A fundamental part of any urban development plan includes permanent green spaces and gardens.

This is not just a story about the fate of one small garden on Knox Street, it represents a greater community concern: what should a healthy Lewiston look like and, ultimately, who determines that process?

The community garden on Knox Street began its fourth season this spring with a hopeful future. Based upon three years of community support and use, combined with a history of collaboration and support from local agencies and City Hall, Lots to Gardens decided to take a big step toward permanent, community-owned green spaces. A sense of urgency exists because last summer three of our green spaces were sold and built upon.

This garden is the pilot project; it has all of the right pieces.

It has resident support. Many children and adults invest much time and hope into this garden, eat meals with food produced in it and attend weekly gardening nights.

It has history. Over three years of soil and site improvement, vegetable production and community events have established this garden as a community space.

It has city support. The city owns the lot and has granted Lots to Gardens use of the space. We had a very promising meeting in the end of April to discuss purchasing the lot from the city and protecting it through a land trust.

It has funding. A generous local donation is allowing us to invest in permanent raised beds and other infrastructure.

It has location. The owner of an adjacent vacant lot is interested in selling that lot as well. And, with all of the negative attention Knox Street receives, a thriving community space seemed an exciting and appropriate commitment.

All of this is in danger.

Last week, we were unofficially informed by the city that we would no longer have long-term access to this garden space. Despite requests for a meeting, or even an explanation, we have only been told to wait until a press conference on Wednesday. Without any clear understanding of what development is planned, or any access to a dialogue with City Hall, there is no process to advocate for the Knox Street garden and the benefits it brings to Lewiston.

For now, all we can do is share our beliefs.

First, that the benefits of permanent community green spaces and gardens as a fundamental part of any urban development plan have been proven in cities across the nation, including Lewiston. A livable city landscape requires these spaces, not only public parks, but also spaces in which the community can participate in planning and creating.

The gardens in Lewiston bring together diverse people and goals through the common tie of the land on which they live. The action of engaging in the landscape of one’s community has profound impacts on how residents perceive and participate in it.

Second, that development must be firmly rooted in a community ethic and accountable to local residents if it is going to create a vibrant, equitable city. These plans should be collaborative and build upon already established community efforts, not destroy them.

When we’ve been informed that the fate of this one lot is already determined, it is difficult to have faith that the city will be accountable to any future public input process. Local residents need to have access to determine the shape of their community. There needs to be a process.

We urge the residents of Lewiston, including those in City Hall, to honor the many values of this one small garden on Knox Street and all that it represents.

Kirsten Walter of Turner is an adviser to Lots to Gardens, a community group that transforms vacant lots into community gardens. She can be reached at lotstogardens@yahoo.com

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