Photo courtesy of Long Beach Fresh.
The urban farming community in Long Beach is vastly expanding, as events like urban farm-to-table popups Downtown or Farm Lot 59 catering to businesses like Chianina are not uncommon anymore. But that doesn’t necessarily guarantee the existence of all urban gardens as Long Beach Organic (LBO) is reaching out to the community to seek a buyer for its Wrigley Village Garden (WVG).
Developed in 2010 through the City of Long Beach’s Neighborhood Leadership Program, the lease for the land was handed to be LBO for five years by its owner, Annette LeBarca, who now wants to sell the property. While it is not necessarily new that nonprofit community gardens seek money, this is unlike a situation such as Farm Lot 59 seeking money for a tractor; LBO’s situation is more complex and dire given a long-term investment is needed in order to further their operations.
“[Annette] is generously offering a significant discount to a direct buyer who would renew the lease with LBO,” said Joe Corso, Garden Director for LBO and the designer of the WVG. “Ideally, the buyer would be looking for an long term investment property. We [currently] only pay a dollar in rent, but a partnership with us could be a win-win situation because we maintain the land and insure the property while it appreciates, and the garden is a great cause to be associated with.”
The 150-foot-by-150-foot lot is listed for $325K and sits near the intersection of Pacific and 21st Street in Central Long Beach. However, Corso noted that should the purchaser continue to work with LBO, the property will be offered for as low as $280K.
The reason for the deep discount should LBO continue its work is simple: the WVG provides fresh food—from green beans to grapes to green tomatoes—for 23 households nearby in an area where accessibility to fresh food is either limited or expensive.
For those interested in purchasing the property at 2044 Pacific Avenue, contact Joe Corso at [email protected].
Read more:
- Downtown Community Gardens to Be Taken Over by Craft Beer This Weekend
- Urban Farm Debuts Roadside Stand In Time For Holidays
{FG_GEOMAP [33.79432,-118.19329700000003] FG_GEOMAP}