Bicknell holds public hearing on CDBG-funded greenhouse for community garden

Bicknell held a public hearing May 1, 2025, at 6:45 p.m. to gather public input on a Community Development Block Grant-funded project to purchase a greenhouse for the Bicknell Town Community Garden, 64 West 100 North. A staff member said the city amended its capital investment plan to apply for funds on the garden's behalf and that Carrie Brinkerhoff is the project manager.

The hearing matters because the project was successful in the regional rating and ranking process for the 02/2025 CDBG round, clearing a key administrative step toward acquiring the greenhouse and installing it at the community garden. The city made the capital investment plan available for public review.

During the roughly four-minute hearing, a staff member summarized the project: “The application was successful in the regional rating and ranking process.” A resident who spoke said the garden’s existing greenhouse and plots are popular, commenting, “Sounds like the old greenhouse is going great guns.” The resident and staff discussed garden use — the resident estimated about half the plots are in use this early in the season — and mentioned an open house planned in May. A commenter asked who would teach activities for children; a resident answered, “Me,” referring to leading a class for 8- to 12-year-olds.

No formal vote or motion was recorded at the hearing. The primary purpose was to accept public comment after the award decision; the application’s selection had already been made through the regional rating and ranking process. The staff member closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting at 6:49 p.m.

The city said the capital investment plan is available for review to anyone interested in more details about the project and its place in the municipality’s investment priorities. Specific grant award amounts, delivery timeline for the greenhouse, and construction/installation contractors were not specified during the hearing.