Franklin considering community garden

FRANKLIN — The Franklin Borough Council on Tuesday encouraged Administrator Alison McHose to seek out suitable sites for a community garden after creation of such a space was proposed by a borough resident.
The initiative comes at the suggestion of Renee Hennings, who during the public comment of Tuesday's meeting appealed to the council for help moving the project along. Hennings said she is interested in starting a community garden in the borough to facilitate produce production, teach local residents about gardening, and provide another area for community members to congregate outdoors. The garden could generate revenue for its own upkeep by requiring those who wish to use the plots to pay a small annual fee, she indicated.
Hennings said she was hoping the council could provide assistance in locating and securing an appropriate plot of land that has access to water.
In terms of potential sites for the garden, Hennings suggested plots near the Old Hungarian Church or near the library, both on Main Street.
The Borough Council responded enthusiastically to Hennings' proposal, noting the project would fit well with a previously approved campaign to open a farmer's market in the borough, as well as with some grants the municipality is trying to secure.
In addition to the sites proposed by Hennings, the council suggested plots near the senior center and in other areas around Franklin Pond might also be considered. Councilwoman Dawn Fantasia noted a garden location on Main Street would give residents another positive reason to visit that part of town.
Mayor Nicholas Giordano and other members of the council extolled the benefits of a location near the senior center as it would allow the borough's senior community to more easily participate.
No approvals have yet been formalized, but the council gave McHose approval to look into the matter further with Hennings.
According to a document provided to the council, Hennings is aiming to gain approval to build the garden by the early second quarter of this year, and actually have the space open for operation later in the same quarter.