June 13, 2006
Sad news about the South Central Farm
I made the post about the South Central Farm in an attempt to be upbeat, because it sounded like some last minute money from the Annenberg foundation would be enough to save it. Unfortunately, the owner refused the money and bulldozers were sent in today. The website says its not over yet, and a candlelight vigil is planned, but things look pretty dire.
I think of all the community gardens I have been a part of, the one Peter helped start in Minneapolis, Sheri's in Providence, etc. etc. and what a wonderful thing they are in the lives of so many, and it literally makes me cry. I am sorry to be the bearer of sad news. Here's the link.
My sister Jess is in L.A. and maybe she'll post a comment with more up to date news?
Posted by maryellen at June 13, 2006 09:18 PMHere's the text from the Mayor's speech today:
REMARKS BY MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA REGARDING THE SOUTH CENTRAL URBAN FARM
As you know, this morning Sheriff's deputies began evicting farmers and activists at the South Central Farm.
Today's evictions are unfortunate and come at the end of a tumultuous turn of events that at times was not always discussed in public due to the nature of real estate negotiations and the discussions that various parties were having with the property owner.
In light of today's events and the fact that it appears that the owner will not accept a proposal that meets his asking price of $16 million - I felt it was important to brief you today.
Today's events are unfortunate, disheartening and unnecessary. After years of disagreement over this property we had all hoped for a better outcome.
I'd like to be clear about what has transpired.
The property owner asked for $16 million * and last week, after 10 months of negotiations and efforts by my staff and others from the Trust for Public Land and the Annenberg Foundation * a proposal for a full-price, $16 million purchase was made by the Annenberg Foundation to the property owner.
The foundation expressed a clear, sincere interest and commitment by its trustees to acquire the property for $16 million dollars.
This morning, in a conversation with the property owner I reiterated my confidence in and support for the Annenberg purchase. Even after meeting his asking price, Mr. Horowitz told me that he would not sell the property to the Trust for Public Lands and the Annenberg Foundation.
Everyone involved who cares about this garden and who cares about the farmers who have built an oasis in a sea of industry and concrete has done everything possible to meet the property owner's demands. First it was about price, well*. we met his price. He set the bar very high and we met it.
Now the bar has been moved.
I understand a businessman's need to invest and make a profit. I also have a high respect for and will defend property rights. That is the spirit under which we all operated when trying to negotiate and resolve this issue.
But I also believe that we are called upon by a sense of community and civic duty to do the just and right thing. I had hoped that the landowner would have heeded that call.
For those who say that there is no plot of land for urban farming in South LA, you should know that the City will continue plans to relocate farmers to an alternate 7.8 acre site, which has the capacity to house 200 garden plots. Already, 30 farmers have been allowed to begin cultivating the land located at 111th St & Avalon.
We want to make sure the farmers are properly relocated. In addition, there are about 100 more plots located around the City that we have identified for community gardens.
Posted by: Jess at June 13, 2006 10:07 PMIt is a sad day - still holding out a little hope. It's unbelievable that the land owner is refusing the money for the sale of the farm after all this time. The latimes just posted a story on it http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-061306farm,0,1020672.story?coll=la-home-headlines
Patricia is down there now - I'm sure taking lots of pictures.
Ah, LA, City of Dreams
Posted by: Moira at June 14, 2006 01:38 PM