August 23, 2012 [Lee Chilcote, Freshwater Cleveland]
The 2.3-acre site of a former school in Old Brooklyn that has been fallow since it was torn down in 2008 will once again be used for educational purposes. This time, however, it will be used to teach adults with disabilities and city residents how to farm.
In partnership with the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga Land Bank, Koinonia Homes will transform the former Memphis School into a small farm featuring two greenhouses, a poultry building for fresh eggs, eight crop fields and a community garden. The farm will provide work opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as food for Koinonia’s programs.
“This project is a win-win for everyone,” said Cleveland Councilman Kevin Kelley in a release. “Koinonia will have the ability to provide its clients with job skills training, the city sees this land going back into productive use, and Old Brooklyn residents have the opportunity to experience community gardening as well.”
Rising Harvest Farms will be located at West 41st and Memphis Avenue. The site will be prepared this fall and the first harvest is expected next season.