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The Eastpointe Urban Seed community garden is seeking a long-term lease agreement with the city. The garden has been in its location at 16425 Nine Mile Road since 2013 and offers rental garden beds and has several beds maintained by volunteers where the crops donated to local senior centers and food pantries. Last year Urban Seed, which became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit recently, donated more than 1,000 pounds of produce.

Urban Seed founder and treasurer John Hofmann proposed a 25-year lease agreement with the city with an option to renew every three years. Eastpointe Councilwoman Margaret Podsiadlik asked that the item be placed on Tuesday night’s meeting agenda. “People who have seen the garden know how beautiful it is and the great work they do in our community,” Podsiadlik said.



After a discussion regarding the particulars of a long-term lease agreement between the city and the garden, officials directed City Attorney Richard Albright to craft an agreement to be considered at an upcoming meeting. Councilman Rob Baker said he was not comfortable with the length of the proposed lease and asked for some alternatives for the Council to consider. “I know you’ve been there forever and I believe that you guys are a great resource,” said Baker.

“You’ve been doing great work in this community, but I’m just not comfortable with the length of the lease and would be interested in seeing if there is an alternative that is fair and equitable for both parties.” Councilman.

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