Emails About Site Choice

Here are emails from Shadowbrook residents that are important to consider when choosing the garden site. 5/8 are NOT in favor of the garden being directly across from their homes. These start with the first to last emails. My responses are in bold, and names have been removed.

Hello Amy, At first I thought the Community Garden was a good idea until I began to think about it more seriously. Let me say, as a resident of Shadowbrook, in the area that you are contemplating as a "community garden," I would not be in favor of converting this green area into a community garden for several reasons. What is the area presently used for? Well, nearly every day one can see several deer in this area. Many rabbits and other forest creatures make use of this area. Parents play with their children there, throwing baseballs and footballs. Kids run freely there and fall down into the grass. Pet owners walk their dogs there. Residents nearby often mention that one of the reasons they purchased their home in this area was the "green area" across from their houses. My own son and many other kids play in the woods adjacent to this area. So, it is already an area that is used and contributes greatly to the beautification of this section of Shadowbrook and Sycamore Hills. Because you do not live in this area immediately, I am sure you do not know how it is used or why the people who live here appreciate the green space available. It is already a park and not really a "farming area". The area is considered a "flood plain" and not suitable for housing. Building a hut or tool shed in this area should not be allowed either. I believe the City of Columbus would not approve structures built here. Also, the area for over 100 feet from the stream is not under the jurisdiction of the Trustees of Sycamore Hills. Its usage is controlled by the City of Columbus, if I recall this provision correctly. More than this, tearing up grass to plant gardens seems OK until one realizes what would the area look like during the 9 months or more when there were not gardens there? No grass, of course, But, rutted areas would be left for weeds to grow up and soil to erode with hard rains which often fall. So, most of the year, residents would look at a mud hole with weeds growing where the grass had been. Has that been considered? I am sure residents in this area would not want to see 9 months of weeds and the rough ground with no grass growing across from their houses. If you had such a situation across from your house in place of a beautiful green area, would you want this? An area of weeds vs a lush green area? I don't think so. Nor do I think residents in this area of Shadowbrook would want a tool shed or outbuilding build there either, for obvious reasons. Also, the increase in traffic on this cul-de-sac for the "city farmers" who would use it would increase, not to mention those who show up with rototillers and motorized equipment to work the land with. The noise factor is not acceptable in this area. Also, being a public road, anyone can stop here, pick your tomatoes and beans at night and be off with the fruit of your labors. Do I have any suggestions where you might put a community garden? Well, the area behind the pool is large and could be used. Yes, a couple of trees might have to come down for adequate sunshine, but this area is very lightly used and mostly ignored. Also, it is out of sight of residences up the hill and across the stream. So, weeds and furrows and mud would be more acceptable there. Or, a section of the park area, immediately away from houses and near the railroad might also work. On paper this idea sounds good. But, in reality, it has a lot of problems due to location and the interests of people living adjacent to such a farming site. Cordially yours,

