Residents and Politicians Unite to Save Beloved East Village Garden
A beloved community garden in the heart of the East Village is facing an uncertain future as the site at 198 East 7th St. went up for auction on Dec. 4. The property owner, Paul Stallings, failed to pay property taxes on the land, which local residents have maintained under a long-standing lease.
Stallings’ failure to pay property taxes led to the auction, sparking fears among residents that the garden they have cherished may soon be lost. The local residents, who have invested time and effort into nurturing this green oasis, are now at risk of losing access to this cherished community space.
Rallying to the cause, the co-operators managing the garden joined forces with elected officials in a bid to save this vital community resource. Assembly Member Harvey Epstein emphasized the need to protect green spaces in the community, highlighting the injustice of the situation where a loophole was exploited to potentially strip the co-operators of their lease rights.
Council Member Carlina Rivera echoed these sentiments, underlining the value of open spaces for community well-being. She stressed the importance of honoring the existing lease on the lot until 2035, recognizing the garden’s transformation into a vibrant urban oasis through the collective efforts of co-op owners and neighbors.
Concerned residents, like Diana Projansky and Jane Dorsey, have also voiced their worries about the garden’s future. Projansky emphasized the vital role of green spaces in fostering community well-being, urging the city to intervene and prevent further development on the land. Dorsey shared her emotional connection to the garden, highlighting the generational impact and the community’s dedicated efforts in nurturing this shared space.
As the fate of the East Village garden hangs in the balance, the unity of residents and politicians in fighting to preserve this community gem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our shared green spaces for future generations to enjoy.