Petition to Preserve the Community Gardens in Brownsville

February 2, 2015 11:26 AM "January 23, 2015

Dear Mayor Bill De Blasio, Borough President Eric Adams, Councilmember Darlene Mealy, Assemblywoman Latric Walker

My name is Brenda Thompson-Duchene.  I am a long time resident of Brownsville Brooklyn and serve as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization, Isabahlia Ladies of Elegance Foundation Inc., based in Brownsville.  Isabahlia LOEF has focused on serving Brownsville with its sponsorship of three (3) community gardens for residents.  These gardens provide this neighborhood with locally grown and affordable fresh organic fruits and vegetables that otherwise are not readily available in Brownsville.  Additionally, Isabahlia LOEF runs a weekly farmer market and provides healthy cooking demonstrations weekly for the residents of Brownsville community.

Now it appears that two (2) of our community garden locations (93 New Lots Avenue/ Block 3857 Lot 1 and 615 Saratoga Avenue/ Block 3537 Lot 19) are slated to be taken away from Brownsville residents in order to build affordable housing.  While I understand the importance and the need of housing, this neighborhood is also negatively affected by the scourges of Diabetes, High blood pressure and Obesity. These gardens represent one of the best tools to fight these public health issues.

If these garden sites remain on the list, Isabahlia LOEF will have to close the farmers market in the district.  We would not have a place to grow produce locally and to give our healthy eating workshops. These lots provide local and fresh food products for Brownsville residents and the surrounding community and this take-over by the City represents a great lost to the entire neighborhood’s fight for healthy food alternatives.

Regards,

Brenda Thompson-Duchene"

Please contact Brenda Thompson-Duchene to learn more ways to support:

Isabahlialoef@aol.com