Kinsman Neighborhood to be Site of Largest Urban Agriculture District in the U.S.

Twenty-eight acres of underutilized and vacant land in the Kinsman neighborhood will soon become the largest urban agriculture district in the U.S. Ward 5 Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland; Mayor Frank Jackson; Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc; The Ohio State University Extension; representatives from Ohio Governor Ted Strickland’s office; and representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will take part in an announcement at Otter Park, E. 83rd Street and Gill Avenue tomorrow announcing the plans.

Spearheaded by Burten, Bell, Carr Development Inc., the Urban Agriculture Innovation Zone will reuse 28 acres of land in Cleveland’s ward 5 into farmland that will create jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities, and provide residents with greater access to fresh, local food.

“This community has seen its share of struggles, but with recent projects and initiatives, Kinsman will become a leader on how our neighborhoods can rebuild,” said Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland. “The creation of this urban agricultural district will provide so much to ward 5. It will provide jobs, economic opportunities, beautiful green space and a convenient source of fresh, locally grown food for residents and area restaurants to enjoy. I applaud our partners in the community who came together to make this a reality and call upon the residents of this community to rally around this project and the positive changes it will bring.”