The Sunnyvale Sun

News

Rezoning of land for farm goes before city planners

By Dominique Fong

A use permit allowing 11 acres next to Peterson Middle School in Sunnyvale to be used for growing fruits and vegetables will be considered July 9 by the Sunnyvale Planning Commission.

Full Circle Farm was chosen to lease the acreage last February by the Santa Clara Unified School District governing board, after it reviewed proposals from youth sports groups.

A use permit to rezone the land near Dunford Way must be approved before Full Circle Farm can break ground on the project, which it has tentatively scheduled for late July. The farm would also have to secure building permits and hook up water and electricity.

Full Circle plans to be a site of lively interaction among the workers, students and neighbors.

"The whole idea of the farm is what I would call 'community farming,' " said farm manager Brian Gardiner.

"First of all, this will be a huge community center where students and the community can enjoy local, fresh food," said Liz Snyder-Liles, program director of Full Circle. "This is a chance for making the farm a symbol of turning back to agriculture."

As early as September 2008, Full Circle would offer to all students educational programs in environmental science, nutrition and sustainable living.

"It's getting kids to reconnect with their local food," Liles said.

Schools could plan field trips, and high school students might receive credit for working on the fields in the future, according to Roger Barnes, the district's business administrator.

Soil testing results indicated no traces of harmful pesticides such as organic phosphates, but some concerns about the light brown apple moth's possible spread into the region may delay planting.

The farm will supply the neighborhood with fresh produce such as cauliflower and broccoli in late fall at the earliest. If the farm starts planting in the spring, corn and strawberries may be available.

Tap Merrick, president of the Save Peterson Field Committee, had campaigned for youth sports programs at the site. But, he said the farm is a better alternative than residential development. And since Full Circle Farm is only two blocks from his house, it will be more convenient than going to the grocery store, he said.

Full Circle has held two neighborhood meetings to address questions about noise and smell levels and will hold more meetings when construction begins.

"Everything depends on [Full Circle] getting the permits and then going through the planning commission process," Barnes said.

The planning commission meeting will be held at 8 p.m. July 9 in the council chambers at Sunnyvale City Hall, 665 W. Olive Ave.