Kim Moyers, the city of Chandler’s cultural development director, told the City Council on May 19 about how the city will fund the latest part of a community garden project.
It’s not often the Chandler City Council hears directors speak publicly about a contract it wasn’t even asked to approve.
That’s what council did May 19 when Kim Moyers, the city’s cultural development director, told council about how the city will fund the latest part of a community garden project.
J2 Engineering & Environmental Design, LLC was recently awarded a contract for about $49,000 to design a community garden space at 190 S. Dakota Street, near where Chicago Street dead-ends in the Pueblo Viejo downtown neighborhood.
“The city bought this property in 2008, later leased it an organization called Harvest for Humanity for about 10 years, and they grew food for the community schools partner, AZCEND, as well as allowed community members to grow fruits and vegetables,” Moyers said. “Since that time, (city departments) Cultural Development and Neighborhood Resources have researched these kinds of gardens (elsewhere in the Valley) and have tried to reinvigorate the garden.”
Moyers said staff engaged Pueblo Viejo residents and helped set up what turned out to be the city’s first Cesar Chavez Day. That event, held in March 2024, included Cesar Chavez’s grandson, Andres, along with Mayor Kevin Hartke and several council members, who completed an early morning cleanup of the garden and a unity march to City Hall for a cultural celebration.
Moyers said staff has showcased some improvements for residents, including new garden beds, lighting, places to read and relax and classes.
Council approved a resolution in December that will reallocate some block-grant funds for the design and construction of these new garden concepts.
Moyers said details of how the garden will be operated, but since neighborhood residents are the ones who reached out and the initiative is on their behalf, involving those residents in all aspects in that operational planning will be a top priority.
Hartke thanked Council member Angel Encinas for drawing attention to the garden and helping set the improvements in motion.
When council approved its consent agenda for its May 22 meeting, Encinas announced he was recusing himself from the J2 Engineering contract, even though it only requires administrative approval.
Jason W. Brooks News Editor | Chandler Independent
Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.
Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.
Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.
Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.
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