliveira stated that Somerville has nine community gardens.  Health codes must be met to drop off food.  This is not an urban agriculture process; this is someone selling his or her product.  Kim Motylewski spoke about locally grown food and getting close to the source.

Mr. Dash stated that there are a number of CSA pickups in Cambridge.  Kim Motylewski spoke about CSA in residential sites.  Mr. Dash commented that residential zones and commercial vehicles need to be reviewed in the Zoning Ordinance.  Ms. Oliveira stated that Somerville does provide guidelines for selling their products.

Fiona Seabell asked if Somerville made accommodation for homeowners to have a rooftop garden in the Zoning Ordinance.  She expressed her concern about the weight of a roof top garden.  Ms. Oliveira stated there is a green roof garden company based in Somerville.   She said that although it was certainly possible, there are stringent guidelines and it is not a simple process.   It is not a good idea unless your roof can accommodate the load.  This is a building project and must meet the appropriate codes.  Special permits are required for a huge project. The Somerville Ordinance addresses smaller garden projects.  Ms. Seabell stated that Cambridge does not have a special permit; it is a variance process.  Mr. Dash added that a variance is needed because of calculations to gross floor area.

Penny Peters asked if people already have chickens were they required to get a permit and was the coop inspected.  Ms. Oliveira responded that if you had chickens they were grandfathered in, and would be allowed to own over the limit of six chickens until the additional chickens expired.  Councillor vanBeuzekom asked how many bee permits were issued in Somerville.  Ms. Oliveira responded that she did not know the number.

Julia Shanks asked if the Somerville Ordinance distinguishes between commercial and residential farms.  Ms. Oliveira responded that the ordinance was created on scale.  You are not allowed to sell produce that you grow in a community garden.  If a developer wanted to develop an urban garden, Somerville would work with them, but there are regulations.

Carolyn Matthews stated that the Somerville garden on South Street is a parking lot.  She asked how the City got access to the lot and what procedures were taken to ensure that the produce was safe.  Ms. Oliveira stated that the parking lot is owned by the Somerville Redevelopment Authority and that they gave temporary permission to use the lot.  There are raised beds, and flowers are grown there.  Ms. Matthews asked how long the urban agriculture initiative took to develop.  Ms. Oliveira responded not long - around eight months.  Ms. Matthews noted the need for the unification of urban agriculture organizations. She questioned how the development of such an initiative in Cambridge would be staffed, if it would be affiliated in the City. She remarked that employees in Cambridge are overworked, so there should be someone else.  Ms. Peterson noted that she would need to know what the goals of the group would be to determine its structure. Mr. Dash commented that the Food and Fitness Subcommittee has been working on this issue and has reviewed Somerville and Boston Ordinances.  Ms. Oliveira commented that the City of Somerville did not hire an additional staff member to accomplish these goals, nor is there one person with the sole responsibility of exploring these initiatives. Many people at City Hall facilitate the development of this program, but it is nobody's primary job. Ms. Matthews stated that there needs to be a central organizing committee on urban agriculture.  She stated that rooftop gardens are eccentric.  Is DCR land available for gardens?  Ms. Oliveira stated that North Massachusetts Avenue DCR land is being used for flower gardening.  Ms. Matthews stated that there is no City land for community gardens.  She suggested getting a grant for farmable land.

Elias D. Kolsun stated that he came from Vermont where farming is done.  He moved to Cambridge and realized he missed gardening.  He is folding acreage into indoor spaces for agriculture. He noted that as he and his partners developed Bloombrick Urban Agriculture, they questioned how to do is sustainability and work collaboratively with the City. His company grows micro greens and wheat grass and sells it to individuals and restaurants. The plants allow restaurants to cut the greens when they need it. He emphasized the need for permitting for innovate products, stating that it was essential to allow people to get local produce.

Ross Cardio emphasized the importance of looking at hydroponics as the "new wave" of agriculture. Hydroponics used to be very expensive, but systems are getting cheaper and easier to use to grow produce.  These innovations have allowed for the development of small companies who are creating different kinds of agricultural models. Because of the unique New England climate, growing indoors via "vertical farms" has become popular Mr. Kolsun noted that through these developments, individuals can continue to grow local produce in the winter.  Ms. Oliveira spoke about wanting this type of economic development in Somerville.

Mr. Lewis asked Ms. Oliveira about changes in the Ordinance and the Health Regulations in Somerville.  Ms. Oliveira stated that the ordinance is an amendment to the zoning code, and that the changes update the code.

