Des Plaines identifies 4 possible 'victory garden' sites
At least four Des Plaines city-owned properties could serve as potential locations for a modern version of "victory gardens" proposed by one alderman, officials said Monday.
Alderman Malcolm Chester has suggested using underutilized land to grow vegetables that would be donated to local food pantries, much like the World War II-era campaign of Americans who grew produce to support the war effort.
Chester says it would also improve the aesthetics of the vacant land and provide an opportunity for young people to get involved in gardening.
Of the 80 or so properties that the city owns, officials from the city's engineering and public works department have suggested four sites they say could work: the 60,000 square-foot piece of land at 877 Central Road that at one time was proposed for a fourth city fire station; 30 E. Thacker St.; 1660 Prospect Ave.; and 195 W. Oakton St.
Existing community gardens in Des Plaines include plots on Des Plaines Park District-owned property near the Prairie Lakes Community Center and at Oakton Community College.
Ken Schaefer, Oakton's naturalist/groundskeeper, said at a city council meeting Monday that 75 percent of produce grown at the school is donated to local food pantries. Some of the crop includes carrots, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, beans, onions and strawberries.
Some aldermen cautioned that the city limit its involvement in the gardening business because of the potential upkeep and management involved, as well as the risk that the properties could suddenly be sold.
"If down the line there's a demand for these vacant properties and we do have to sell them, we'll have quite a few heartbroken gardeners," said Alderman Denise Rodd.
But Chester argued beautifying the properties makes them more attractive to potential buyers. He said it's his intention to start with just one property - perhaps as early as this summer - and expand the program if it's successful.
He also says he's talking with community groups to get their help with the project.