Fort Wayne Dedicates Urban Farm
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and neighborhood leaders have dedicated Renaissance Pointe Urban Farm. The $430,000 project involved renovation of a former fire station. The site includes three-quarters of an acre for community farming.
“The City and the private sector have invested millions of dollars in new and rehabilitated housing, streets, sidewalks and trails in this area,” said Mayor Henry. “The Renaissance Pointe Urban Farm is another piece of our work to revitalize the neighborhood and empower residents to live healthy lives.”
The city says the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is leasing the farm to Growing Minds Educational Services to provide programming at the farm, which is located in a “food desert”, an area with limited access to fresh produce.
“The Renaissance Pointe Urban Farm will serve as a neighborhood resource for learning how to grow and cook fresh and healthy foods,” said Heather Presley-Cowen, director of OHNS. “It will encourage residents to lead healthier lives, as well as serve as a pilot site for future community urban farms.”
During Tuesday’s event, the city paid tribute to neighborhood advocate Johnnie Mae White. The building features a plaque recognizing White’s service.
The farm is located at 2518 Winter Street. It is funded by federal Community Development Block Grant dollars.