By Emily Leshner

The City Planning Commission has voted in favor of a proposal that would allow the Maple Street Community Garden to be acquired by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.

The decision ensures that current garden operations can continue and that needed improvements, like new fencing and repairs to the sidewalk outside the garden, can be undertaken by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.

The City Planning Commission's report also made note of the strong support shown by community members for the recreational space:

Eight members of the public, all residents of the surrounding neighborhood invested in the garden space, spoke in favor of this item describing the garden’s importance to the local community and praised the positive impact the garden has bestowed upon the neighborhood, bringing diverse group of residents together and collaborating on maintaining a green space in the city.

The ruling was the fourth step in the Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP). The proposal now goes to City Council, who have 50 days to review, schedule a public hearing and make a decision. 

Read the full ruling here.