Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. says he'll preserve Manatawna farm

Councilman Curtis Jones Jr., whose district contains part of Manatawna farms in upper Roxborough -- wrote to the Roxborough Review this week about his intention to preserve the farm and to, presumably, block Philadelphia's proposal to turn 10 acres of the land into commercial farm plots.

The Local has followed the proposal since it originally came to light earlier this year. Many neighbors -- i Roxborough and in Whitemarsh Township -- are opposed to the plan

Here's Jones' letter:


Preserving Manatawna Farms

By City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.

Currently, Manatawna Farms, is the 3rd largest community garden in the City of Philadelphia. Manatawna preserves a vital wildlife habitat in the Schuylkill River Valley, and is also used by W.B Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences to promote agricultural education. In establishing the Roxborough Environmental Control District, I took a social justice approach to preserving this Green space of natural and scenic benefits for residents, visitors and our wildlife.

I am a neighbor of Manatwana Farms, I appreciate and respect the scenic beauty open space provides. Public access community gardens provide considerable benefits for our community that I can not allow to be deteriorated over time. Community gardens are multi-use public spaces where Philadelphians build strong relationships that sustain their families and neighborhoods. These spaces invite more than just food production. For some, gardening is simply a way to enjoy the outdoors and to have social interaction. Our neighbors garden for exercise, for the psychological benefits of open space, to cope with the passing of loved ones, to preserve cultural heritage and to educate their children on gardening, harvesting and environmental practices. Manatawna Farms harvest a value of over $4oo,ooo annually however community gardeners engage in relatively little sale of their harvest, and instead they employ a wide variety of distribution strategies, many of which specifically aim to improve fresh food access to communities.

We cannot afford to lose these opportunities that establish greater social connections in our neighborhoods while also preserving the space for future generations to connect to the Schuylkill River Valley and to enjoy cultivation and food harvest. Establishing the Roxborough Environmental Control District is just one way that I continue to work hard to safeguard healthy, public spaces for my family and yours in Philadelphia.