It’s definitely a better use than the overgrown lot, but am I the only one who thinks that these urban “farms” look awful?

putting urban farms on major commercial avenues is a bad idea.  Sure it is better than an overgrown lot, but look at the uproar when they tried to actually use the Broad and South parcel.  There are plenty of lots this size in residential areas that are less important locationally speaking.

I think the one up in Fairmount looks pretty good.  Some, though, are not that well maintained.

Do you mean the farm at 27th and Master in Brewerytown?

Ya but we are a couple years away from anyone wanting to develop that lot. I’d rather have the farm now and deal with the headache later than have a disgusting lot sit empty for years especially on an important corridor like Baltimore. It looks nice and people like it, nothing wrong with that. It’s good for the neighborhood’s image.

they own it, they can do what they want with the lot

 There is so much vacant land in Philadelphia that can be utilized for stormwater management purposes as well as productive agricultural use. It is a great idea for us to try to utilize our urban spaces for as many practical uses as possible, however, aesthetics are also very important in a neighborhood and the Farms should try to remain clean and attractive so as to provide visual benefits to the community as well.

There are supposed to be buildings there. Wrong use for this parcel. God forbid anyone wants to develop this lot, now they’ll have to deal with the neighbors trying to preserve their vacant lot.

So If I own a lot I can put a 100 story hotel with a mural of Donald Trump on the side?

if it is zoned for it

 I own this property and I agree that gardening projects are not the right use for all spaces. I also agree that many of the urban garden spaces in the city tend to look unsightly. But I do know this block specifically and I know that no one is interested in this very parcel for any use except trash dumping. Buildings and lots up and down this block have been for sale and whenever anyone buys anything it just sits there until this block gets more interest. That is how ‘development’ works in this area for now. Part of buying this lot and trying our best to beautify it is to make the block more attractive as a whole. Believe me, no one is going to be building on these empty lots any time soon. The least we can do is put something attractive where there used to be a four foot high weed jungle that welcomed trash from all over  the neighborhood. Our main goal right now is to beautify so design and upkeep is paramount with this garden. This is a small step towards eliminating the neglected feel of the block and enticing more visitors and business owners to this block.

 That’s exactly what I was thinking, actually.  Honestly, do we really want somebody building a faux-vintage building there that ruins the feel of the street?  Outdoor seating in that lot just seems like the most intelligent thing to do.  It’s the perfect size for it, even if not for a business nearby then just for people to have somewhere to sit and eat or whatever.  Actually, you could maybe even put a restaurant on the back end of the lot and then have outdoor seating take up the front end that faces Baltimore Ave.

Really, if an urban farm makes sense anywhere in West Philly, it’s on Baltimore Ave.

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