Updated 02/06/2010 07:16 PM
Advocates Discuss Ways To Protect Community Gardens From Redevelopment
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With the fate of the city's community gardens up in the air, advocates, elected officials and residents brainstormed ways to protect them at a West Village meeting Saturday.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer joined community members to discuss permanent solutions.
Since 2002, the city's community gardens have operated under a contract with the mayor and state attorney general. Yet that agreement is set to expire in September, leaving gardens vulnerable to redevelopment.
Residents said community gardens are vital to community development.
"A lot of times, particularly when I look at East Harlem where a lot of the work has been done with some of the advocates, these are communities that have been neglected," said Manhattan Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito. "And a lot of empty lots, vacant lots had existed for many years, and community stakeholders decided they wanted to reclaim that space."
Quinn said a legally-binding solution is necessary to ensure the gardens are preserved.
The City Council is using the city's Land Use Process as one way to take care of the community gardens.