Laurelton has been heralded for the beauty of the community that has withstood the test of time. Community residents take great pride in maintaining the landscapes of their properties. In the past two years, The Laurelton Operation Clean Up has brought to the forefront the importance of our community to improve the appearance of Merrick Boulevard and all of Laurelton. Every month when I have volunteered with the Laurelton Operation Clean Up, I am always inspired by the number of people that show up to make Laurelton a more just and beautiful place.
The dedication that is shown at every Operation Clean Up breaks the myth that communities of color are only improved through gentrification. 30-50 community residents come together to clean up Merrick Boulevard because they are directly showing that our community matters. In addition, to cleaning Merrick Boulevard as a community we came together last year to create a mural that celebrates the beauty of the Tudor homes of Laurelton and the activists who have made difference in our community. Across from the mural on 225th and Prospect CT. is an abandoned lot.
The abandoned lot behind the LIRR Laurelton station stretches the block of 225th street and has over grown weeds is being served as a garbage dump and illegal parking on the property. With the support of the community this vacant land could become a community garden representing the resilience and beauty of this community.
Currently the part of the vacant lot is being occupied as a side yard but the rest is still open. The land is owned by the city and is vacant. If this land were transferred over to the Department of Parks the space would be supported by the Greenthumb initiative. Greenthumb would be able to provide the stewards the land with resources to maintain the land. Occupying this abandoned land as a community garden could garner the following opportunities:
1) STEM/STEAM based education opportunities that will be offered initially to the following institutions: Laurelton Academy, P.S 156, The Linden SDA School, P.S /I.S 270 and P.S 132. Each school will be provided a garden bed to grow vegetables or flowers that will also help students gain a clear definitive vision of civic engagement by actively participating  in the maintenance of the space. DIVAS for Social Justice provides programming to the schools and will ensure that it is followed through.
2) Farmers Market– If given the opportunity, DIVAS for Social Justice will propose to Green Thumb that the proposed site can serve as a Fresh Food Box site. The organization will also reach out to City Harvest to identify local urban gardeners that can sell fresh produce and baked goods to residents.
3) Meditation /Exercise Path– The space can also serve as a space for all residents to meditate and exercise. If the initial lot is cleared in addition to the garden beds, benches could be placed at the space and residents could walk there as well.
With the support of the city’s Parks department we could have the land transferred to them if at least 10 community members sign a petition to form a community garden. Show that Laurelton matters and let your voice be heard. You can sign here.
https://www.change.org/p/clarisa-james-convert-an-abandoned-lot-in-laurelton-to-a-community-garden