Amy --Thank you for dropping the brochure about the community garden by our house. It is a very thorough and well thought-out piece (nicely designed, too... I do that sort of thing at work), and is very informative on the subject. Rather than fill out and return the survey, I thought I'd reply in email; hope that's OK.While the goals and ideals of community gardening are ones that I find admirable and attractive, I do have to say that the idea of having one directly across the street from our house (near the end of Shadowbrook) is quite disturbing to us. We moved to Sycamore Hills, and to this house, for very specific reasons. Our family very much enjoys community activities, so we were very pleased with the reports of how friendly and sociable the folks here are. We also very much enjoy the areas like the pool and park for social gatherings. Community is important to us, and Sycamore Hills has been a wonderful source of that for the 10+ years we've been here.When we bought the house, though, we partly did so because we were told that the area across the street could never be built on, due to the proximity to the brook. That had a great deal of appeal, too. For though we enjoy social activities, having more "personal space" for our family was another, albeit contrasting feature. People use that area to take walks -- for themselves and dogs -- jog, play frisbee, catch, etc., and it's just nice to have a space that is open and unused among our other more built-up areas. One of the main concerns my wife, _, and I have about a community garden across the street is that it would, essentially, disturb the privacy that was one of the reasons we sought a quiet, cul-de-sac for our home. I come from a long line of gardeners myself, and know that on an individual basis, it is a quiet and contemplative activity, and one that rewards patience, good humor and thoughtfulness. And so it isn't the idea of a garden, per se, across the street that troubles us... it is the idea of any real "development" that would draw people and noise, and put "something" -- anything, really -- in a space that we love for its quiet and simplicity. We have other concerns that:
people would be working in the garden at hours when we'd be sleeping or trying to enjoy quiet, family time, powered equipment would create more noise/fumes, during winter months, it would be, basically, a large area of dirt or mud directly across from our house (gardeners would come during the gardening season; we would live with the results in our front yard pretty much year-round), people we don't know and can't vouch for would have a reason to come down and "mess around" -- not the SHRA gardeners, but others attracted to the site (and none of us knows everyone in the area, eh?), folks might want to pop across the street to use our phone, faucet, bathroom... I grew up next to a public school's baseball diamond, and you'd be surprised at how many perfect strangers are quite willing to do so, vegetables/fruits would attract more scavengers, mice, etc., people would be parking across the street more often, and up and around the circle, waste from the area would find its way into our yard, As I read over this list, I know I sound, even to myself, to be putting our household concerns over those of the community. I fear, in this case, that that is an accurate statement. While the garden would be a pleasant diversion for some and a social project for others, for us it would be a 24/7/365 issue. When we moved here, we took many things into consideration, including some that aren't quite idyllic; the trains, the planes, the proximity to Rt. 315, etc. But they were all known issues when we moved in. Taking a real "positive" for our location -- the quiet, peaceful spot across the street -- and turning it into something that would, I'm afraid, be more negative in the aggregate, troubles us. I don't know how the folks who live near the already existing community areas -- the pool, the park, etc. -- would feel about adding a garden there. Obviously, I can't speak for them. I have no real objection to a community garden in a place already designated for group activities, or in a new place... assuming that the residents in immediate proximity were OK with the plan. But I wouldn't ever vote for something if I knew that the families most affected were not in favor of it. I do wish you the best of luck. As I said, I come from a family of gardeners. Both my grandfathers grew much of their own food, and my mother brought me up gardening. We can't do as much of it now (my wife is deathly allergic to honeybees), but I deeply respect the motivations and rewards of the pursuit. It is just, as I have said, that in this case, I feel the proximity to our home, the probable disturbances, and the breaking-up of the green space isn't something we can support. Take care.

Thank you for your timely and detailed responses. This is exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for. My deepest intention is for the garden to enhance our community for everyone, from all perspectives and proximities. Please know that the issues you both brought up are common to all of the community gardens I have researched and been a part of, and will continue to inform the planning. I hear you very clearly saying that a garden on Shadowbrook would not work for either of you. This is what I want to know. The neighbors that live by the two (Shadowbrook and The Park) proposed sites are the voices I am most interested in hearing as the site location is the first and most important choice.
Right now I am continuing to share and gather information, and will facilitate a meeting on July 16th at 7 pm at Kim Hugill's house (who has joined on as a co-planner). We would love to have you there, but if you cannot make it to the meeting, rest assured that your emails, as well as the other survey responses, will be shared as part of the discussion.

I think if you and Kim talk to the residents impacted directly by this idea, you will find 100% disapproval of this idea for the Shadowbrook green space location. Do most people not have space in their back yards for a garden? We believethis idea is driven partly by the expense of mowing the area. Also, we notice that the persons pushing for this "DO NOT" have to live across from it and view the aftermath for 9 months of the year----weeds, mud, furrows, and an unkemptlook. Such an area will attract more people who walk their dogs and do not clean up after their dogs because in the future it will look like barren and useless ground, at least for most of the year. Are you willing to restore grass to the area when it is not being used as a "farm". Yes, neighborhood togetherness is good, but this idea will create, on Shadowbrook, neighborhood anger from the residents in that area adjoining the green space.


Dear Ms. Pinnegar: July 1,2008
We support the position that __ has taken regarding the creation of a garden. The common or green area is not available for such an endeavor. Being, Sycamore Hills, residents for over 35 years we find no need for any further distraction or disruption. Kindly pursue other areas that are suitable and available and that will comply with the By- Laws of the community. Thank you.
Cordially,


We live right next door east of the _. We agree to what _ (and _, earlier) expressed in this email. He could not have expressed it any better. I tried to express similar sentiments in the note that accompanied the survey which we mailed to you.

Amy,

Sorry to be so long in responding but things have been busy here and I wanted to think about your endeavor some more. I personally support your objective and wanted to offer some suggestions.

