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Resident proposes container-based urban-agriculture project, raises wildlife and tree-maintenance concerns
Summary
William Spencer urged the council to allow shipping-container construction for small-scale hydroponic agriculture, described local wildlife problems linked to unmaintained fruit trees, and said he will submit plans and permit applications for a project near Barry Street.
William Spencer of 118 Barry Street used the public-comment period on Aug. 27 to raise neighborhood maintenance and development ideas.
Spencer described a groundhog and wildlife problem on several nearby lots and said that fruit trees on private property that are not being maintained attract raccoons, possums and groundhogs. He asked whether the city allows shooting within city limits (several council members noted disallowance of firearms in city limits) and sought guidance on nonlethal mitigation approaches. Spencer said he has contacted state natural-resources authorities and has tried trapping but asked whether the city could do more.
Spencer also described his entrepreneurial plans (he said he previously worked as a consultant at Apple and started Cirrus Agricultural Development) and urged the city to permit shipping containers as building materials for stacked hydroponic systems (referencing a 'leafy green machine' product). He said he had emailed blueprints to staff and asked the council to reconsider a local prohibition on shipping-container structures. Spencer said he will submit permit requests, including for a converted trailer to provide restroom access for a proposed site.
Council members and staff offered quick suggestions (e.g., using predator urine as a deterrent) and reiterated that shooting is not permitted in city limits; staff said permitting rules govern shipping-container use and that Spencer should submit formal plans for review.
