On September 21, 2015, the City entered into an agreement for urban gardening at 626 W South Street with Growing Orlando, a non-profit urban farm initiative establishing garden sites in urban areas to increase production and distribution of food grown in communities.  IDEAS for US (IDEAS), an Orlando-based non-profit organization and accredited NGO of the United Nations, creates global environmental solutions through local action and operates a Fleet Farming program addressing access to food in Orlando by operating micro urban farm sites in West Orlando and in the neighborhood of Parramore as part of the City of Orlando Sub-recipient Agreement USDA Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program Grant (a Green Works-run project).  Growing Orlando has requested to terminate its agreement and IDEAS have requested to take over operation of the garden.

With a mutual interest in providing the citizens of Orlando the public benefits of food access, community nutrition and education, IDEAS has been working with the City’s Sustainability Director to establish urban gardens in the Parramore neighborhood.  IDEAS will take over Growing Orlando’s operation of the urban garden located on a City-owned vacant residential lot at 626 W South Street in Parramore, at the corner of West South Street and Hicks Avenue.  The lot is approximately a quarter mile west of Amway Center and is in close proximity to single and multi-family housing.  A Conditional Use Permit (CUP2015-00009) to allow gardening in the residential zoning has been approved for the site. 

City staff has negotiated a use agreement with IDEAS for a Parramore urban garden under the same terms and conditions placed on Growing Orlando, including termination dates.  Terms are detailed in the attached Premises Use Agreement. 

Because the primary use of the premises is to benefit the public, IDEAS shall pay a use fee of one dollar ($1.00) per year.  The term of IDEA’s agreement shall be approximately two (2) years commencing on July 1, 2018 and ending on August 31, 2020.  The term may be renewed for up to five (5) additional terms of one (1) year each if mutually agreeable to both parties.  IDEAS understands that the use of the City’s property is temporary and both parties have the right to terminate the agreement at its convenience upon 120 days written notice.  IDEAS shall take possession of the premises in its as-is condition and may make improvements at its expense.  IDEAS shall insure the premises and be responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and repair of the premises and its improvements.