47 Comments

Letter to the mayor on the way!

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Just another little comment. A 'poem' of hope came to me last night for the future of the garden. It is in the format that I like to call anarchic prose (my excuse for shady literature). I felt it a little long to take up space in the comments section here but will post as a note on my page today. Wishing all a great Sunday:)

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Jesse, I've been following this story since you first started writing about it. It is how I found you on Substack! I've sent letters and just bought 3 shirts. May all these collective, heartfelt efforts manifest into alternative options for housing so this treasured garden may live on for decades to come.

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Dear Jesse, When you posted about the Elizabeth Street Garden several months ago, it resignated with me. I live in Toronto, Ontario Canada (your northern neighbour!) and immediately sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams. It doesn't matter where we live in the world, "doing the right thing" and supporting causes that are important, have no borders. What is happening in your garden can happen anywhere and so it is necessary to stand up, be a voice and take a stand. I commend you for your passion and determination in saving ESG. May an amicable solution be found that will serve ESG and affordable housing in New York City. Sending prayers and hope!

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I applaud your valiant efforts to save this verdant jewel. Such a magical place. I truly hope that it can be saved. 💚

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Why would the City want to eliminate this beautiful park? The City should be boasting about how beautiful this place is and what a joy it brings to the people! Look forward to the arrival of my new 'duds' supporting this lovely garden!!

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I’m so sorry you and other lovers of ESG are having to deal with this insanity of paving over paradise. Wishing you success and voicing my support.

We, unfortunately, are dealing with a similar situation here in Florida. Our intellectually challenged governor and his minions have proposed building pickleball courts, disc golf and/or regular golf courses in several of our beautiful state parks, sensitive areas and species be damned. All behind closed doors with only 6 days for the public to digest the information and one day of public comment this coming Tuesday. I will be at the location nearest me wearing my People Have The Power (climate change edition) t-shirt and carrying the energy of you who are fighting for ESG.

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A footnote: “The (FL)DEP announced today (8/23/24) that due to overwhelming public interest the August 27, 2024, meeting has been postponed. Please stay tuned for updates and make plans to attend the DEP’s public meetings when rescheduled. The DEP said they will announce the new meeting dates soon, and the meetings are expected to take place the week of Sept. 2, 2024.” (Hoping people will move on to the next shiny object?)

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This is already a "tree-mendous" effort. 441,000+ letters from Schoolchildren and more. So many links! So many good alternatives presented to the City! Let me suggest one big, broad step: Work up an INTERNATIONAL DAY of SUPPORT for the Garden. Performers across the world contribute via the Internet to raise funds and increase Light on the Sept. 10 deadline and the absolute needlessness of losing this Park. As someone said: PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER.

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Letter sent, made a donation and subscribed to the newsletter!

With much love for all of you and for the beautiful creatures of the fairy garden ❤️

Luca 🌲🌺🐞💚🐿️🌸🌳

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Sending best wishes and good luck to all. Green spaces are so important for communities and peoples mental health especially in big cities. Much love from London 🙏

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may the forces of nature and people power be with you all to save this beloved space - you certainly have put in beautiful energy building community...will send letters + ordered tees to gift friends of green spaces here to share your story of dedication to the healing power of Elizabeth Street Garden

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Aug 23Liked by Jesse Paris Smith

Letter send even if I am in France ! I wish to visit the garden when I will come in New-York and hope it will be preserved ! Thank you for your engagements.

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Aug 23Liked by Jesse Paris Smith

Letter sent. Thank you for your work to this end, and to everyone who is helping to preserve this precious space.

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Aug 23Liked by Jesse Paris Smith

A letter to the mayor is on the wing from my green space to yours. I hope a solution can be found.

Of course affordable housing is an issue everywhere, but green spaces in cities are a necessity for

the health of a city as well as its residents - and by the look of it, this magical place is providing for

both. Thank you, Jesse, and all who are working to save this special space. As someone who called

NYC home decades ago, I'm wishing and hoping (while you are working) that your mighty efforts

succeed.

.

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Aug 23Liked by Jesse Paris Smith

So many new apartments going up in Madison WI, with no green space nearby. Makes me so sad…..

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