Committee backs two urban‑ag projects: Cultivate Toledo model farm and 48x20 hoop house at Sofia Quindeo center

The Toledo Zoning and Planning Committee on Oct. 15 recommended approval of two separate major urban‑ag projects and forwarded both items to full City Council with conditions.

For 1205–1207 N. Huron St., the committee recommended approval of a special use permit to establish a Cultivate Toledo model farm and centralized aggregation hub. Applicant Andrew O’Newby described the site as the program’s “model farm” intended to streamline permitting for urban agriculture, provide workforce‑development training and create a processing/aggregation point to help urban farmers sell produce to local restaurants and markets. The plan commission recommended approval subject to 13 conditions; the applicant accepted the conditions and the committee sent the item to the Oct. 21 council meeting as recommended.

Several committee members asked about soil testing and long‑term soil remediation. O’Newby said the program’s initial approach is to “completely cover the ground” and use raised growing systems to reduce exposure risks, while pursuing economical soil‑testing partnerships and longer‑term remediation strategies such as phytoremediation plantings in setbacks. He said the program is also coordinating with city staff and outside labs to make testing more accessible for future urban farmers.

The committee also recommended approval of a special use permit for a 48-by-20-foot hoop house at the Sofia Quindeo Art and Cultural Center, 1320 Broadway St., subject to six conditions. Mia Lynch, assistant gardener at the center, said the structure would extend the growing season and increase production by an estimated 20 percent; she said the garden produced roughly 4,300 pounds of produce this year and expects to add about 860 pounds next season. The committee chair noted the project will be integrated with programming at the Friendly Center and receive back‑office support from United Way to help long‑term sustainability.

Both items will appear before full City Council at its Oct. 21 meeting.