A Feasibility Study for Urban Edge Agricultural Parks - SAGE

Median household income in the neighborhoods adjacent to Martial Cottle Parkranges from $56,855 to $119,046, with Martial Cottle’s census tract having amedian household income of $73,631. The average value of the majority of housesin the area fell in the $300,000-$500,000 range in 2000 8 , and is likely 30% or morehigher today.ProgramsMartial Cottle offers the opportunity to expand San Jose’s active communitygardening program, which echoes demand for green and garden spaces in the city.Begun in 1977, there are currently 18 community gardens in San Jose, and 3additional gardens in the process of being created. Currently, 855 gardenersparticipate in the program. These gardeners have plots ranging from 400 to 780square feet, for which they pay yearly fees ranging from $15 through $100.Virtually all of San Jose’s gardens have waiting lists, ranging from 5 to 25 names,with very slow turnover rates—the fastest being a few years.San Jose’s high incomes and diverse urban population indicate both a potentialmarket for fresh, local produce, and a demand for specialty and niche crops.Farmers’ Markets are a growing trend in San Jose, with seven current markets,including this year’s new market at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. The nearestfarmers’ markets are approximately 5 and 7 miles away from Martial Cottle Park—the Willow Glen and Blossom Hill markets, respectively. Farmers selling on-sitewould have limited neighborhood competition, but also the additional opportunity tosell at other farmers’ markets within easy driving distance.8 http://www.sanjoseca.gov/planning/census/data.htmlDRAFT 1.6.05 31