Grow Erie

Grow Erie

By introducing high-technology controlled environment agriculture — through aquaponics and hydroponics — and promoting neighborhood revitalization on Erie’s eastside, Grow Erie will create sustainable income to reinvest in high-need neighborhoods, provide employment opportunities to low-income residents, and bring a source of locally grown food to a USDA-designated food desert.

“This project is a vital first step in working to rebuild Erie’s Eastside, an area impacted by disinvestment and poverty for decades. We look forward to continuing working with the state and other funders to realize the vision of a revitalized Buffalo Road corridor.”

Grow Erie consists of two distinct facilities at Savocchio Opportunity Park, which, once developed, will positively impact about 20,000 residents in need.

• A 17,000 square foot commercial facility where fish and plants will be grown using a system of aquaponics. This high-tech greenhouse will operate 365 days a year, and will supply C.A. Curtze Company with market-rate, locally grown fresh greens, micro-greens and live herbs.
• A 2,500 square foot community greenhouse will be open to local residents and over a variety of raised beds for growing produce. The accessible, year-round greenhouse will contain the necessary equipment for ensuring food-safety and the production of clean, healthy food for distribution through neighborhood farmer’s markets.