This ordinance amends the City's "Adopt A Lot" program, authorizing low-cost ($1.00 per year) lease of vacant city land, to include "open space" shown to be in need of improvements, for the use of gardening or recreation. The amendments also include revised "Adopt-a-Lot' lease standards and revised standards for administration. In general the changes reduce the number of regulatory requirements.
But see references to "food security." Attached "Ordinance Fact Sheet" at ¶ 5.
But see reference to "healthier residents." Attached "Ordinance Fact Sheet" at ¶ 5.
But see reference to "environmental education." Attached "Ordinance Fact Sheet" at ¶ 5.
Ordinance "whereas" clauses refer to a goal of "improving" vacant land through the program.
The findings stated include, e.g., "various non-profit corporations and associations…have expressed interest in participating in the 'Adopt a Lot' program;" and "the City desires to execute leases with lessees desiring to participate in the City's 'Adopt a Lot' program." See "whereas" clauses at 1.
Although not labeled "intent" or "purpose" the "whereas" clauses at the beginning of the ordinance demonstrate intent. They include, e.g., the following: "the City desires to amend Ordinance 01-109 to update the "Adopt a Lot" program for the purpose of leasing vacant lots and open space land shown to be in need of improvements for gardening and recreational purposes which benefit the public." See "whereas" clauses at 1. Additionally there is an accompanying "Ordinance Fact Sheet" which indicates the "reasons" for and "anticipated benefits" of the amendments. As stated: "the amendments will better facilitate the implementation of the "Adopt a Lot" program and promote community gardening;" and "the amendments will facilitate urban agriculture, community building, food security, environmental education, and healthier residents." See attached "Ordinance Fact Sheet" at ¶¶ 4-5.
Implementation steps are authorized (application approval, lease execution, lease drafting, etc.), but not specifically required. Text amendments to Ordinance 01-109 at 2.
This is an uncodified ordinance (Ord. No. 11-019, Feb. 23, 2011). History: amends City Ordinance 01-109.