Watch CBS News

Detroit Sells Land To Urban Farmer

DETROIT (WWJ) - The City of Detroit is selling land to a farm. But, WWJ Newsradio 950's Florence Walton reports, the farm owner still hasn't been given the go ahead to begin commercial urban farming.

The man who wants to bring commercial farming back to the city has gotten approval from the Detroit City Council to expand his eastside Hanz Farm headquarters. The plan is to grow fruit trees on land adjacent to the Mount Elliot property.

However, City Councilman Kwame Kenyatta says state laws on commercial urban farming will restrict what can be done with the produce grown there.

"There is a Michigan Farm Act that prevents them from doing a farm, and there are certain things... criteria that they have to follow," Kenyatta said.

Two years ago, John Hantz announced plans to create the world's largest urban farm in Detroit. For more information on the project, visit http://hantzfarmsdetroit.com/.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.