Chimborazo Community Garden vandalized early this evening

UNBELIEVABLE.

I’m not surprised, unfortunately. And I think it will keep happening, fence or no fence.

I truly am sorry for the folks whose plants were torn up – I agree with Luke #1, it’s pretty permanent at least for this season. I’m afraid that as the summer wears on and we have really hot weather, the ‘young adults’ and kids who have nothing better to do will continue with such mindless destruction.

The only solution I can think of is a six foot tall chain link fence with barbed wire at the top, and a big padlock that only the gardeners have a key to. But then that lock would probably also be cut, the way all the locks on the bollards at Chimborazo Park were cut…

Does Tricycle Gardens site over on Jefferson Ave. also have such problems? Just curious.

But who is to pay for the locks and gates?

The “…and some children” part of that post makes me sad every time I read it.

Disgraceful! This vandalism needs to stop! I woke up this morning to find my “Don’t Tread on Me” Flag missing from my front porch. When I left to come to work today, luckily, I found it about 50 yards down from my porch on the ground. Lord knows I didn’t fly down there by itself!

Don’t give in to the urge for fences and barbed wire. While the planting and work on the gardens was a labor of love, you cannot fall victim (twice)to this negativity. Thier actions are an example of free-foating disrespect of self that takes the form of social resentment, frustration and anger.
Is this really so unexpected or unanticipated?
However, through the rebuilding and appropriate responses – that the community grows, (albiet not the plants).
The very best response is to be bigger and even more positive than their isolated case of negativity.

I’m a member of the Carver Community Garden and I’ve never experienced theft or vandalism in the two years I’ve been a member. The garden is by no means a defensive fortification but the fence in place (which can be jumped or climbed by the average person) has done a sufficient job of keeping vandals away. Plus the fence acts as a structure for crops to grow on:)

David and I are really looking forward to the fundraiser/party next Thursday. Now, we’re going to buy four tickets even if no one else comes with us.

Don’t let the little bastards get you down.

Disgusting. I hate hearing stuff like this.

Sorry to hear that about the gardens. With the gardens, french lawn bowling(sorry forgot the name), basketball, kids park, and now skateboarding there is a real sense of a community there. I was hoping it would keep this sort of trouble away.

@crd.

To my knowledge, Tricycle Gardens, the non-profit that organized the Chimborazo Garden, and also several other community gardens in Richmond, is in no way associated with the Friends of Chimborazo. So I think you are really talking about two separate organizations, and two separate grants.

The $2000 grant for the garden shed must be considered entirely distinct from any other grant that may have been made. Therefore, if there is some question as to whether the $3400 was disbursed by the Friends of Chimbo in an appropriate manner, it would be most unfair to view Tricycle and the garden shed grant in the same light. I don’t believe Tricycle had control whatsoever over what happened with the $3400 that went to Friends of Chimbo.

I’m not meaning to imply that the Friends of Chimbo did anything inappropriate with the money granted to them, I’m only saying that the garden people would have no way of knowing what they did with it, and there is really no connection.

AFAIK, the materials for the shed (aside from the tins on the sides and roof, which came from local food banks) were NOT donated, but were indeed purchased with the $2000 granted for that purpose. The gardeners are all very grateful to the CHA for helping to make that a reality.

I think it’s also worthwhile to point out that several of the gardeners are apparently also CHA members. But in any case, the garden isn’t intended to be just something for the benefit of the current “crop” of gardeners, but rather is intended to become a long-term feature of the community that will enrich this neighbourhood for many years to come.

Finally, the latest incident notwithstanding, the garden has already succeeded in bringing together diverse elements of our community. For instance, there are several neighbourhood kids (who are seemingly otherwise without supervision or something productive to do) that frequently come over and help out the gardeners and are involved in a very positive way. For me, this really transcends the “salad greens for yuppies” aspect of the garden, and is why I think that it’s so critical that the garden moves forward to set up more beds, including some set aside just for the kids.

