A community garden is set to spring up at the McCord Farm.
That is because Judge Dana Fortinberry and Judge Michael Batchik, from the 52/2 District Court, have entered into an agreement with Community Corrections, along with Independence Township approval, to start a community garden by using their nonviolent offenders as a labor pool.
The offenders will grow organic produce on the three to five acre plot of the McCord property for the Oakland County Food Bank.
“I have a deep love for that property and pass it almost daily,” Fortinberry said. “I watched it sit there and wished we could find something to do with it.”
Fortinberry now has that opportunity. Batchik, who recently came to the Clarkston court from Novi due to redistricting, had overseen a similar program in his former district. The community garden in Novi has been in existence since 1986.
“It is a win-win situation all the way around,” Batchik said. “It is a sobering experience to realize you could go to jail so a lot of people take the opportunity to work in the garden rather than jail.”
Fortinberry made it a point to tell the township board that only nonviolent offenders would be allowed to work in the garden so people in the area should not be concerned about safety.
“Believe me I would not allow this to be in the area if I had any concerns for the people’s safety,” Fortinberry said. “It is hard work but it is rewarding work.”
Bob McGowan, who has a garden on his farm which produces fresh vegetables for the food bank, helped get the idea off the ground.
“The most pressing need of the Oakland County Food Bank is fresh vegetables so this addresses that need,” McGowan said
After being approved and endorsed by the township board, the judges will work out the details with the township.
“I think this is an excellent idea,” Trustee David Wagner said. “That property is one of our treasures.”