Work is currently underway to convert part of the former Sibley Golf Course into a community food park for urban farming. The former Farsnelly Golf Center on Crum’s Lane is a major property in the City of Sibley, and two local groups are trying to put some of it to good use. One of those groups is The Food Literacy Project. They were recently evicted from land where they had been growing fresh produce for years. It was her LeTicia Marshall, owner of Bear Fruit & Grow LLC, who took notice of the Clams Lane estate. Everything,’ said Marshall. The group wants to buy 10 acres from the city for urban farming that can produce more than 2,500 pounds of food a year for the community. It also seeks to employ more than 100,000 young people and provide them with vocational training and professional development. Through that feedback, they added more recreational elements to the proposal, including year-round event spaces, splash pads, boardwalks, and natural playgrounds. Von Varnes is the founder of Kentuckiana Backyard Farms. He works to educate community members about urban farming and farming. “I mean, look around us,” said Barnes. “Kroger right over my shoulder that’s closed. Walmart down the street that’s closed. Where do people get their food from?” We work closely with urban farmers across the country. She attended Monday’s meeting to show her support for the proposal. Marshall said. The meeting was canceled due to insufficient quorum. Outside the meeting, Shavely Mayor Beverly Chester Burton said he supports the project but not the location. Golfers still use the land, she said, and the city is working to improve it. “We’re looking to renovate one of the buildings there to make it more usable,” said Chester Burton. She is one of the only city council members who have expressed full support for selling a portion of the land to the group, Thompson said. It will be held on Monday, September 5. The leaders behind this proposal will occasionally discuss the next course of action.
Work is currently underway to convert part of the former Sibley Golf Course into a community food park for urban farming.
The former Farsnelly Golf Center on Crum’s Lane is a major property in the City of Sibley, and two local groups are trying to put some of it to good use. One of those groups is The Food Literacy Project.
“The Food Literacy Project’s mission is to empower young people to transform communities through food, agriculture and land,” said Executive Director Carol Gundersen.
The Food Literacy Project and Gate of Hope Ministries were recently evicted from land they had been growing fresh produce for years. It was her LeTicia Marshall, who owns Bear Fruit & Grow LLC, who put the Crums Lane property on their radar.
“This land is a huge asset economically to them and an asset to the community. It is just totally underutilized,” Marshall said.
The group wants to buy 10 acres of land from the city for urban farming that can produce over 2,500 pounds of food for the community annually. The plan also calls for hiring at least 30 young people annually and providing them with vocational training and professional development.
“We held community meetings. We surveyed neighborhoods to get feedback from the community about what they want and don’t want,” Marshall said.
Through that feedback, they’ve added recreational components to their proposal, including year-round event spaces, splash pads, boardwalks, and natural playgrounds.
The city council on Monday was filled with supporters of the project. In particular, the possible impact on the current food deserts that exist there.
Von Varnes is the founder of Kentuckiana Backyard Farms. He works to educate community members about urban farming and farming.
“I mean, look around us,” said Barnes. “Kroger right over my shoulder closed. Walmart down the street. Where do people get their food from?”
Madeline Marchal is a soil engineer for the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District and works closely with the city’s urban farmers. She attended Monday’s meeting to show her support for her proposal.
“This is part of Louisville’s comprehensive plan to place these things to reduce our development with more green space,” Marshall said.
At least 10 people signed up to speak in support of the project, but didn’t get the chance. The meeting was canceled because a quorum was not reached.
Outside the meeting, Shirey Mayor Beverly Chester Burton said she supported the project but not the location.Golfers still use the land and the city is working to improve it. she says.
“We’re looking to renovate one of the buildings there to make it more usable,” said Chester Burton.
City Councilman Chanel Thompson spoke with supporters of the project outside City Hall. She is one of the only city council members to have expressed full support for selling a piece of land to the group.
“I think it’s enough for everyone,” Thompson said.
All agenda items for Monday’s City Council meeting will be moved to the next meeting on Monday, September 5th. The leaders behind the proposals will discuss the next course of action from time to time.