This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Growing Community

City Council approves new Community Garden Ordinance due to the hard work of our local community garden group.

You might have thought finding land would be the largest hurdle for community garden advocates, but it hasn't been here in Tampa. City ordinances have been the larger problem, with some folks opting for special permit rules that would costs thousands of dollars a year for a permit. Robin Milcowitz and friend have been working hard to navigate the political weeds and find a compromise that would not create too many barriers for would-be community gardeners.   

Today,  she writes:

This morning, Tampa City Council unanimously voted to approve the Ordinance for Community Gardens with an S-1 special use category!

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Councilwoman Mary Mulhern initiated an ordinance for Community Gardens back in July, 2009.  She worked closely with Cathy Coyle of the City Zoning and Planning department to create language that would benefit both the City and community garden projects over the past two years and was very elated to be able to finally read the text of the passed Ordinance into the record.

This ordinance is very important for community gardens, residents and the City of Tampa.  It provides residents with the assurance that each community garden, whether in a residential area, industrial area or on City property must adhere to strict guidelines so as not to create a negative impact on the areas that each garden will be existing in.  The ordinance also assures community gardens that they are recognized by the City as an allowable use. 

Find out what's happening in Seminole Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As Robin will be the first to tell you, these gardens are far more than just patches of dirt and plants. They are an educational tool that helps teach people more about where our food comes from and the effort required to grow it.  They encourage cooperation and are a social activity that brings neighbors together. And, gardens grow high quality food that can supplement everyone's pantry.  

Most importantly, these gardens grow a sense of community. They do this by bringing residents together to cooperate in maintaining a neighborhood resource. It's the broader view of doing things that benefit people beyond your own property line that turns a row of homes in a true community. 

Congratulations to Robin and the Seminole Heights Community Gardens. You make this a better place to live and I'm grateful for it.

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