I’m going to refrain from any further comments on the CHA funding debate, since I obviously have a vested interest.

@Scott and others, that is exactly it! Tricycle Gardens, including this one, has a mission of promoting urban ag. A big reason for that is to provide people living with limited money a way to provide their families with nutritious foods at a minimal money output through sustainable, high-density growing. A big part of this is education (to children and new home gardeners), a place to share ideas and what works to grow food here in Richmond. It is also, on a much more limited scale, to provide places for people to grow this food, if they don’t have a suitable space on their own property. Raising the prices of getting a spot there obviously works against that, and that is why Tricycle has a “pay what you can” approach – a $50 yearly lease is truly a hardship for some. Through the fund-raiser and our request to the CHA we are asking other people to support us in that mission, in addition to other goals (improved soil health, food traveling less far, attractive green space, gathering place, community building, reduced use of chemicals to get into the river etc.). We figure that the selfish part of our project there (yummy tomatoes!!) is paid for by our labors in gardening and keeping the surrounding area neat and pretty.

Paul #22: I know that Tricycle Gardens and Chimbo Playground are two separate organizations. And I’m aware that the $2,000 for the garden is distinct from the rest of the money. The total grant was $5400, and $2000 of that went to the garden. I don’t have a problem with either of those figures. Nor do I think anything was misappropriated, although I do think it is prudent of CHA to ask what the funds were used for via some receipts. I don’t think anyone thinks anything was misappropriated, frankly. It’s just prudent to ask what happened, that’s not uncommon practice when ANY grantmaking institution gives money. I did NOT mean to cast darkness on either the Tricycle org. or the Friends of Chimbo Playground, by any means. Please don’t read that into my post, please please!

However, the $2000 for the garden was for the beds and shed, but then the shed was built with volunteer labor (thank you RBVa!) (and maybe some materials) so there was even more money that the garden could put into use for the actual garden (and I’m glad for that, too!) And let it be known, I don’t agree with some who think the shed doesn’t meet historic district qualifications – well, ok it’s not at all historic but I think it’s a hoot and I LOVE it!

All I’m saying is, enough from CHA, let the gardeners pay for something. I seriously doubt that most of the people with a plot there can’t pony up a little more money. I totally understand the concept of helping the poor to have gardens, and I even agree with it, but the people I know who have plots there are NOT poor, and can pay a bit more. Or if you’re determined that middle class folks should have a garden for almost free, then hit up some other organizations. Has Union Hill Civic Association put in any money? And what about all the other civic associations that are proliferating around here? Surely they can each pony up a thousand or so dollars….ok that was sarcastic, so they really could pony up $500 each maybe? At least Union Hill? And if not, why not? Aren’t they supportive of community gardens and enhancing the neighborhood and having peace, love and…bbq (sorry, I went to see Marcia Ball tonight, that was a song….)I mean peace, love and veggies?

Scott #23, that community gardens are for the elite seems to be one of the arguments against community gardens. I’m NOT in agreement with that, it’s just something I found today on the net when surfing for info about community gardens. Another tidbit I found was that a lot of them are reclaiming vacant lots in places like NYC or LA, and some are supported by the cities they are in through the parks and/or rec. depts. This one at Chimbo is not reclaiming a vacant lot somewhere in NYC, although I hear that the city is supposedly going to provide water to it, which is good.

My bottom line: leave CHA alone, folks. They have given to the playground and to the garden, please find alternate sources of funding, that’s all.

Afterthought to Paul: I’m truly glad to hear that kids with nothing else to do are doing something positive, your last paragraph is really positive, thanks much.

I should add that the lumber for the existing beds was recycled from the old playground 8x8s and the rest was donated by Home Depot as part of their big work day – for which also between 100 & 200 Home Depot employees came out and volunteered.

A great source of info on community gardens working with city planning is P-Patch in Seattle area. They were early pioneers in this, and Seattle has dedicated impressive resources and collaboration to work w/citizen gardeners.

