What is Ramirez Farm?
Ramirez Farm is a farm located on public land, unlike other privately owned farms. This farm is well known for growing corn from Mexico and other fresh organic non-GMO produce available for the community. It is the last farmland in Union City and it holds great value as Union City was once primarily farmland.
Ramirez Farm is important because it contributes to Union City's open space demand. This demand is currently not being met due to the 77-acre deficit. Additionally, the farm provides the community with organic locally grown produce and a space for our community members to have exposure to a farm and educate the youth about where our food comes from. This farm is also the last farmland this area has left that hasn't been developed or felt the touch of gentrification.
Why is the farm important?
What will happen if we dont save the farm?
If we are unable to save the farm, then the highway extension will be built over this public land. Only one acre of the land will be preserved and the rest will be destroyed for the highway-84 extension and housing. Both the highway extension and the housing is NOT for Union City residents as the road will benefit commuters from the Valley and housing will be for those who can afford it.
This will affect Union City’s residents because they will be deprived of even less open space and the fresh produce the farm has to offer. Also, Union City residents will experience more traffic through the area during busy hours as the highway extension will allow 20-30 thousand vehicles to pass through the city. In addition to the traffic increase, it will also increase pollution in our city from the emissions of the vehicles. Shutting down the farm will also tap into our local tax money, $300 million is estimated to be spent on the highway extension
how will this affect union city residents?
why is open space important?
Open space is important because it enhances the quality of life by providing natural green infrastructure and spaces for recreation. It is a space for residents to be surrounded by a greener environment and decompress. It is evident that people nowadays don't value open space and our planet so it is crucial we save our last farm.
Ramirez farm is located in at the border of Union City and Fremont. It is located along Alvarado Niles and Quarry Lakes Dr. 35075 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City CA 94587.
where is the farm located?
how much will the highway extension cost?
The cost for the building of this east-west connector is estimated to cost around $300 million, this funding is coming from our local tax money. Union City is known to have higher taxes than the surrounding cities as our sales tax is currently 10.75% thanks to Measure Z.
Part of the highway extension will be built underground. The land surrounding this area of the underground road is very close to our local water supply and this road could possibly tap into this aquifer. There is also polluted soil surrounding this area by Bart station that could still be toxic. Previously mentioned, the highway extension will further pollute our air because of the emissions vehicles will release in our area.
what are the environmental impacts of this highway extension?
what is the timeline ofOur call to action?
As of right now, the city has already ordered the farm to stop farming by the end of 2023 which has placed a tight deadline for the community to fight against the gentrification of our land. Tuesday, May 9th James Logan High School students will be gathering in an art teacher's classroom after school to create posters and other artwork for publicity to save the farm. Wednesday, May 24th from 3-4:30 PM a community march and rally will be held at the intersection of Alvarado-Niles and Decoto Rd to protect Ramirez Farm. Our plans in the near future are also to host a community council member meeting where we will have a space to voice our concerns and push forwards our demands.
The community can show support by educating themselves first on the matter and then educating others as our community lacks awareness of the issue. You can also attend our march and rally on May 24th from 3-4:30 PM where we will be at the corner of Alvarado-Niles Rd and Decoto Rd and then march to Ramirez Farm. Lastly, attend city council meetings, ask for neighborhood meetings, join on walking tours, and provide support letters to preserve and conserve Ramirez Farm. Most importantly educate and use your voice to make the change you want to see happen!
how the community can show our support?
Works cited list
“Quarry Lakes Parkway Project | Union City, CA.” City of Union City, https://www.unioncity.org/499/Quarry-Lakes-Parkway-Project. Accessed 6 March 2023. Santos, Ivan. Amado. Hayward, Crispy, 2020
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“Quarry Lakes Parkway Project | Union City, CA.” City of Union City, https://www.unioncity.org/499/Quarry-Lakes-Parkway-Project. Accessed 6 March 2023. Santos, Ivan. Amado. Hayward, Crispy, 2020.
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“Save Union City Hills.” Save Union City Hills, https://www.saveunioncityhills.com/aboutus.php. Accessed 6 March 2023.