New York Court Halts Elizabeth Street Garden Eviction

A New York court has temporarily halted the eviction of the Elizabeth Street Garden, allowing the beloved green space to remain open until at least October 30, 2024, amid ongoing legal battles over its future. Mayor Eric Adams and the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) are pushing for the site to be converted into an affordable housing complex for seniors, despite strong community opposition and support for the garden from notable figures like Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. The city argues that the housing crisis in New York necessitates the development of the site, with a current vacancy rate of just 1.4%. Advocates for the garden have mobilized public support, sending over a million letters to the mayor urging him to reconsider the eviction plans. In a recent statement, Adams emphasized the need for housing over green spaces, asserting that both can be achieved. The fate of the garden remains uncertain as the city prepares to appeal the court's ruling.