WILMINGTON -- Four parcels in the 800 block of North Church Street have been transferred to a Central Baptist Community Development Corporation subsidiary, a major step in implementing the corporation’s plan for Eastside Rising.

Wilmington Housing Partnership transferred the vacant properties at 815 N. Church, 817 N. Church, 819 N. Church and 821 N. Church.

The properties will be transformed into a community garden where residents will have the opportunity to grow their own vegetables. Eastside Rising will also feature a production garden that  Urban Acres Produce will sell, creating jobs on the Eastside and Northeast Wilmington. Urban Acres Produce, a community-owned nonprofit, focuses on distributing Delaware fruits and vegetables to underserved markets through a locally focused network that links local producers with local restaurants, schools, retail outlets and institutions.

“We are creating more access to healthy choices for people of our community, and that’s good for our city,” said Michael Minor, program director for Urban Acres.

“This is another opportunity for people in the community to be empowered to engage in the process of positive change, which is what Eastside Rising is about,” said Rev. Terrance Keeling, president of the development corporation. “Through this effort we will introduce specialty crop urban gardening that we anticipate will result in jobs for the community. The garden will also serve to create a community space where people can meet and socialize.”