5123-29 Baltimore Avenue (image from Google Street View).

The urban farming hub Greensgrow Farms will likely open a bigger West Philly location next spring after agreeing to lease a large, overgrown vacant lot on the 5100 block of Baltimore Avenue.

Greensgrow came to terms with the city, namely Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, on a long-term lease for 5123-29 Baltimore Ave., known by some in the neighborhood as the “bamboo lot.” Greensgrow had originally expressed interest in a plot of land across Baltimore Avenue. That plan fell through, but the bamboo lot became available.

With a new location in place, Greensgrow now wants to figure out what neighbors want to see in the space. The organization, which is headquartered in the Kensington neighborhood and currently operates a location in the old Elena’s Soul location at 4912 Baltimore, will hold a public meeting on June 4 at 6 p.m. at the People’s Baptist Church (5039 Baltimore Ave.) to talk with neighbors. 

“We are really excited to start with bare ground and work with the community to figure out what Greensgrow West Philly can look like,” said Ryan Kuck, Greensgrow’s program director.

Kuck said some likely features of the new location will be a small farm, nursery and outdoor classroom space, which will be used to foster relationships with nearby schools. Another idea is to host a farmer’s market. Community groups could also use the space during Greensgrow’s downtime, maybe for arts events or movie screenings, he said.

The lease on the 49th Street location ends this year, but Kuck said that both locations could be open simultaneously next spring to help with a smooth transition.

Kuck also added that the farm could connect the commercial corridors of 52nd Street and 50th and Baltimore.

“Everyone loves food and flowers,” he said.

– Mike Lyons