Myles WhighamCRA invests in community garden improvements.
Riviera Beach plans to upgrade its two public gardens and create events there where people can connect.
Why it matters: It’s an investment in third places in a city that is focused on strengthening the community.
Driving the news: Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Gedel Merzius explained the program at the board’s Aug. 12 meeting.
How it works: The CRA plans to focus on gardens in Riviera Beach Heights and Singer Island.
- At Riviera Beach Heights, at 1010 W. 10th St., site renovations and refurbishment are planned. The raised garden beds will be replaced.
- In Singer Island, at 1131 E. Blue Heron Blvd., the garden bed rental will continue and enhancements are planned.
Zoom in: Riviera Beach Heights will have a community green space for education, volunteerism and neighborhood gatherings.
Singer Island will have educational programming and community engagement.
By the numbers: The CRA plans to hire:
- One master gardener
- One program manager
- It has budgeted $200,000 from tax money generated in the area for the project.
What they’re saying: “We’re looking to activate the garden space for individuals looking to enjoy outdoor amenities such as book clubs, yoga, items for our senior citizen community and items for our young community,” the director said.
The plan is called Operation GROW: Growing resources, opportunities and wellness.
The other side: Riviera Beach resident Scott Lewis urged the board to save its money for bigger projects. “You know, infrastructure is what’s going to reverse your slum and blight,” he said during the meeting’s public comments. “And I’d love to see a focus more on that than I would on having parties, taking care of gardens, you know, having a lot of things that make people feel good.”
What’s next: The board approved the CRA budget last month, which clears the way for the garden projects to begin Oct. 1.
Who wrote this story: This story was reported by Community Voices writer Myles Whigham.
What is CV: Community Voices is a partnership between Stet News and Inlet Grove High School that trains and pays teens to cover the news. The Pew Family Fund and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties generously support Community Voices.
Inlet Grove journalism teacher C.B. Hanif and Stet’s Carolyn DiPaolo contributed to this story.
