This is an aerial photo of the Linwood Place Community Garden taken by me in 2010. The Garden had only been in operation for two years and as you can see, was already a center of neighborhood activity and cooperation. The Garden was established by For The Good, Inc. by a generous donation from Attorney Richard Pertz who told me, “If you build it, I’ll pay for it.” The initial cost for materials, supplies and labor was $15,000.
In February of 2020, the County of Oneida, sold at auction the Linwood Place Garden to a private individual for $3500. without notice or Right of First Refusal. On September 2 of 2020, during the Covid 19 Pandemic, the deeds to lots of 1133, 1135 and 1137 were transferred to the buyer.
The Linwood Place Garden has been in continuous operation since 2008. It has produced literally thousands of pounds of fresh organic produce in a Food Desert. It has educated hundreds of natives and youth on the means of growing their own food and provided scores of refugees and immigrants with safe agricultural access in a city of Brownfield contamination. It has been determined that across Utica the soil is rife with multiple chemical contaminants such a lead and cadmium. Every season more and more neighbors and residents from across the city and surrounding areas come to the Gardens to grow food and reap the benefits of a safe growing place for ethnic foods where the motto is, “Building community as we grow good food.”
Area colleges and universities have donated hundreds, perhaps thousands, of volunteer hours over the years as well as donations of funds for materials and supplies. Corporations such as Walmart, AT&T, Bank of NY Melon and others have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years in actual funds as well as volunteer hours and materials to support this jewel of urban agriculture and cooperation. Local companies such as Steet Toyota, Clinton Tractor, Murphy Construction, Gaetano Construction, Chester's Flowers, Seneca Liquors and North Star Orchard and the City of Utica have given generously over the years in materials, services and donation of funds. Literally tons of wholesome organic produce has been donated to Utica food banks and soup kitchens over the years from this and our other Garden at Jay Street.
For The Good’s attempts to pursue ‘back channels’ to resolve the issue without resorting to these measures have been unsuccessful. I have been advised by my friend and benefactor, Richard Pertz, that the only way to save our Garden will be to sue all parties connected to the transfer of property.
Please join me by giving generously in the effort to build a legal defense and support fund to reclaim and support this urban treasure. Feel free to send your donation directly to For The Good, Inc. at 1113 Linwood Place, Utica, NY 13501 to avoid fees. Thank you in advance, Cassandra Harris-Lockwood, President & CEO For The Good, Inc
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