RIVER FALLS — Residents spoke both in favor and against a lease to move the Grow to Share garden program from Hoffman Park to DeSanctis Park. Ultimately, the board approved the new lease without discussion.

Grow to Share had a lease at Hoffman Park approved in 2010.

“The Hoffman Park Master Plan noted that ‘the Grow to Share community gardens will be maintained in their existing location unless future development changes the conditions or a more ideal site becomes available elsewhere in River Falls.’ There have been some changes to Hoffman Park since the plan was adopted which have led to the search for a more ideal site where Grow to Share can make long-term plans to establish facilities and programming,” city documents state.

The changes include the continued growth of First National Bank of River Falls Field and an ongoing watershed study and road realignment. Grow to Share is looking for more "permanent" facilities down the line including a greenhouse, which they viewed as more of an option at DeSanctis.

Nancy Reich of River Falls led off the public comment period by sharing a complaint that the move not only affects the garden location, but area homeowners.

“Our home is affected the most,” Reich said. “Parking lot would be right outside our bedroom window. The property value is sure to go down. Gravel would be unacceptable. It’s too noisy, dirty, dusty, and, also, where would the road be placed.”

Nancy’s husband Mike said they have a great view of the park that will be taken away upon approval.

Former Grow to Share President Mike Woolsey spoke in support of the item, stating the change has been in the works for years. Woolsey said it is much more of a natural fit than other options like ball fields, and while there may be small educational gatherings, during portions of the growing season, the garden will be without visitors entirely.

“The infrastructure is simple and is at residential scale,” Woolsey said. “Together, the FFA, Grow to Share and the presence of the historic schoolhouse create a neighborhood space that is in the spirit of the River Falls agricultural and pastoral heritage.”

Multiple residents near DeSanctis Park mentioned a potential decrease in property values as a reason they are opposed.

“I don’t mind Grow to Share. I think it’s a good program,” Matthew Uetz said. “Just moving it from, again, a non-residential area into a residential area.”

Uetz said many dog owners live near the park, and the barking will be non-stop and people are in and out of the garden.

Alex Calero, the current board president for Grow to Share, said their mission is to provide a sustainable garden and education to the community. He said they originally did not want to move, but they realized it was for the best.

Melissa Abdouch, a member of the Parks and Rec Board, said many of the concerns shared have already been discussed, and still feels the move will be a positive one overall.

“We spoke extensively with Grow to Share, and a lot of the concerns that have been addressed here tonight for the community not only that lives surrounding DeSanctis, but as a whole in River Falls, and I still feel it will be a very good fit,” Abdouch said.

A statement from Grow to Share Executive Director Tonya Schmitt, who could not be in attendance due to teaching a class at the garden, shared a written statement.
“Although the process of moving to DeSanctis will be challenging, I mean who really enjoys moving, this move will allow us to expand our mission and vision,” Schmitt stated.

Schmitt stated the change will allow for year-round educational opportunities, and they are excited to work alongside the nearby residents.

Other public comments

Dana Linscott returned to the board to discuss the River Falls Alliance for the Homeless. He said they want to be a resource for River Falls’ homeless population, but Police Chief Gordon Young has refused to include them on the list of resources given to homeless people.

Linscott said Young is simply following city orders, asking the mayor to direct Young to include the alliance in the list of resources.

“It’s unprofessional and cruel to deny homeless residents all of the resources that are available to them in the city, and that’s on the mayor’s shoulders,” Linscott said.

Rhonda Klink said permits are required to light off fireworks in the city, but that it was not enforced during the Fourth of July and is not enforced year-round. Klink said veterans often select areas where fireworks are illegal because they view it as a safe space. Concerns of local animals including the UWRF horses were also mentioned.
“If only all these over-patriotic could comprehend and care that their firework activities very negatively affect others who have suffered trauma,” Klink said.

Other business

• Approved the second reading for the annexation and zoning of property at Powell Avenue and North Winter Street for an 86-unit subdivision.
• Approved the establishment of a Safe Streets for All task force.