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Commission explores ownership, stewardship options for 5 Points orchard and adjoining community garden
Summary
The commission discussed the 5 Points orchard and community garden, including discovery that a private owner (Judith McElholl) owns part of the parcel, possible lot‑line revision or transfer to the conservation commission, and interest in hosting pruning workshops and community uses.
Commissioners reported on a site visit to the 5 Points orchard and adjacent community garden and discussed ownership, access and potential stewardship options after staff contacted a named owner.
Assistant city planner Nate Nardi told the commission he had written to a property owner, Judith McElholl, proposing collaboration on the historic food forest. Nardi said McElholl had been unaware she owned part of the parcel and is now consulting an attorney; she indicated she does not want to retain the land. “She had no idea that she owned that part,” Nardi said after reviewing title information and speaking with the owner.
Why it matters: The orchard includes producing peach and apple trees and areas of wild blackberries and sits near a community garden. Commissioners said the site could host pruning workshops, community‑garden expansion or a food‑forest stewardship program if ownership and liability issues can be resolved.
Discussion details: Members described uneven orchard maintenance, leaning and overcrowded trees, some fruit production and parts of the site used informally by community gardeners. The commission discussed options including a lot‑line revision or donation of the parcel to conservation, covering administrative costs for deed revision and survey work, and asking corporation counsel to advise on transfer mechanics. A commission member said the conservation account currently holds about $15,000, which could be used to cover administrative costs (survey and legal fees) if the owner wished to transfer the parcel. Commissioners emphasized that any property transfer to the commission or city would require formal approval processes beyond the conservation commission.
No formal action was taken. Staff said they will follow up with the owner and corporation counsel and consider offering to cover administrative costs to facilitate a transfer if the owner chooses to convey the parcel for conservation use.
Ending: Commissioners expressed interest in preserving the orchard as an educational and community resource, and staff will return with legal and procedural options if the owner indicates willingness to proceed.