We live in the bottom of the ravine across from the preserve and pool. Some years ago we grew cucumbers, green beans and tomatoes in our yard. More recently we tried to also plant tulips and some other flowers. We also have a pear tree and a couple apple trees. Our experience says to be careful so as to have nature on your side. With our close proximity of a lot of nature vegetation and trees, the bugs and animals are in control. Rabbits ate the tulips and beans. Birds and insects took to the tomatoes, pears and apples. Squirrels eat the pears, and birdseed. Deer make a nighttime feast of birdseed and the mulberries. We also have many groundhogs and raccoons, but I don't know what to blame them for.

My opinion is that any vegetable garden must be sufficiently away from the forested and bushy areas which are home to the animals and bugs. There also must be sunlight exposure for much of the day. This would indicate the ravine to be unfavorable for gardens.

In our Columbus weather there can be a lot of dry days without any rain. Some years ago there were community gardens in the fields at Olentangy River and Bethel Roads. I understand that one of the main reasons for their demise was the difficulty in getting water to the gardens.

The Sycamore Hills Park would seem to be a reasonable option if arrangement for water could be made. There is a sizable area just north of the tree line that is separated from the main park area. An advantage to that area is that it is not visible to passers by. It is bounded by houses on Rockport and Rockport Court, and the railroad tracks. That means it is visible from those houses. The area is large enough to keep some distance from the bushes and trees.

A probable concern to the neighbors may be how well the area is cared for, especially during the off-season. Perhaps outlining the garden area with attractive shrubs and flowers (especially the all season type) would make it more acceptable. Perhaps some arrangement with a local neighbor could be made for a water connection using a separate water meter.

We wish you luck in your endeavor. __ and I are beyond the age for any serious involvement in a garden but we can offer moral support.





Hi, __,

Thanks so much for the thoughtful and detailed emails and letters about the garden; I appreciate your opinions about the site choices, as well as the respectful and helpful tone in which you shared your views. It was most neighborly of you.

We are having a meeting on 7/16, at Kim Hugill's house at 7pm if you would like to come and be involved in that way. If you can't make it, I will be sure to pass on the information/feelings you supplied me, have notes taken, and share what was discussed.

Thanks again,
Amy

Thursday, July 10, '08
Hi Penny,
I would like to add my agreement to what ___ wrote to you about the community garden. I don't think those in the community would want to impose their ideas on those who live in an area directly affected by gardening proposals. We are all a part of the community and want those things which encourage community spirit. However, ideas which impinge upon those directly concerned, e.g. living immediately across from what would be too many cars, persons at all hours, and the appearance of the area when not being used as a garden--- are large concerns to those on Shadowbrook --- and not the only concerns, as you may know from emails you have received. I think it is only fair that these objections be aired at any meeting where community gardening is being discussed and the sites under consideration, whether on Shadowbrook's green area or in another area in Sycamore Hills. Persons at this meeting should be asked if such a situation existed across from their home ---whether or not it would be an agreeable circumstance? As you know, the idea is good---it is the site which we residents have problems with on Shadowbrook.*** Thanks for taking our ideas under consideration. ***Unfortunately, your meeting time conflicts with other plans I have at that time and I will not be able to attend.

As we spoke about on the phone and in emails, I will absolutely share your, and your neighbor's, feelings/concerns/beliefs with everyone at the meeting. I value them more than I suspect you might understand and I will steer the meeting participants to also value them (if they don't already). I want this garden to be a good thing from the beginning, and to make people happy.

Let me share with you (and the other Shadowbrook neighbors-if you want to pass this on) what I am going to do at the meeting about the site (and other planning issues) conversation:
1. I am going to show (on a color coded map) the houses that sent me information and the houses that are planning on participating. (This will show that basically all of the residents on Shadowbrook have requested that the garden be at the park, among other details.)
2. I am going to show in bar graphs and in quotes, what people have said about the garden. This will be hard evidence for people to see.
3. I am going to present the research I have done about working with the city to start the first ever community garden in the Columbus Parks and Recreation land.
4. We are going to talk about the results and then set a follow up meeting. No big decisions are going to be made.
5. Someone will type up minutes and I will email out these and the survey info.

Doesn't that sound good!? I think so! Sorry you can't be there, but as I have said from the first email back to you, I am planning on sharing ALL of the information (especially Shadowbrook's) I have received from the surveys, and I highly value your opinion about the garden because you of your proximity to a possible site.

Thanks for writing,
Amy

Excellent, Penny and Amy,
I guess I did not realize how much you are on track with our thinking. Let's hope that it turns out to be a great idea and that it fosters community spirit as well as nutritious food for those who participate, plus the fun involved
in accomplishing this. With food prices escalating, possibly more will join your ranks