Hello my name is Amanda Millatt and I live in one of the most dangerous cities in America; Philadelphia. Not only does my city have an outrageous amount of criminal activity, but also a growing number of abandon lots. The Redevelopment Authority owns approximately 1,500 vacant lots in poverty stricken neighborhood. These vacant lots contain an increasing number of trash and crime; they have basically become a burden on these neighborhoods. When these vacant lots are transformed into community garden crime and litter rates drastically decrease. The average crime rate for both violent and property crimes decrease by 50%. These community gardens also promote a healthier life style and create revenue for the communities.
The community gardens benefit the city of Philadelphia also; they attract visitors to the city. The community gardens increase the value of the properties surrounding them by 30%. It has been shown that surrounding business’s revenue is 12% percent more than less environmentally friendly areas.
The only problem is the potential cost of renovating the lot; it could cost more than $20,000 depending on the type of land. This cost would be an addition to the initial value of the land, which is an unobtainable amount for communities who currently struggle financially. Since the gardens/ beautifications will be an investment that will be profitable for both the city and the neighborhood, Philadelphia should subsidize the cost of the vacant lots. In other states this process is referred to as “Adopt-A-Lot”; this successful program is a simple way for communities and businesses to rent out vacant lots for $1 a year. The city will monitor the progress that the owner has made and will have the ability to repossess the land if it has not met the criteria. The city of Philadelphia should create a program similar to “Adopt-A-Lot”.
By subsidizing the property cost, you are making a difference for less fortunate neighborhoods who have an overwhelming amount of vacant lots. The community gardens will cause a decrease in litter and criminal activity, and an increase in profits and healthy living. Please subsidize the cost for communities to buy abandon lots.
From a concerned Philadelphian,
Amanda
The community gardens benefit the city of Philadelphia also; they attract visitors to the city. The community gardens increase the value of the properties surrounding them by 30%. It has been shown that surrounding business’s revenue is 12% percent more than less environmentally friendly areas.
The only problem is the potential cost of renovating the lot; it could cost more than $20,000 depending on the type of land. This cost would be an addition to the initial value of the land, which is an unobtainable amount for communities who currently struggle financially. Since the gardens/ beautifications will be an investment that will be profitable for both the city and the neighborhood, Philadelphia should subsidize the cost of the vacant lots. In other states this process is referred to as “Adopt-A-Lot”; this successful program is a simple way for communities and businesses to rent out vacant lots for $1 a year. The city will monitor the progress that the owner has made and will have the ability to repossess the land if it has not met the criteria. The city of Philadelphia should create a program similar to “Adopt-A-Lot”.
By subsidizing the property cost, you are making a difference for less fortunate neighborhoods who have an overwhelming amount of vacant lots. The community gardens will cause a decrease in litter and criminal activity, and an increase in profits and healthy living. Please subsidize the cost for communities to buy abandon lots.
From a concerned Philadelphian,
Amanda