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Board renews community garden special use for Young and Established, sets parking at zero
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved Young and Established’s request to continue operating a community garden at 306 Ridgeway Avenue, granting a special-use renewal with no required off-street parking after neighborhood support and staff confirmation that the revised site plan meets zoning requirements.
Courtney Johnson, founder of Young and Established, told the Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 19 that the nonprofit seeks to continue operating a community garden at 306 Ridgeway Avenue as a site for food distribution, gardening education and neighborhood gatherings. The organization said it partners with local retailers and farmers to provide weekly food giveaways and plans teaching programs for youth and adults.
Neighbors from the Glenwood Neighborhood Association, including Wilbur Robinson and Lucy L. Williams, spoke in favor of the project and invited Johnson to neighborhood meetings. Staff explained the prior approval carried a two-year time limit and presented a revised site plan that staff said complies with zoning code requirements; staff also noted the original approval listed zero off-street parking because of available on-street parking in the area.
Board members asked about traffic and typical peak vehicle counts; Johnson said the site rarely has more than three cars at a time and at busiest sees about six. After discussion, a motion to approve the special use with a minimum off-street parking requirement of zero carried on a unanimous roll call vote (6–0). The board noted the approval is for the special-use classification and does not rezone surrounding properties.
The petition is approved; the petitioner may proceed with permitting steps required by the Area Plan Commission and the City.