Lisa has the #s on where the money went. So far it has been more than matched by donations from gardeners and others. I think it could have been done more on the cheap, but it would have been a much slower initial development.

I’m sure the “elite” could afford to buy their fresh produce at some organic store if they really were giving any thought to that.

Why would this be any different than putting park benches in or planting trees?

(BTW- got my first tomatoes out of by backyard garden last night.)

@crd #27 I think you are rather missing the point of a *civic* organization.

Regardless, if you read my original post, I make it quite clear that I believe it is entirely up to the CHA membership to decide whether the garden project is sufficiently meritorious to warrant their continued support. I wouldn’t presume to second guess whatever they might decide.

In any case, it’s not as though the gardeners haven’t pursued funding from other sources. Notably, even some large corporations — institutions not typically known for their civic-mindedness — have seen fit to contribute. And certainly, #29, the whole community is invited to the fundraiser. Thanks to the generosity of the local businesses providing food and wine, and the gardeners themselves, I don’t think anyone will complain about not getting their money’s worth. We aren’t talking about some $500 a plate Washington DC dinner.

Yes, it’s $25 bucks a person, which I grant may be expensive for some, but it IS a fundraiser. And just because it will be nice doesn’t mean that it is elite. Bring a garden tool to donate and it’s only 20 bucks.

CRD-please contact me thru Tricycle Gardens and I can send you the financial details which you are guessing about. It is not appropriate to do it here.

Also, we were invited to submit a funding request (to build more beds and the fence) to the CHA by one of your board members.

Lisa Taranto

Lisa #34: “It is not appropriate to do it here.”

Are you saying that it’s not appropriate for me to post my questions here, or it’s not appropriate for you to post your financials here? Sorry, but I’m not sure what you meant. If you meant that it’s not appropriate for me to post what I know to be true here, about who provided volunteer labor, and any questions that I might have – well, I have a problem with that attitude. Sorry, but it sounds really stuffy, among other things. If you are saying that it is inappropriate for you to post financial information here, I’m not sure why that would be the case. Aren’t your financial facts public information, as a non-profit? Anyway, please advise in either case, thanks much.

I just recently rejoined CHA, had not been a member in almost ten years. I *was* on the board, and active, but that was in the preceding years (1980’s and 1990’s -which feel like centuries ago). I understand that it is now standard procedure to ask for funding in writing, so I’m glad that they’ve asked you to submit something.

Bullwinkie #35, EXCELLENT suggestion. And I like your renaming of it! Chimbeerazo Gardin is fitting!

I DO have a sense of humor, Lisa. I don’t dislike the garden. I think you are in a bad position because the CHA has spent too much money in the past couple of years, and some folks think it’s really got to stop or they will shortly be seriously broke. That’s not your fault at all.

2 things. 1) The Chimborazo Gardens look to all be worked by rather well dressed and well vehicularly appointed Church Hillians (or a reasonable facsimile thereof). There are blinking lights all night in the garden. Not neighborly? 2) Looking at http://www.tricyclegardens.org doesn’t tell who on the Staff or Board is being paid by the donations given, and how much. Disclosing that information would go a long way and, maybe, dropping the facade of ‘these gardens are for poor people’ when it’s obvious who the participants are, would lend some credibility. A (501(c)3) Corporation doesn’t mean individual people aren’t profiting/benefiting from ‘donations’. Those people would be the ones running it. Business is Business? Don’t be shy, then. You’re not shy about soliciting donation$. I await your answer(s).

wait a minute…. are Chimborazo Gardens included in the 501(c)3 designation? What SPECIFICALLY is happening here that would classify this as a charitable organization providing a service for those in need? Are the crops being distributed to the those in need? If the yield is for the benefit of the grower, this does NOT qualify for this designation.

Yeah, lisa, and how do we know that you’re even really an american citizen? Can you email John a copy of your birth certificate? You big goverment socialist gardens will be the ruination of the neigborhood.

Crd –
I don’t know what your agenda against Lisa T is, but your blatant barfing on her is offensive.

