East Tremont community outraged after garden demolished by NYC Parks
On Friday, Libran showed News 12 the area that was once filled with leaves, trees and a casita — a structure resembling a Puerto Rican home that had been a staple in the community.
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Behind the gate of the El Bate de Dona Provi Community Garden, only dirt and rubble remain after the space was gutted in February by NYC Parks, sparking concerns among volunteers.
“It’s heartbreaking. This was a 40‑year love project that started back in the ’80s with my parents, my family, our neighbors,” said volunteer Melissa Libran.
The garden was named after Libran’s relative, Dona Provi.
On Friday, Libran showed News 12 the area that was once filled with leaves, trees and a casita — a structure resembling a Puerto Rican home that had been a staple in the community.
Green Thumb, a program within the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, decided to remove the structure and tear out the trees in February after raising safety concerns.
“We repeatedly had issues reaching the volunteer garden contacts, and in the course of examining the site, we realized the oversize structure and black mold — holes in the roof structure, holes on the side — and that action needed to be taken for health and safety,” said Alex Munoz, assistant director of community engagement at Green Thumb.
Munoz confirmed the plan is for the community to be part of the redevelopment project, but Libran said the space will never be the same.
“At least we have the pictures and the memories, but Green Thumb destroyed it,” she said.
A community clean‑up event will be held on March 28 as NYC Parks and volunteers search for new community members to help maintain the space. Neighbors interested in participating can email bateygarden@gmail.com.
NYC Parks also confirmed the garden will be open during garden season from April to October.
