Celebrities Fight to Save NYC's Elizabeth Street Garden from Demolition for Housing

A Battle for a Beloved Garden in NoLIta

The city's plan to replace the Elizabeth Street Garden, a beloved green space in NoLIta, with an affordable housing complex for seniors has sparked a fierce battle, attracting the attention of some of New York's biggest names.

Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Patti Smith have all penned letters to Mayor Eric Adams, voicing their opposition to the eviction of the nonprofit group that transformed the city-owned lot into the thriving garden.

Smith, who has performed and read poetry in the garden, describes it as "an entirely unique public sanctuary." De Niro calls the garden "part of our city’s unique cultural history and heritage."

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A Housing Crisis and a Devoted Community

The city, however, remains steadfast in its commitment to building the housing complex, citing a dire housing crisis. Housing Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. contends that the city needs to utilize all available land to address the shortage, even if it means sacrificing green spaces. He emphasizes that the garden is simply a tenant that will be evicted to make way for the development.

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A Fight for Preserving Green Space

The garden's supporters, however, argue that the replacement green space in the new development cannot replicate the garden's unique charm and character. They also point out that building on city-owned land is not a comprehensive solution to the housing crisis, and suggest that the city could find alternate locations for the housing complex.

The garden's advocates are calling for the city to reconsider its decision and to recognize the garden's value as a vital community asset.

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A Long and Winding Legal Battle

This battle has been ongoing for years. The city's decision to demolish the garden was initially approved by the City Council in 2019. The garden's nonprofit group has fought eviction in court, ultimately losing its legal challenge.

The garden's fate now rests in the hands of the city, with a potential eviction date of September 11th.