Speak Out: Urban Agriculture in Somerville, Public Hearing on Thursday

Somerville is considering an ordinance that would , and it's holding a public hearing on the matter Thursday.

The ordinance would "create a framework for residential, community and commercial farming within city limits," according to an annoucement released by the city in April.

The announcement said it would encourage things like hydroponics and aquaponics, which allow urban farmers to raise things like vegetables and fish in warehouse space.

The public is invited to attend Thursday's hearing and comment on the proposed ordinance.

The hearing is being held by a joint meeting of the Somerville Planning Board and the Somerville Board of Aldermen's land use committee.

A description of the ordinance says it would "allow farms as accessory residential uses, and ... allow community gardens, community farms and farming on municipal land."

What Patch readers think

When the city announced the urban farm initiative in April, we . Most of those who responded—34 out of 36—agreed with the statement, "Yes. Urban agriculture is the future of food production, and I'm looking forward to it."

Thursday's public hearing takes place at 6 p.m. at .