The funding is part of a $1.4 billion state plan to invest in health care, housing, open space and quality of life in Central Brooklyn
Governor Cuomo, joined by Assemblymember Tremaine Wright, announced on Thursday a $3.1 million investment to renovate and transform 22 Brooklyn community gardens. The funding is part of the governor's comprehensive "Vital Brooklyn" initiative, a $1.4 billion state plan to invest in health care, housing, open space and quality of life in Central Brooklyn.
"Community gardens provide critical opportunities for healthier lifestyles, and these vital improvements made in 22 locations are going to connect residents to the outdoors and gathering spaces and create access to the immeasurable benefits of open space," said Cuomo during a press conference at the Bergen Street Block Association Garden in Crown Heights.
Currently, Central Brooklyn residents have some of the fewest opportunities for physical fitness in the entire state, according to the governor. The Vital Brooklyn initiative is aiming to lower these rates by increasing access to nature and open space, and improving and creating more recreational opportunities.
"I am excited by this effort to put urban gardening within reach of more Brooklyn families because they improve access to fresh food while encouraging healthy outdoor activity and building connections in the community," said Assemblymember Wright.
In partnership with New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and Brooklyn Queens Land Trust, eight community gardens will receive upgrades such as the installation of shade structures, new raised beds, fencing and paving, pathways or solar installations.
The following eight community gardens will benefit from the funding:
- Aberdeen St Community Garden, 91 Aberdeen Street
- Williams Ave Community Garden, 88 Williams Avenue
- Hull St Community Garden, 145 Hull Street
- Decatur Community Garden, 1052 Decatur Street
- McLeod's Community Garden, 130 Liberty Avenue
- Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Garden, 95 Malcolm X Boulevard
- Greene Acres Community Garden, 322 Franklin Avenue
- Target Community Garden, 931 Bedford Avenue
Another 14 gardens will receive funds to have new water connections added. The NYRP will engage the garden communities through two community design meetings for each site. The work is expected to be completed by the fall of 2019.
"Community gardens are places that offer the opportunity to eat healthy, delight our eyes, deliver natures invigorating and refreshing spirit, amuse us through touch and foster the bonds of community," said Councilmember Cornegy. "The improvements across these 22 gardens will allow more Brooklynites to engage and enjoy the enriching experience of a community garden right outside their door."
