Sign our petition if you would like the Housing Preservation Department to return this lot to the community and gardeners of 119th Street.

The lot in question is located at 21 West 119th (Block 1718/29). It is 14ft wide and 84ft deep (1,150 sq ft in size). It is in Council District 9, Community District Manhattan 10. It was originally part of a larger swathe of empty lots, but subdivided for condos in 2016. Today, just a 14ft narrow sliver remains (See picture).

The lot has been vacant for two decades and has been used by the community as a garden with encouragement from HPD, which owns this space. 

For years, members of the community kept the lot clean and turned it from an eye sore to a flourishing community garden. We have a tool shed, a large community compost bin, and we built several large raised beds. We have organized educational events about gardening, composting, and provided a safe space for neighbors to relax and come together. The garden has been a focal point for block beautification which involved neighbors of all ages. In the spring of 2023, HPD padlocked the garden and announced they want to clear the lot.

Please join us in signing the petition asking HPD to not take this wonderful lot away from our community.