|
Vacant Land Management
 As population continues to shift from cities to outlying areas, many aging industrial cities are burdened with acres of abandoned, trash-strewn land. Philadelphia Green works hand-in-hand with community-based organizations and the City to transform this vacant land into an asset for the community. By making the land more attractive, communities are better able to retain existing residents and businesses while attracting new ones.
There are two basic ways in which the City contracts with Philadelphia Green to revitalize vacant spaces. The first is known as the Vacant Land Stabilization Program. Philadelphia Green begins stabilization by cleaning and mowing the grounds, laying topsoil, planting seeds, and adorning the area with new trees and fencing. In the past six years, nearly 4 million square feet of land have undergone this treatment and continue to receive care.
The second approach is a project called Community LandCare, in which vacant land receives routine cleaning and mowing, but isn’t refurbished with topsoil, trees, or fencing. Fifteen community groups oversee the maintenance of vacant land in 16 Philadelphia neighborhoods. Currently 4 million square feet are regularly cleaned through this program.
If you’d like to learn more about these innovative efforts to keep Philadelphia beautiful, please contact your City Council representative.
Related Articles in the Philadelphia Green Archives
|
