Independence Township officials have plans for a rejuvenated ‘community garden? without the participation of the criminal justice system.
The concept of a garden worked by people with ‘alternative? sentencing is not dead, however, with advocates hoping to seal a deal for use of another piece of property.
The township board on Tuesday, April 6 approved the ‘concept? of a garden at the township-owned McCord property formerly used by the 52-2 District Court and Community Corrections as a place to send non-violent misdemeanor offenders.
The alternative sentencing program met its demise when area residents expressed concerns about perceived threats to public safety.
Trustee Dan Travis proposed the garden to be under the management of master gardeners and the Michigan State University Extension Service.
‘There will be no participation by the courts, their representatives or any of their affiliated agencies,? Travis said in his proposal. ‘Absolutely no alternatively sentenced individuals will work there.?
The goal is to continue to supply food to the Food Bank of Oakland County. Last year, officials reported 12,343 pounds of vegetables donated to the food bank.
Travis? proposal is for a reduced area for the vegetable garden to allow for planting of nursery stock. The idea is to potentially provide saplings and shrubs for future township landscape projects.
With an already established well and garden plot, Travis said, ‘We should take advantage of the opportunity.?
With the help of people like master gardener Bob McGowan and even members of the group protesting the garden last year, Travis is optimistic about getting things planted by Labor Day.
‘We have a tremendous group of volunteers,? he said.
Travis has also been in contact with Janet McCord, who donated the property to Independence Township.
‘She was my first call of a positive nature,? Travis said.
There are still details to work out, Travis said, with administration of those details likely to fall to the parks and recreation staff.
The idea for the community garden was based on one founded by District Judge Michael Batchik in Novi in 1986. Judge Dana Fortinberry thougt it would be a good way to alleviate jail overcrowding and provide food for charitable puroses.
She still does. While a formal announcement is awaiting clearances from a landlord’s attorneys, Fortinberry said a location has been found in the Clarkston area to establish another alternative sentencing garden.
‘We’re very close,? she said last week.