George Mokray spoke about what it would be like if Cambridge could grow all its own food.  In Sweden, vertical gardens are being built.  If we want to be sustainable we need to think about growing our own food.  He distributed material

Carolyn Matthews asked what Councillor Cheung thinks about urban agriculture.  Councillor Cheung stated that the need to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle has become more and more evident.  Consuming food that was grown close to you is more healthful and makes produce easily accessible.  He feels there is a way to have a framework in place for people to grow their own food and is interested in putting guidelines in place to help achieve this goal.  Somerville's Mayor has tackled the problem.

Ross Cardio spoke about growing loops.  He said that developing the framework is also about developing a mindset. Good growers create closed loop systems where as you grow food, the waste and byproduct are recycled. He noted that it is hard to find real estate.  Mr. Dash stated that in zoning urban agriculture is allowed in business and industrial districts.  It is not commercially allowed in residential areas.  The Planning Board will look at the key problem with the code and figure what the goals should be.  Working with developers about roof top gardens, Mr. Dash stated that Somerville's code could be copied.  Councillor Cheung asked what the timeline to develop a draft is.  Mr. Dash stated that key goals need to be identified and discussed with a variety of boards, the Council, etc.  Ms. Matthews inquired how other community members can get involved. Mr. Dash emphasized that the group is currently in the planning and thinking stage.

Councillor Cheung asked if the Somerville Ordinances can work for Cambridge.  Mr. Dash replied that the Somerville work helps build a framework.  Ms. Oliveira urged caution and to establish multi-disciplinary teams that work to establish procedures to work with the needs of the community. She encouraged Cambridge to work thoughtfully and to collaborate with community members to avoid needing to back pedal in the future.

Mr. Kolsun also urged moving slowly and to bring in the voice of experience.  Mr. Cardio agreed that slower is better from a marketing and business standpoint.  Having regular meetings to discuss and talk about agriculture will broaden the marketing aspect.  He would like more Cambridge residents to know about the process.

Ms. Seabell questioned why she would have to pay an annual permitting fee to keep bees in her yard.  It is not necessary to pay a yearly fee; it is an invasion of her privacy.  Ms. Oliveira stated that, in Somerville, you must if you want to keep bees.   She noted that having a permit protects residents if a complaint is lodged against them.

Eliza Cohen spoke about the community process.  She spoke about the roles the institutions can play.  Where is the vacant land that could be used for agriculture?  She urged partnering with the universities and collaborating.  What land use survey has been done in Cambridge?  Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that the Conservation Director is responsible for 14 community gardens.  A letter is sent to owners of large parcels asking if they want to use their land for community gardens, but there are no takers.  Mr. Dash stated that Harvard University started the fields of green garden and Squirrel Brand has a community gardens.  A statement was made that 25 homeowners have opened their yard for gardening.  Mr. Cardio asked about vacant parking lots that can be used as greenhouses.  If soil is brought in, people can grow fresh produce throughout the winter.   Mr. Kolsun explained that if there was a vacant room in this building hundreds of pounds of tomatoes could be grown. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that the DCR is the biggest property owner to go after for land for gardens.

Ms. Snively spoke about the establishment of an ordinance.  There is a need to keep this dialogue going.  Mr. Kolsun stated that there has been talk about establishing an urban agricultural organization.  Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the importance of harvesting and pruning.  The League of Urban Canners pruned two tons of fruits last year.  Ms. Oliveira explained the work of the League of Urban Canners.

Councillor Cheung asked what can be done to move this along.  Mr. Dash stated that CDD needs to be made aware of what people want to do that they cannot currently do. It is great to have informal discussions but we need to focus on what needs to be done.  The Food and Fitness Policy Council works with food access, and obesity.  Mr. Dash agreed that someone from this group would be helpful.

Councillor Cheung stated that the group formed to develop urban agriculture could work with the Food and Fitness Policy Council Councillor Cheung suggested asking this group to coordinate with an urban agriculture committee, have the proponents review the Somerville and Boston Ordinances and report back with an urban agriculture ordinance.

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the members of the Food and Fitness Policy Council subcommittee most relevant to addressing questions related to urban agriculture on creating an urban agriculture task force that includes members of the Food and Fitness Policy Council as well as persons currently engaged in urban agriculture initiatives; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and herby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to review the Somerville and Boston Ordinances on urban agriculture with the aforementioned task force and report back on a timeline and process for developing a proposal for an urban agriculture ordinance in Cambridge.