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Planning Board supports Harbour Island as preferred site for relocated community gardens, recommends water access and a wheelchair-height bed
Summary
The board reviewed a referral to relocate community garden beds from a flood-prone site to Harbor Island Park, expressed support for the proposed location and educational uses, suggested confirming nearby water access and including one or two wheelchair-height beds, and agreed to send a comment letter to the trustees before their Feb. 10 meeting.
The Planning Board reviewed a trustee referral on Jan. 22 asking for comments about moving community garden plots from flood-prone Bub Walker Park to a sunnier site in Harbor Island Park.
A board representative summarized the proposal: about 42 garden beds (constructed by the village), composting, black chain-link fencing to match adjacent courts, native plantings for pollinator education, and proximity to the marine education center and summer camp. The speaker said Jeff Vaughn had volunteered to lead the village’s installation and that a nearby water pit could help avoid trucking water to the existing site.
Board members said the Harbor Island location appeared well suited and centrally located for educational uses. One board member suggested ensuring water access is easy for gardeners and installing mechanisms to avoid water being left running. Members also recommended including a small number of raised beds sized for gardeners using wheelchairs; the proposal calls for pathways about 3 feet wide and beds approximately 8–12 inches high, with the committee mindful of accessibility.
The board did not vote to approve a project (the item was a referral for comment) but agreed to send a letter of support and suggested comments to the Board of Trustees, with planning staff aiming to deliver the letter by the end of the month ahead of trustees’ discussion anticipated Feb. 10.
