Community Garden Problems?
Has anybody had experience with any of the community gardens in Brooklyn? Any tips to make sure they don’t become eyesores? Any precedent for creating one on Landmarked property? I’ve heard anecdotally that there have been problem gardens in parts of Brownstone Brooklyn that neighbors have come to think are lowering property values rather than…
Has anybody had experience with any of the community gardens in Brooklyn? Any tips to make sure they don’t become eyesores? Any precedent for creating one on Landmarked property? I’ve heard anecdotally that there have been problem gardens in parts of Brownstone Brooklyn that neighbors have come to think are lowering property values rather than adding to the community.
brokestone, only if it is under the jurisdiction of the parks dept.
If a greenspace community garden goes into neglect, it is noted and they can decommission them and close the garden.
I disagree with the above comment that upkeep is better in areas with high property values. I have not seen that at all. Possibly the contrary, in fact.
Our own local community garden is a gorgeous affair, maintained mostly by two people who have been at it for about a decade.
brikenny, do you mind saying which garden had the issue you mention?
Some gardens can become personal fiefdoms, with a small group using it as their private yard and neglecting all other aspects. Others just get unmanageable with too few volunteers to control the landscape. If this becomes a neighborhood problem, you have recourse. Some gardens are operated under the auspices of the City’s Parks Department, and there will be a sign out front if this is the case. A complaint to the Parks Dept. can get lots done, even if it isn’t immediate action. If it is on other city-owned land, or even private land, it could be there illegally, or there with permission but not oversight. Contact your local City Councilman’s office as they would know about any community gardens in the district and they could help if they agree things are getting out of hand. I have only dealt peripherally with one problem garden, but after the Parks Dept. kicked-out the old Board and changed the lock it got MUCH better, and quickly!
I’m looking to hear of specific cases where they have become a problem. What happened and how was it resolved?
I’m worried about a proposed garden that faces my house not having enough volunteers or making poor aesthetic choices. The spot is currently reasonably attractive but traditionally landscaped, so the garden could add flowers and variety or it could become a scraggly eyesore, especially in winter when everybody’s tomatoes and sunflowers are dead. And then, as bxgrl points out, it would fall to me volunteer to do the (least fun) chores that remain.
they attract rats. lots of rats. that’s why some neighbors dont like them.
*rob*
The community garden on Dekalb and South Portland is a nightmare. Changing the situation is not as easy as just volunteering to help. Many have tried. Its the fiefdom of a small group of people who are hell bent on keeping it that way unfortunately.
gman,
In order to have a lot of community hours, a garden needs a lot of member-volunteers.