If you drive, bike, or walk down Monroe Street NE in Northeast Minneapolis you may be familiar with the overgrown and neglected parcel of land located at 1607 Monroe Street NE. This land is owned by the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) but is currently leased to Indeed Brewing Company which I co-own and serve as its CEO.

Recently I approached BNSF with the idea to turn the land into a community garden. Transforming the land into a community food and/or native plant garden has the potential to greatly benefit the community and environment. While many know Northeast Minneapolis as a burgeoning neighborhood it is also home to many people below the poverty line, without access to a car, and at risk of being in a food desert. Just four blocks north of the proposed garden at Edison High School 70% of students are eligible for free or reduced price school meals. Northeast Minneapolis also has a long history of environmental abuse that has negatively impacted the health of residents, damaged property values, and left behind pollution in our soil and water. A community garden may not fix these issues but it would be a step forward towards making Northeast Minneapolis a healthier, safer, and more equitable community.

Upon first and second approach BNSF Railway said "NO" to the community garden concept. After receiving 420 signatures on this petition and some media attention the railway called and gave conditional approval for a native plant focused garden to be developed on the site. This was great news and I applaud BNSF's willingness to reconsider their options! Now the door is open to explore the next steps in making this parcel of land something beneficial to the community and environment.

This petition will remain open for signatures until we receive full approval for the garden.

Thank you for your support.
Tom Whisenand
CEO, Indeed Brewing Company
tom@indeedbrewing.com