Dear neighbors and supporters,

First, thank you so much for signing the petition to help preserve our community garden. Your support meant the world to us — and to everyone who has benefitted from the space over the years.

Unfortunately, despite our efforts and the thoughtful arguments we presented, the city has not taken our petition seriously. The lots are still set to be developed, and unless we act quickly and together, we will likely lose this vital piece of our neighborhood.

Here’s what we need now: The only path forward is direct community pressure. Joe and I have done everything we can — we've reached out, met with city staff, and exhausted our personal contacts. Now, we need you to step in.

Please call, email, and tag our City Councilman Jeffery Young Jr. and his staff to ask that they intervene and help save just two of the four lots that make up the garden.

Contact our City Councilmember 

Jeffery Young Jr. represents the city’s 5th Council District
Phone: (215) 686-3442 or (215) 686-3443
Email (with contact form on the right): phlcouncil.com/jefferyyoungjr
Threads: @cmjyoungjr
TikTok: @cmjyoungjr

Contact his staff directly

Conlan Crosley,  Director of Labor Relations & Development
Phone: (215) 686-3442
Email: conlan.crosley@phila.gov

What to say: Keep it short and from the heart. 
I have included a sample email below but, here are some additional tips:

• You support workforce housing and believe that preserving the two garden lots is critical for community health and connection.
• This garden is a rare, inclusive space in the neighborhood that brings people together across race, age, and background.
• You’re asking them to intervene and help find a compromise that honors both development and green space.

Example email: Feel free to copy & paste or personalize.

Subject line: Preserve the Ogden St. Community Garden

Dear Councilman Young,
 I’m reaching out to urge you to reconsider the development plans affecting the Ogden Street Community Garden. This space is a vital part of our neighborhood, offering rare green space, connection, and a sense of belonging. We support affordable housing and believe that thoughtful planning can preserve what makes our community strong. Please protect this garden.
 Sincerely,
 [Your Name]
 [Your Street / Neighborhood]

If enough of us reach out, they’ll see just how much this garden matters. If we all raise our voices now, we still have a chance to protect this space. If we don’t, we’re guaranteed to lose it.

Please don’t wait. Call. Email. Tag them on social media. Ask your friends and neighbors to do the same. Let’s make sure they hear us — not just the two of us who created the garden, but all of us who care.

With gratitude and hope,
Ashley