Who Can Apply?

Individuals and community groups such as block clubs, condo associations, nonprofit organizations and local businesses that have developed green space can apply to NeighborSpace if they wish to preserve the site and keep the property as "community managed open space."

The application should be completed by the individuals who will become the "Garden Leader ." This person will be the primary contact during the application and review process and the lead for the community group or organization signing on as the "Community Organizational Partner " if NeighborSpace is able to acquire the property in question.

How Can My Group Apply to Become a NeighborSpace Site?

1. First, read the NeighborSpace Guidelines to make sure your site is an appropriate fir for NeighborSpace. These guidelines provide important information about activities that are
and are not permitted on NeighborSpace protected sites. If you have any questions about whether or not your site is eligible please don’t hesitate to contact us.

2. Second, download and complete the application packet, which includes the following: 

• Cover Sheet. This is one page that asks you to fill in basic contact and site
  information.
• Site Narrative. This is two pages of questions about the site, your community, the garden plan and leadership. These questions are designed to assist you in the development of a strong and well-thought out proposal.
• Five-Year Partnership Agreement. This outlines the roles, responsibilities and procedures under which NeighborSpace, the Community Garden Leaders, Community Organization Partner and Garden Stakeholders will work together to sustain the community open space. It asks for contact information as well as signatures from the Garden Leaders and a representative from the Community Organization Partner.
• Letters of Support
• From the proposed Community Organizational Partner, and
• From your Alderman (if the land is city owned).
• Design for the site that shows the layout of the existing garden or park; and/or a design that shows the proposed plan for the future development of the garden or park. Please note that hand drawn designs are acceptable.
• Photographs of the proposed or existing site. Digital photos are strongly preferred.
• We encourage you to include additional support documents such as event flyers, articles or other materials that you feel are important to your application.

3. Email or Mail your complete application to::

NeighborSpace
25 East Washington Street
Suite 1670
Chicago, IL 60602
312-431-9406
info@neighbor-space.org

4. Once your application is received, NeighborSpace will review it, get back to you with any questions, and set up a time to visit the site and meet with garden leaders and a representative from the proposed Community Organizational Partner. After this is completed, NeighborSpace staff and Board will review your application and communicate with you as this process progresses.

It is possible that, in researching the history of your site, NeighborSpace may find information that dictates the need for soil sampling and testing to determine if there are contaminants on the property. When funds are available, NeighborSpace will make every effort to conduct this activity. However, NeighborSpace may not be able to cover some costs if the site:

• Needs extensive testing due to unresolved history of usage that could have contaminated the property (e.g., former site uses: gas station, illegal fly dumping, industrial sites, or some dry cleaners); or
  
• Is found to be contaminated and needs extensive soil remediation
  (the removal of contaminated soil and replacement of that soil with
  uncontaminated soil).

In either case, NeighborSpace will share findings from this research with the applicant.