By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-875781.mp3
Dallas, TX –
New policies to clear the way for "community gardens" in Dallas, plus new rules for neighborhood farmers markets, are in the works at City Hall. KERA's BJ Austin reports.
The policies regarding community gardens, and where they can be located, will require some zoning changes that would open private property including downtown rooftops to "agricultural" use. That whole process could take as long as a year.
But new rules on operating neighborhood farmers markets are to be presented in February. Initial proposals include a three mile buffer between neighborhood markets, and percentages of how much produce and non-produce could be sold.
Dallas Councilmember Angela Hunt says that's not right.
Hunt: I think overly regulating is going in the wrong direction. Instead, we need to be supporting these folks because they're bringing us tax base. They're creating community involvement and interest and excitement applause
But Council member Carolyn Davis worries a proliferation of neighborhood markets would hurt development of the downtown Farmers Market.
Davis: The Farmers Market has so much to do to grow it; to even think about going outside the Farmers Market. I think we have enough at the Farmers Market where we can make it a Farmers Market Mall.
Bruce Bagelman, with White Rock Local Market, doesn't buy Davis' argument.
Bagelman: I really believe that all these markets can co-exist and be complementary, and certain not a threat.
The next step is a meeting of city officials and community garden and market stakeholders to hammer out differences.