We head into the final days before court.

Our hearing is Thursday 10am, 60 Center St. Rm 351. We will assemble on the courthouse steps at 9am promptly for a press conference with Councilman Raphael Espinal speaking. 

I received quite a few lovely letters from many of you. It is inspiring for me to read how this project has affected you.

A core team has assembled around our defense that is remarkable in it's dedication and intelligence. I'd like to thank especially Jeffrey Carr Esq our pro bono lawyer. Jeffrey without you we would be lost. Thank you for your dedication and especially for your patience.

We have a rare opportunity here. We could compromise and accept some sorry lot as recompense for the loss of Nelson Mandela Garden or we could risk everything and reach for the brass ring. It was quickly apparent at our meeting last night that the majority of our core group was opting to be courageous. If we succeed it could well be the setting of a historic precedent. It could provide a foothold in New York State Law for establishing the Rights of Nature.

Corporations have long enjoyed the standing of personhood. They are routinely ascribed the rights of an individual. Proponents of the Rights of Nature ask why not Nature then? Why can't stewards of natural systems appear in court on behalf of Mother Earth and represent her as an injured party?

It is a long-shot and it is bold. But how often is everything perfectly aligned, awaiting someone to take the shot.

I know it is a lot to ask and I appreciate your support and Jeffrey most of all your skill.

I'd also like to thank Sian for your artistry in herding cats, Stephen for slogging away at social media, Ella and Caitlin for filing the FOIL request and obtaining the Environment Impact Statement, Jerrica for lassoing Ndaba, Ed and Patricia for attending every court date, and all of you who have written letters and provided moral support.