The Take Back Vacant Land Campaign on Tuesday announced the winners of a contest that honors community leaders who are taking vacant, tax delinquent land and turning it into something that will benefit the community.
In the "Best and Worst Lots Contest," sponsored by the Take Back Vacant land campaign, contestants submitted photos of vacant or blighted lots, some of which were already under community control and others that have caused problems for the community, organizers said.
The contestants submitted the photos over the summer.
Organizers say there was an overwhelming response.
"The people of Philadelphia are so eager to show how our communities are impacted by abandonment and blight, and what residents can do when we have control of vacant land in our neighborhoods," said Glenn Wrighten of United Communities of Southeast Philadelphia.
The winners included everything from lots like Pearl Brown's in the 7th district, which has been maintained since the 1970s, to lots such as The Manton Street Community Garden in the 1st district, which organizers say has brought together an entire community.
Contestant winners were joined by Councilmembers Mark Squilla and Maria Quinones Sanchez.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:48 PM EDT2013-05-26 03:48:06 GMT
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