GIS Mapping and Suitability Analysis
MS Urban Planning, Dr. Philip Stoker
In recent years, urban agriculture has become a frequently discussed topic among local governments, urban planners and food activists. Urban farming consists of the production, processing and distribution of food within a city. This could take the form of rooftop gardens, greenhouses or community gardens. In addition to growing food, urban farming can also include raising livestock, beekeeping, composting, or even fish farming.
Urban farming has been in existence since the fist cities were established, but its resurgence may be attributed to efforts to combat current crisis like climate change, obesity, and supply chain issues experienced during COVID-19. With more of our population living in urbanized areas than ever before and resources becoming more scarce, operating in smaller and more controlled footprints can mitigate many challenges.
This suitability analysis seeks to identify parcels in the Bronx that would be most suitable for developing an urban farm. In the context of this report, an urban farm could inlcude a built structure with integrated vertical farming as well as land at grade potentially developed for community garden space. The site would be a place for production, processing and distributionof food.
