Milwaukee – A volunteer‑run garden and free food table in Riverwest has drawn complaints from nearby residents who say the site may be fostering a rodent problem. The garden, located just off Bremen and Clarke between a bar and a convenience store, was created to help neighbors by providing fresh produce and meals.
Community concerns
“You try and do right, and it just doesn’t always work out like that,” said Marty, a coordinator with the Bremen Community Garden, after a complaint was filed with the Department of Neighborhood Services. Marty explained that volunteers have noticed an increase in rodent activity and are taking steps to address it.
Nearby resident Steve Jennings, who has lived in the area for several years, echoed the concerns. “We’ve seen them now for the past year,” Jennings said, adding that the rodents are most active at night and early in the morning.
City response
The Department of Neighborhood Services confirmed that an inspector will visit the site to assess the situation. In a statement, the department said it will evaluate whether the garden’s practices are contributing to the issue and recommend corrective actions.
Volunteer actions
Garden volunteers are already taking measures to reduce the attraction for rats. Marty noted that volunteers have asked donors to stop bringing old food, perishable items, clothing, and other trinkets that could provide shelter or food for rodents. “Unfortunately, our numbers for volunteers have dwindled a little bit, and we’re just not able to be here all the time,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a clean site with limited staffing.
Organizers are also encouraging the community to pick up any leftover food promptly. “The hope is that people can get here soon enough to get the food before it goes bad,” Marty explained, emphasizing the importance of timely distribution.
Potential outcomes
If the inspection finds that the garden’s operations are a significant factor in the rodent issue, the city may require additional sanitation measures or, in a worst‑case scenario, the removal of the free food table. “I guess we just have to monitor it and possibly just take it down if it continues to be like that,” Marty said.
City records show that the property is owned by the municipality, while a volunteer organization maintains liability insurance for the lot. This arrangement allows the garden to continue its charitable work while the city retains oversight of the site.
Looking ahead
The community hopes that the inspection will provide clear guidance and that volunteers can restore the garden to a safe, welcoming place for residents. “We want to keep helping people without creating new problems,” Marty affirmed.
Residents are encouraged to report any further concerns to the Department of Neighborhood Services and to support the garden’s efforts by donating non‑perishable, properly packaged food items.
Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.
