Founded in 2019 the Family Community Garden is a relatively recent addition to Brooklyn. This green space is in East New York on Cleveland Street. The Family Community Garden falls under the jurisdiction of NYC Parks. It is supported by GreenThumb.
Let’s delve into the story of community gardens in New York City. These gardens are more than just patches of land. They represent a vital part of the city’s history and community spirit.
New York City’s community garden movement began in the Lower East Side. This was during the disrepair of the 1960s. Vacant land became a canvas for community action. Residents started tending these spaces without official permission.
In 1978 Operation GreenThumb was established. It was a community gardening program sponsored by the City’s Department of General Services. GreenThumb leased vacant property to non-profit organizations. They then created vegetable and flower gardens.
GreenThumb provided training and resources. These included tools soil seeds and bulbs. By the 1990s GreenThumb leased over 1000 lots. These comprised 125 acres to 700 community groups. They planted 2000 apple peach plum and cherry trees.
But the story of New York City’s community gardens isn’t without conflict. As the city recovered from its fiscal crisis demand for low-income housing increased. This led to tensions between gardeners and developers. Many gardens faced uprooting.
During the Giuliani administration fights over gardens escalated. The city wanted to auction off community gardens. But Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project stepped in. It bought dozens of parcels preserving 112 gardens.
The Bloomberg administration adopted a more conciliatory approach. They balanced the need for housing with the value of green spaces.
Today GreenThumb supports over 550 gardens. These gardens cover over 100 acres of public open space. GreenThumb provides resources like soil lumber and compost. They also host the GrowTogether Conference every year.
The Family Community Garden and others like it offer more than just green space. They foster community. They promote ethnic expression. Gardens can designate plots for individual use. Some operate communally managing growing operations together.
Studies show that community gardens enhance neighborhood pride. They serve as communities of practice during crises. New York City community gardens also reduce storm water runoff. They provide habitats for bee species which pollinate local crops.
Several organizations support community gardens in New York City. The New York Restoration Project owns and manages many gardens. The Trust for Public Land diverted gardens from public auction. The Brooklyn Queens Land Trust manages gardens in Brooklyn and Queens.
Even the New York City Housing Authority supports gardens. They host the annual Garden and Greening Awards Competition for residents.
The Family Community Garden is part of this larger story. It reflects the ongoing effort to create green spaces in urban environments. It stands as a testament to community collaboration. It highlights the importance of green spaces in New York City.