Controversy at Queens Community Garden Over Political Allegiances

Leaders of a community garden in Queens, who have faced criticism for their anti-Israeli stance, have required participants to vow support for Palestine.

This week, the NYC Parks division issued a notice demanding that the leaders of Sunset Community Garden vacate the premises by September 3rd.

Mayor Eric Adams expressed his stance, stating, “New York City has no place for hatred. Our community gardens should be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all New Yorkers.”

The parks department had been advocating for new management at the garden located on Onderdonk and Willoughby Streets in Ridgewood and revoked its license back on May 5 due to a breach of contract.

In response, the garden leaders sought legal intervention, claiming discrimination, and asked a judge for a temporary restraining order on June 4.

That order was recently lifted, allowing for the management transition to proceed.

The garden was established in September 2023 on an unused lot at Glover Cleveland High School as an initial non-political initiative by the parks department and community leaders. However, it quickly became embroiled in anti-Israel sentiments.

A designated area within the garden is marked “Poppy 4 Palestine.”

In June, organizer Laura Merrick changed the garden’s name to Jardin de Santa Cecilia to honor Cecilia Gentiri, a Latina Trans activist. The space now features altars commemorating Gentiri.

Merrick did not provide comments on Friday, but her group filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the park department on July 31, which is currently pending.