Community Development Through Gardening: Transforming Urban Open Space

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH GARDENING: STATE AND LOCAL POLICIES TRANSFORMING URBAN OPEN SPACE Jane E. Schukoske* “Don’t know why anyone called that lot ‘vacant. ’ The garbage was piled high as your waist . . . . ”1 —Paul Fleischman, 1997 INTRODUCTION... More

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH GARDENING: STATE AND LOCAL POLICIES TRANSFORMING URBAN OPEN SPACE Jane E. Schukoske* “Don’t know why anyone called that lot ‘vacant. ’ The garbage was piled high as your waist . . . . ”1 —Paul Fleischman, 1997 INTRODUCTION Neglected vacant lots in the modern urban setting pose great hazards to community life. These lots, which host criminal behavior, accumulate trash, and create various health risks, epitomize the frustration and despair nearby residents often feel. A recent study reports that more than one-fifth of all land in American cities is classified as vacant. 2 Despite the prevalence of vacant land and the reality of urban blight, many communities have been successful in transforming these dangerous urban spaces into thriving community gardens. * Associate Professor, University of Baltimore School of Law and Director of the Community Development Clinic, which has represented community associations involved in community gardening. I thank Ste Less