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The Elizabeth Street Garden in Manhattan’s NoLiIta neighborhood continues to be in the middle of a raging dispute. Those who want the land for development are opposed by many people who have pointed out that the city has many other options for sites for construction. Once destroyed, the Elizabeth Street Garden is a place that cannot be reproduced. After the most recent court ruling, the garden may be lost as early as September 10th.
An article by James Barron dated August 22, 2024 in the New York Today newsletter (link here) quotes several letters from local celebrities pleading on the garden’s behalf.
From Martin Scorsese: “...When I was growing up, Little Italy was more or less a concrete jungle. We used to play in the alleys. There was no shade, no greenery, no respite – something that every neighborhood needs. The make-up of Little Italy may be different, but the need for a beautiful, refreshing oasis like the Elizabeth Street Garden has not changed. I wish it had been there when I was young…”
And from Patti Smith: “...The Garden is not only an oasis of greenspace within our city, but truly stands as a work of art. The effort to save it is reflective of a mass effort to preserve the natural and ever evolving character of New York City. Affordable housing and greenspaces are both essential assets and should not be pinned [sic] against each other. The community has presented several options to build nearby without destroying the Garden. Our great city is in danger of becoming a developer’s unchecked haven, and we look to you to help us set a lasting precedent for how New York City will protect public art and green spaces for the future…”
A 50% percentage of the $875 purchase price of my painting (seen above) will be donated toward the Elizabeth Street Garden, a 510c3 organization; please contact me directly if interested.
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