You say you love the Tricycle garden, it is an asset to the community, their shed a “hoot”, but you have problems with CHA supporting it. I respect your stand on CRD, but disagree with you. I am a member of CHA and I would , like Paul says in # 17, love to vote over more funding to to Tricycle Gardens. I am confident, Tricycle garden will provide all the necessary documentation for us to make an educated decision.

Lisa T has asked you to contact her directly so she can personally go over the finances with you. I completely agree with her that this is not the proper place to disclose such matters. You can also, if you are too chicken to talk to her personally, look into the public financial records of 2009 that should be offical records with the IRS.

This thread is about one of our beloved spots on the Hill being vandalized. Not your personal agenda against someone who is truly making a huge impact on our quality of life. Let’s try to stay on topic, and not let our unresolved private matters clutter this space.

I would urge you to contact Lisa T and not use your cowardly anonymity on this blog to slander private people.
At the same token, you may contact Bandazian and Holden and ask how the business of St John’s is doing. According to public records, this company NEVER bought St Johns, but solicited business through this blog. A criminal act. You spend a lot of energy fueling emotions on this issue, not comprehending the whole situation, and thus did a lot of harm to innocent people. The conduct of Bendazian should be something sensational for you to squirm in. Enjoy.

Finally, CDR – I find most of your blogs here very informative, and i appreciate your enthusiasm for the community. I do urge you, however, to check your passive aggressiveness agains certain few individuals and search for longer, constructive, thoughts.

See you around.

@45…you are correct…sorry for the implication…501 (c) 3’s cannot benefit an individual. That being said, which one of the following categories that you cited does Chimbo fit into?: ““501(c)(3) — Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organizations”

If potential tax revenues are being diverted (through charitable donations), to benefit an individual (the plot “owners”) that doesn’t fit the designation.

@44 tinsel…I don’t think anyone would not agree that the fundamentals of tricycle gardens is a good thing for any neighborhood. However, there are 2 separate issues here. The 501(c)3 issue is a separate “ball of wax”… From what I know is going on at Chimbo…it doesn’t fit. And, if info isn’t ponied up quickly…this issue will get really ugly…really fast. The implications to both tricycle gardens and the “donors” could be huge.

The gardens should be paid for by those who use it and not CHA. For those of you who have a plot do you really believe that everyone else who should pay for your own fence and other necessary items? If I had a plot I would not be asking others to pay for it. This is not a post against the organization because I believe in the “learning garden” theory, but not the idea that working class adults need charity! If the entire garden was for “learning” this might not be such a hot button. Vandalism is a terrible thing, we should all be thankful that these vandals were not actually breaking into our houses.

Also those who have spoke up are correct this garden does not appear to be being used by those who are “poor”. No one is or has been paying for all of us in Churchill who have been “urban” gardening for many years. There are many ways to be a garden in the city. Take a walk through Churchill there are many “farms” all over the neighborhood.

One of the questions that was asked of the Tricycle Gardens at the CHA Membership meeting was how many of the plots are used by Churchill residents and also CHA members. It appears that Luke (response #1) has a plot, but does Shockoe Bottom count as Chruchill? How many plots are actually assigned to those who currently (not planning on moving) live in the defined boundaries of Churchill.

#45, where this donated money seems to be going is to pay the Director/Staff of the 501(c)(3). How much money does it take to actually run self-worked gardens? Why do you need a PAID director/staff to run gardens that Upper Middle Class people are gardening? If lisat and the staff were proud of the financials they would post a .pdf of them and BRAG about it. Instead, we have the paid director/staff wanting to “protect” it’s cashcow donors with secrecy, it appears. Just tell us the amount you take in (tax deductible) and where it goes. I bet the lion’s share goes to pay the director/staff to SOLICIT more DONATION. lisat/staff, don’t ignore the 600lb gorilla in the room now…

Laura, who are you referring to when you refer to the plot “owners”? Your use of the plural suggests that you are referring to the users of the plots, who are renting those plots.

