By Kisean Joseph
An initiative in St John’s is tackling two community challenges simultaneously – vacant lots maintenance and entrepreneurial development. The Green Lots Initiative, launched by the City South Municipal Foundation, provides discounted landscaping equipment to entrepreneurs in exchange for their commitment to maintaining neglected properties throughout the area.
“In the first year of the Green Lots initiative, there will be several economic benefits to participating entrepreneurs,” explains Franz DeFreitas, Executive Director of the City South Municipal Foundation(CSMF). “Local landscaping entrepreneurs can gain steady work and stimulate small business development.”
The program emerged from DeFreitas’ personal connection to the community. “The Green Lots Initiative came about as a result of being in the community of St John’s City South — Ovals, Briggins, Belmont, Herberts, a community that I grew up in – and recognizing how many vacant lots that are just abandoned in the community,” he said.
The Green Lots Initiative is part of a broader community development effort by the City South Municipal Foundation. The organization has already implemented several successful programs, including CXC classes, trade skills training, sports programs, and youth development initiatives.
According to DeFreitas, the initiative will yield multiple benefits beyond job creation. “We’ll see a reduction in public cost. Cleaning up the community is a cost to the government. And if we could find a way to engage entrepreneurship in the community, providing jobs for individuals, this will reduce the cost on the government for cleaning up the communities.”
The program also aims to address broader community challenges. “We have lost our sense of community. We have lost our sense of togetherness and cohesiveness,” DeFreitas said. “This initiative is one of many initiatives where we will seek to bring our community back together.”
Initial support for the program has come from key partners. The Living in Peace Platform, an Antiguan and Barbudan family group based in the United States, and Paddy Simon of Simon’s Small Engine Repairs have donated the first pieces of equipment. The foundation is actively seeking additional donations to expand the program’s reach.
“We are pleading, sending a request out to other businesses or individuals, or families inside and outside of the community, to please help us by donating a weed wacker, donating a power saw, donating a rake, a shovel, a cutlass, an edger, a trimmer, a wheelbarrow,” said DeFreitas.
The enterprise builds on research demonstrating the positive impact of vacant lot maintenance. A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cleaning up vacant lots in Philadelphia led to reduced crime, increased outdoor socializing, and improved perceptions of safety in surrounding neighborhoods.
“This is my home and so there are many, many more to come,” DeFreitas promised, highlighting plans for future initiatives focusing on food, economic empowerment and business development.
The program is now accepting applications from eligible entrepreneurs. Those interested in participating or donating equipment can contact the CSMF at 268-775-0775 or email [email protected].
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