Transforming underutilized land into productive urban farms was one of the many topics which were presented at the recent
Kansas City Design Week. Jerome Chou, past Director of Programs at the
Design Trust for Public Space, presented his unique experience with the implementation of the Five Boroughs Farm in New York City and the impact that urban agriculture can have on low-income areas of a city.
Chou pointed out in his presentation that having the land available for an urban farm is only half of the battle. The other half involves changing local zoning laws, influencing political opinion, garnering economic support, and proving the project will have a net benefit to a community. These challenges where not unique to just New York City but also to Kansas City’s
18th and Broadway Urban Farm which was also presented at Kansas City Design Week.
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