What do you know that is going on at Chimbo? Is Tricycle Gardens funneling donation money into the pockets of members of the board? Or are you merely referring to donor money being used to benefit those who are renting plots in the garden?

If you are referring to the latter, I think you lack some understanding of 501(c)3s. When you visit a hospital with such a designation, any benefit you receive that is over and above any direct charges you may be billed, that benefit is a direct result of money received by the hospital system, be it through donation or revenue. That donations are directly benefiting patients is kosher.

Non-profits are not prohibited from compensating those in their employ or allocating funds for the benefit of individuals such as those who rent from them. They are simply prohibited from turning a profit.

Who are these upper middle class people that I keep hearing about using the gardens. The only people I met their when I toured were very much normal middle class folks. A couple of them were quite young and I doubt they even owned a home. Let stop the rich people bashing just to bring down a great addition to the community. There are black and white people of all classes using this garden.

Lisa T – Your website advertises the following “Chimborazo Community Garden – City of Richmond/Churchill Association – 30 plots + Children’s Gardens” based on these statements from the map posted on the website would you please help clarify the following questions?

Would you be able to respond to how many of the beds are being used by those who reside in the Churchill boundaries? Also based on current CHA membership how many plot renters belong to the CHA, this is relevant if the CHA is one of the primary donors? Based on response #53 there appears to be a least one plot rented by someone not living in the defined Churchill area. Neighbors have asked for such information, thus would you please provide the facts as to exactly how many of the beds are rented this year by those actually living within Churchill per their plot contract? Not those who plan on “moving to the neighborhood”, but actually as of time they rented a plot. Luke – this is not a post against you having a plot, so please don’t read into it as such. I am glad that you are enjoying your plot and sorry about the vandalism.

Also of the request for funds from the CHA for 9 additional “community plots” how many are going to be actual “learning plots” for the children? Is there currently any “learning plots” located in the garden as advertised on the website? If not then you can’t blame everyone for thinking that this is a just a garden for middle class folks, why didn’t original funds go for any “learning beds”, if none currently exists. This seems to be the “heart” of your message and fundraising, but if none currently exist in the new garden, how can you blame people for questioning how funds are spent. This goes to the heart of response #55. Again, did any of funds go to the Children and if not why not?

Hopefully I’m not sounding to uninformed, but where is the Chimbo garden located?

The tax law states that 501(c) 3 status is for the following purposes only: 501(c)(3) exemptions apply to corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, educational purposes, to foster national or international amateur sports competition, promote the arts, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals” Can somebody explain which of these activities are taking place at Chimbo Gardens in it’s present state?

eds, thanks for the post #61. Sounds like they put in the fence first, then divided up the garden, as if they knew that vandalism would be a problem. And an eight foot fence, too, that’s a lot higher than the one I think is contemplated for the Chimbo garden, as it’s my understanding that the one here is low and meant to suggest a fence rather than restrict access.

Sounds like the folks behind that NYC garden are screening their applicants by having an apprenticeship period (or they learned by doing and then added that). Anyway, thanks, and hopefully some of the neighbors who are involved here will gain something from that info.

#60, I can’t remember where I read it but somewhere in looking for info on community gardens I think I saw something about it being an educational gardening activity that is recognized as non-profit. If I can find where I saw that reference I will post it. I actually don’t have a problem with it being non-profit but that’s just my personal opinion.

What potential tax dollars, Laura? You mean the tax dollars that would be generated by a community garden plot that didn’t exist because its organizers were unable to gain non-profit status for it? Oh, right, there wouldn’t be any then either.

I don’t know why you have an axe to grind with this organization, but I see your primary objection being that people that are renting plots and putting in their hard work to grow some of their own vegetables happen to be middle class.

If you would like to see educational programs about gardening for inner-city youth, hop to it. Your complaining about Tricycle Gardens is not much more than pissing in the wind, however, as they have non-profit status, and they aren’t going to lose it.