Farm

Irwin County has been a rural community for its entire existence. The community does lack revenue in many ways due to the lack of businesses and population. Solar panels are an option for revenue but at the point a company decides to stop, who is left to clean up the mess? You can have it in contract and “guarantee” that it’s the companies responsibility, but when they bankrupt it’s the citizens problem. Even if it is a successful term and they do clean up as promised, what effects does it have on the once fertile soil? What about the citizens? Irwin County is not equipped with the manpower or resources to stop these fires. Irwin has a limited volunteer fire department. The amount of training and education in reference to the fire risks associated with solar panels that these volunteers would have to do is not realistic or reasonable. Recruiting volunteers within a population of less than 10,000 is a difficult enough task within itself. They would have to live at the station for months to be brought up to speed and train on the hazards that exist within solar panels and batteries, just to figure out they are minimally equipped for this task. While this is an amazing idea for revenue, Irwin County does not need the beyond hazardous conditions that come with it, nor will Irwin County ever be equipped for such. I do not support putting our children, our citizens, our firefighters, our health, our land and our lively hood at risk for money.

The Connected Chef has spent years beautifying the lot, providing food to people who need it, offering something many people in the community needed (a farmstand!), and creating a thriving beautiful community space. I have hosted events there and their space was so beautiful nestled in between the tall buildings in that area. This area has plenty of new buildings, but only one Connected Chef. If the landlord wants this space to be redeveloped, that means they also have an opportunity now to step up and offer them something even better than the original space. We'll see what they choose to do.

Connected Chef is a cornerstone of the LIC community. They do so much service for our neighbors and serve everyone regardless of their background or ability to pay. Please do not take food away from the community.

Connect Chef is a pillar in this community and it is such a shame they are loosing their space due to gentrification! As another comment mentioned, there are plenty of luxury high rise building (standing empty I might add) but only ONE Connected Chef! Green spaces, fresh produce, and community are key factors for a healthy neighborhood.

What is the point of building all this housing if none of the residents have access to fresh healthy foods? Both should be able to coexist. I urge the current landlord to assist in providing an acceptable alternative space for an organization that does so much for us.

It is devastating to hear what has been the new normal for our local communities. when it comes to food and resources to provide for our families and serve our community the health and well-being that we deserve and it should be appreciated. It is essential for us to be able to have the basic resources So that we could perform at our best and grow and provide the basic essentials for our kids. Our communities are cities rely on us and this is unacceptable but there needs to be a change people. Please stand up for your communities, especially Connected Chef.

Connected Chef is the only source of affordable, fresh, organic vegetables in Hunters Point! It's beloved by the community and increases the property value of the apartments here. Connected Chefs keeps us physically and mentally healthy, and the best neighborhood in NYC!

Connected Chef is a vital resource for fresh food in the LIC community that is growing housing faster than grocery options. It's also been a powerful community builder in Queens at large and a gathering space for other nonprofit orgs (like my synagogue), while providing fresh, local food to families in need for reduced prices and educating us all about local and sustainable agriculture. Please give the Connected Chef adequate space and support to continue serving their mission!

Connected Chef has been a cornerstone of our community, ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reaches the families who need it most. Their dedication to providing high-quality fruits, vegetables, and essential food items has not only nourished our bodies but also strengthened the bonds between neighbors.

Now, this vital resource is at risk. The lot they operate on is being rezoned and replaced with buildings, threatening to displace an organization that has done so much for us. Losing Connected Chef would mean losing access to fresh food for countless families, a devastating blow to those who rely on their support.

We urge decision-makers to reconsider. The health and well-being of our community should come before profit-driven development. Connected Chef is more than just a food provider—it’s a lifeline.