The city has revoked the license for a community garden in Queens, prompting members to declare their support for Palestine’s “solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized.”
This decision by the Parks Bureau came on May 5, eight months after the Post first highlighted the Sunset Community Gardens located at Onderdonk and Willoughby Streets in Ridgewood, which included a section named “Palestine Poppies.”
According to the agency, the garden’s ten “community agreements”—which ironically included a commitment to counteract “violent actions or rhetoric expressing hatred”—were found to breach park guidelines, leading to the cancellation of the license.
“Parks informed the garden that its membership requirements were out of compliance since they mandated future members to confirm the group’s political and ideological beliefs outlined in the community agreement,” the agency stated.
The property will need to be cleaned up by June 6.
On Instagram, the garden’s organizers voiced their outrage, claiming it was “closed by racist Transforbes and Zionists,” while simultaneously launching an online petition to save the garden and condemn the city’s “unlawful dismissal” of their license.
“We aim to celebrate trans legacy, stand against hateful rhetoric, confront genocide, and not back down despite complaints from biased neighbors,” one member stated.
Access to the garden will remain limited until a new manager is appointed.
The group has warned of “legal and direct actions” against the city and is urging supporters to contact local representatives to reverse their ousting.
Laura Merrick, one of the garden organizers, did not respond to requests for comment.
Originally inaugurated in September 2023 as a non-political effort, the garden was described by early supporter Christina Wilkinson as having been “hijacked in madness” approximately seven months later.
The garden’s current Instagram posts include messages supporting Palestinians, with one featuring a painting containing the phrase “from the river to the sea,” considered by some as anti-Semitic and calling for the destruction of Israel.
Additionally, the garden urged members to use “the right pronouns for people” and to seek clarification when uncertain.
Other directives emphasized celebrating diverse communities, including those who are queer, trans, disabled, chronically ill, and immigrant.
Ridgewood resident Saraschlater-Mowersgrad expressed relief over the city’s decision. “I want new leadership at the garden,” she said, noting the garden’s orders made her feel threatened in her own neighborhood.
The site was established by the parks department and nonprofit organizations on part of a playground owned by the city’s Department of Education, though taxpayer costs weren’t immediately available.
While the location will still operate as a community garden, public access will be limited until a new agreement is established with a different managing group, according to Parks.
“Public community gardens should be inclusive, not just spaces for those who meet a political standard,” said Councilman Robert Holden (D-Queens). “If this group wishes to create an exclusive area, they should purchase private land and proceed on their own terms.”
