06 May 2010

Uncertain Times Ahead for the Virginia Avenue Community Garden

Photo by Carey Dougan

For almost six years, the Virginia Avenue Community Garden (VACG) has brought the neighbors and community south of the freeway together.  Back in 2004, the parcel bordered by I-295, L Street, SE and 9th Street, SE, was a neglected lot of land belonging to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.  It attracted nothing but trash, transients and drug abusers, like many abandoned areas of the city tend to do.

Since then, about fifty families have tirelessly worked to make the space a sustainable and organic garden that is an example to be imitated all over the city. What started as a vacant lot with poor soil and trash after years of being a factory site has been transformed bit by bit into a small oasis where gorgeous seasonal organic produce grows and feeds many; where anyone can take a break and even meditate walking down the zigzagging path; where it’s evident that the hard work and caring of an urban community have triumphed over the ugliness of a former industrial site; and a place where anyone walking by can enjoy “the pleasures of fresh organic fruit harvested and eaten straight from the tree,” as was eloquently stated in a letter that a few members of the community garden sent to Tommy Wells.

So it is ironic at best that after this unusual rallying and effort, the garden may be in danger of being wiped out altogether.

Photo by Carey Dougan

As it turns out, the Marines need to build another Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, and a couple of the proposals on the table would appropriate this special parcel of land.  More ironically yet, even if the Marines do not touch the garden to convert it into more barracks, the CSX project you may have read about on this blog could also have an adverse impact on the garden’s accessibility by blocking Virginia Avenue for two to three years.

If you are a neighbor or share in the concern of the garden going away, please be sure to check out the site that addresses the new BEQ site proposals at http://www.sedistrictcimp.com/ and check the options map.  Then weigh in at the forums and make your voice heard.

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One response to “Uncertain Times Ahead for the Virginia Avenue Community Garden”

  1. hishersmoney says:

    Don’t get rid of a community garden!! Instead look to the low income housing down on K street near the freeway. Now there are huge city parking lots taking up tons of space as well as run down buildings.

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