A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE GO CHAPEL HILL ACTIVE LIVING BY DESIGN TOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO EXPLORE OPTIONS FOR FACILITATING AND PROMOTING COMMUNITY GARDENING OPPORTUNITIES IN CHAPEL HILL (2008-09-22/R-5)

WHEREAS, the Council established a Go Chapel Hill Active Living by Design Town Advisory Committee to provide guidance to the Town as it implements the Active Living by Design program; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill has set a goal of reducing carbon emissions attributed to the municipal, commercial, residential, and institutional sectors of the Town by 60 percent by 2050; and

WHEREAS, community gardening can provide a sustainable option for local food production that reduces the impact of transportation-related emissions on the Town’s carbon footprint; and

WHEREAS, community gardening can serve as a recreational activity for all age groups that also helps stimulate greater social interaction across social, economic, cultural and generational barriers; and

WHEREAS, community gardens can elevate public consciousness about public health, reduce family food budgets, preserve green space, and generate skills-building opportunities for participants; and

WHEREAS, the Orange County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the North Carolina Botanical Garden, community partners and volunteers can provide training, tools and other resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Go Chapel Hill Active Living by Design Town Advisory Committee be encouraged to explore options for facilitating and promoting community gardening opportunities in Chapel Hill.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee investigate the feasibility of the following items and report back to the Town Council with a proposed course of action:

• With assistance from the Parks and Recreation Department, the identification of Town-owned land for possible garden sites;
• The dissemination of community gardening options and benefits to other Town boards;
• The development of educational and promotional opportunities for community gardening;
• The formulation of a policy tool to provide the option of community gardening set-asides as part of development plans; and
• The identification of key resource needs and a proposed structure for a successful, long-term community gardens program.

This the 22^nd day of September, 2008.