Brooklyn Center Moves Forward on Pilot Projects: Greenhouse, Neighborhood Grants

Brooklyn Center is already thinking of city programs that can stretch beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city recently approved two pilot projects that use existing funds and would provide a new set of services for residents.

A neighborhood innovation grant would provide 26 grants at a maximum of $750 to residents for problem-solving programs that would address community needs and improve neighborhoods. It could be a wide range of programs, that address emotional health and well being, provide election information or relay important health and safety communication. The grants would be available to not only residents, but local neighborhood groups and nonprofits operating within the city. The work must be completed in 90 days. If all proceeds as planned, the grant process could open up in January and award the first set of grants in March.

Council member April Graves requested the grant information be distributed in as many different languages as possible.

Another program would build and operate a deep winter greenhouse near city hall for year-round production of culturally relevant foods. It would also serve as an educational tool and possible job creator.

The budget to build the greenhouse would be $115,000. The greenhouse would be solar-powered and have cisterns to gather storm runoff. It would also use towers to maximize growing space.

“This is a very fine project here,” said Mayor Mike Elliott, who also expressed a desire for the greenhouse to offer more composting services to residents. “That would be an incredible addition because composting is so incredibly expensive.”

Brooklyn Center