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raising more viable, we are also in the process of making RSG a 501c3 organization. Some funders may <br />be reluctant to send money to a particular church and Galilee is hesitant to own the garden land. <br />2. Jump on board the Rondo Community Land Trust and TC Habitat efforts to develop the site. We think <br />that this combination of groups, with us, would have a strong ability to raise grant funds, both to buy <br />the land and carry out the development. We love the idea of the whole area becoming a land trust. Both <br />Rondo and Habitat are busy with many other projects, so progress may be slow with them. Their first <br />priority is to obtain ownership of the land. Our dream result is that the purchase of the entire site can be <br />made by Rondo and Habitat so that our $300,000 pledge can be used for major garden improvement, <br />like the following: <br />a. Building a successful deer and rabbit fence to surround the entire garden —about $60,000. <br />b. Grading and paving the parking area—$80,000. <br />c. Constructing farmers' market booths and shaded picnic areas for gardeners—$30,000 <br />d. Removing trees and grading to expand the gardens—$30,000 <br />e. Planting groves of fruit trees in open areas—$20,000 <br />f. Installing bike and walking trails through the woodland and wetlands—$30,000 <br />g. Building a wonderful children's play area near the gardens—$30,000 <br />3. Wait and hope for the best. It may be many years before economic building conditions improve, with <br />lower interest rates and lower material and building costs. But this isn't really a viable plan for RSG in <br />the long term. In any case we will need to maintain close cooperation with Maplewood, the <br />Rice/Larpenteur Alliance, and any developers who emerge. <br />In conclusion, RSG leadership intends to remain aggressive in trying to protect the gardens and by supporting <br />any building or commercial developments that will strengthen our community. We will begin our capital <br />campaign in 2023 and we have recruited many new political and community activists to help us. RSG is an <br />irreplaceable community asset that we think should continue on for many more years. <br />