This March 8 letter was distributed to near neighbors of the former Greensgrow site at 2501 E. Cumberland St., Philadelphia. NKCDC representatives are also attending local civic association meetings to discuss plans and field questions.
Dear Neighbors,
Like so many beloved institutions, Greensgrow suffered a fatal blow during the pandemic and could not re-establish its footing. Fortunately, that will not mean that our community will lose valuable green space where youth and adults can gather, plant, and grow.
As the property owner, New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC), has resumed control of the former Greensgrow site, and in the coming weeks we will be assessing the site, cleaning, making repairs, and reaching out to neighbors for input on how the space can best be utilized.
NKCDC will not be selling the land or building housing. We have deployed our Open Spaces team to perform weekly cleaning of the outside perimeter. We will also have cleanup and stabilization activity from our community partner, Power Corps Philadelphia in the next weeks.
On April 1, starting at 8:30 AM, we will use the space to distribute tools and supplies for local groups who have registered with us for Philly Spring Cleanup. Please come out to join a local cleanup crew, and to learn more about how you can shape the future of this neighborhood green space. Last day to register for our supplies is March 20. Contact Darnell Morris at 215-427-0350 x118 or dmorris@nkcdc.org.
Mary Corboy built an urban farm that taught thousands of Philadelphians to cultivate the earth, and in doing so, to nurture our spirit and our community. NKCDC is ready to step into those big shoes and work with you to form a new vision for how we can grow together, strengthen our community, and improve our collective health and well-being.
Please follow NKCDC on social media to receive more information as it becomes available.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bill McKinney
Executive Director