Open Letter From Local Businesses & Orgs In Support Of Saving Elizabeth Street Garden

[New York, NY] - Local businesses and organizations issue an open letter to Mayor Adams in support of protecting & preserving Elizabeth Street Garden

Elizabeth Street Garden is vital to the economic health of our neighborhood. 

Drawing thousands of visitors each week, the garden provides an economic lifeline to all of the local businesses in the area. As a unique green oasis in the middle of our dense neighborhood, the garden is not only a work of art in its own right but a draw to the neighborhood for locals and visitors alike.

Along with offering many year-round free public programs based in sustainability, arts, and culture, the volunteer-based nonprofit has worked with most local businesses and organizations in the neighborhood. When local businesses and organizations partner with the garden it provides new experiences for community members while promoting all partners. The relationship is mutually beneficial and should serve an outstanding example for green spaces and gardens across the city. 

Despite wide support from residents, local organizations, local representatives, and the community board, the City has continued its attempt to destroy the garden in order to construct 123 units of senior affordable housing, luxury retail, and office space for the developer partner. 

We recognize the need for affordable housing and support the development of more affordable housing at the multiple alternative sites in our district.  These alternative sites consist of empty lots and underutilized 

buildings that could provide up to five times as much senior housing without destroying Elizabeth Street Garden, the only real green space in the neighborhood.  

We collectively reject the false choice of garden vs housing, as well as the relentless false narratives perpetuated by developer partners Pennrose, Habitat For Humanity NYC, and RiseBoro. 

Our neighborhood is already underserved in terms of public open space. We are in the middle of a climate crisis with the current heatwave mentioned throughout media and politics. There are many factors that go into creating a livable city,  affordable housing, accessible libraries, good schools, vibrant businesses, and quality green space. You cannot say one aspect of these is more important than another. They are all important, and all necessary.

We strongly urge  the Mayor and his administration to work with our community to achieve more housing and preserve Elizabeth Street Garden, achieving a solution that will benefit those in need of affordable housing, preserve green space and fight the climate crisis, and continue to benefit the local economy.

Sincerely, 

Local Organizations / Municipalities 

Businesses