Jefferson-Puritas West Park CDC

Jefferson-Puritas West Park (JPWP) CDC transformed the vacant lot spanning the end of Emery and Leroy Avenues by planting 40 trees using CTC grant funding. Located in the Jefferson neighborhood, the current tree canopy cover is 16.5%, below the city average and well below a healthy canopy cover of 30%. The project, led by JPWP, contracted with arborist Colby Satler of Forest City Ecological Services, and leaned on the hard work of neighborhood volunteers, tree stewards, and CDC employees. The trees represent a wide variety of species and sizes, bringing shade and greenery back to this part of the neighborhood.  

Austin Raymond is the Economic Development Coordinator at JPWP. He served as the project lead and hopes the project accomplishes numerous goals. Due to its proximity to the highway, I-71, adding more greenery will serve as a noise and air pollution buffer for residents. Additionally, transforming this space also had the benefit of preventing cars from using the lot as a cut-through between Emery and Leroy. The changes to the area have created excitement among residents, some of whom came out to help with the planting. Further development and care for the trees can help continue this transformation into a place no longer defined by highway construction, but by greenspace and community activities.  
 

TL;DR 

Who: Jefferson-Puritas West Park CDC 

What: Vacant lot tree planting 

Where: Emery Avenue in Jefferson Neighborhood 

When: Spring 2025 

How: CTC grant funding, independent arborist, dedicated tree stewards and CDC members