Politics & Government
City Of Boston: City Council Opposes Relocation Of Herter Community Garden
See the latest announcement from the City of Boston.
November 19, 2021
Founded in 1976, Herter Community Garden is located along the banks of the Charles River in Allston-Brighton’ Christian A. Herter Park. The garden has served as a vital resource and gathering space for local community members for over 45 years. The garden provides access to organic gardening space for a multigenerational community. This community includes:
Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- older adults
- immigrants, and
- residents of color from surrounding neighborhoods.
These community members rely on the garden for food security, sociability, and support networks.
On September 29, 2021, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced its intent to remove and relocate the Herter Community Garden. Their intent was to consolidate Herter Park’s existing gardens. Gardners have said relocation is not feasible. Additionally, removal of the garden will result in the loss of 45 years of community labor and organic soil enrichment. The site proposed for the garden's relocation is poorly suited for cultivation.
Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In opposition to the DCR’s plans, there is a resident-initiated petition that supports the retention of Herter Community Garden in its current location. It has garnered over 2,300 signatures. During this week’s Council meeting, the Council voted to adopt a resolution opposing the proposed relocation of the garden. The Council urges the DCR to both retain Herter Community Garden in its current location and work with stakeholders to determine how best to support the garden’s future.
Founded in 1976, Herter Community Garden is located along the banks of the Charles River in Allston-Brighton’ Christian A. Herter Park. The garden has served as a vital resource and gathering space for local community members for over 45 years. The garden provides access to organic gardening space for a multigenerational community. This community includes:
- older adults
- immigrants, and
- residents of color from surrounding neighborhoods.
These community members rely on the garden for food security, sociability, and support networks.
On September 29, 2021, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced its intent to remove and relocate the Herter Community Garden. Their intent was to consolidate Herter Park’s existing gardens. Gardners have said relocation is not feasible. Additionally, removal of the garden will result in the loss of 45 years of community labor and organic soil enrichment. The site proposed for the garden's relocation is poorly suited for cultivation.
In opposition to the DCR’s plans, there is a resident-initiated petition that supports the retention of Herter Community Garden in its current location. It has garnered over 2,300 signatures. During this week’s Council meeting, the Council voted to adopt a resolution opposing the proposed relocation of the garden. The Council urges the DCR to both retain Herter Community Garden in its current location and work with stakeholders to determine how best to support the garden’s future.
This press release was produced by the City of Boston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
