Gardeners Plot New Homes

Lawyers for Sunshine, Family Group and Latinos Unidos community gardens in Melrose Commons in the South Bronx reached a settlement with the city on Dec. 1 that will move the gardens to other less desirable sites in the neighborhood. 167 units of housing will be built on the vacated lots. Three days earlier, gardeners and supporters celebrated a fiesta with roasted turkey, rice and beans, salad and fresh fruit. Many Melrose residents expressed concern that the destruction of the gardens would deprive the neighborhood of a safe haven, a community greenspace and a place to learn how things grow. Frank Madera (above) of Sunshine Garden recalled a child saying to him upon seeing tomatoes ripening on a vine, “I thought they came from a can.”

For more info, see moregardens.org