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Philly proposes to exempt community gardens from stormwater charges

The Philadelphia Water Department has proposed exempting community gardens from paying monthly stormwater charges, saving the gardens $46,490 next year and $48,374 in 2018.

The Philadelphia Water Department has proposed exempting community gardens from paying monthly stormwater charges, saving the gardens $46,490 next year and $48,374 in 2018.

The rate change, which was mandated by a Philadelphia City Council ordinance that Mayor Kenney signed in June, would apply to 286 known community gardens as long as the property's principal use is for growing plants, a community group operates the garden for public benefit and stormwater is sustainably managed on at least 80 percent of the property.

The proposal requires approval of the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board. Stormwater charges are currently assessed on a property's square footage.

amaykuth@phillynews.com

215-854-2947 @maykuth