Orton Gardens
Project Scope and Requirements
20 Orton Place, Buffalo NY 14201

Objective. To create a community garden on a lot that until recently was the site of an abandoned house (demolished on November 10, 1999). The purpose of creating the community garden is to beautify the neighborhood and prevent the vacant lot from becoming a cut-through to Plymouth Ave. or drop spot for drugs. A primary objective will be to create a secure, low-maintenance garden which will add to the beauty of the neighborhood and quality of life for its residents.

Timeframe. The timeframe is to design the garden, prepare the site for gardening and plant initial trees, shrubs and grass in the spring of 2000.

Funding Source. The source of funds/labor shall be through donations by neighborhood residents, plus resources from Grassroots Gardens of Buffalo (Community Foundation) and City of Buffalo, with potential opportunities of additional funding through the Mayor Masiello's Neighborhood Matching Fund program for 2000.

Problems Solved/Averted by Project

• The loss of house has exposed a potential footpath from Plymouth to Orton through rear of property as the back line of property has only partial chicken-wire fencing.
• People are starting to park on site, creating a mud pit with tire tracks (this is more of an issue when Kleinhans is hosting an event).

Current State of Site

• House was demolished on November 10, 1999
• Lot is owned by City of Buffalo (per tax auction, 10/25/99 SBL 99.84-5-4).
• Visually, the lot is narrow and deep (27 feet x 127 feet)
• Sidewalks are cracked due to heavy equipment on site for demolition
• The site is very dark at night

Project Scope/Required Changes

• Fill soil is required to raise and level approx. 24" pit (demolition company should provide this).
• Top soil over entire lot.
• Thorny bushes (raspberries) planted along back/side fence will act as deterrent from using lot as cut-through.
• Grass seed (or sod) must be planted over appropriate areas, per plan.
• Back fence needs to be erected to secure lot from being a cut-through from Plymouth Avenue. (Grassroots will provide fencing around outer edge of property, KCA must provide wooden fence in rear.)
• Two annual flower beds will be created, per the plan diagram. Top soil will be donated by the city of Buffalo to fill the flower beds. Flowers have been donated by Grassroots Gardens of Buffalo.

Project Scope/Desired Changes

• Light standard placed outside lot to increase lighting, safety
• Fencing around entire lot to secure for ornamental/vegetable garden investments. This will also create a defined front lawn area consistant with existing house lines
• Erect sign to identify site

Working Assumptions

• Theme of garden will be to align design as closely as possible with historically accurate design.

December 2000

Kleinhans Community Association
c/o 34 Orton Place
Buffalo, New York 14201
(716) 884-1914
http://kleinhansca.org

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