Protecting and improving the community for the people who live and work here

...There is no clearly defined process for achieving consensus on design and reaching the ‘pencils down’ moment,” the report said, “nor serious ramifications for not sticking to scope, budget or timeline…”

The study was commissioned by New Yorkers for Parks and prepared by Public Works Partners.

“…Taken as a whole, they call for significant changes to the culture of capital project management within the agency.” – NYforParks study.

Since 1998 this community has worked for the return of the Stanton Street Park Building to its original use as a community center. We’ve been asked to be the park that stores equipment for all of Manhattan parks, houses the alarm system for all five boroughs and another building used for Parks Dept. engineering staff. This means that  3 out of the 4 buildings in this park are not available for this neighborhood. None of this makes sense for a park that serves a community badly in need of green space and with rising costs for space for organizations serving low income neighbors. The Parks Department usage brings cars and trucks parking in the park itself and now a large cargo container- taking up yet more park space.

There was  money awarded by our Council Member, and money in the pipeline possible from our Borough President to put bathrooms into the Stanton building for public use. The costs keep rising as we wait.

Thankfully, our new Commissioner Silver said that he too is concerned about the lengthy waits “…the issue [is] a priority for his first 100 days as parks chief, Mr. Silver said he was meeting with his staff to address the problem and would issue recommendations by late summer…” – New York Times.

M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden once again hosts its annual Juneteenth celebration! This year we will dedicate the Elizabeth Hubbard Memorial Garden to honor our beloved Garden mentor (and founding Sara Roosevelt Coalition member).

Community Board Chair Gigi Li will do the honors. Bob Humber and Kim Fong will accept the plaque. Music, poetry, and dance will ensue!

Come and check it out.

We are sad to see Annie go but thrilled that she is following her dreams. Good luck in Kaua’i!

Annie was our President for the astonishing renovation of the Sara Roosevelt Park at Hester Street. The IS 131 children’s tiles you see on the sides of the Playground are there because of her generosity, determination, diplomacy and artistic sensibilities.

We look forward to working with Dylan, her very able partner in HSC’s efforts these many years.

A very happy birthday to the beloved Bob Humber of M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden and the Coordinator of the Elizabeth Hubbard Memorial Garden!!

Ed Glass and K Webster were the guides as the Tenement Museum Tour Educators paid a visit to hear more specifics about the Sara Roosevelt Community Coalition and the M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden. The Tenement Museum is a vast storehouse of our local history and the guardians of an important past. They keep the legacy of those who built these neighborhoods alive for all to remember. Adam Steinberg has been the liaison to the Coalition and the Garden and it is always wonderful to hear his cheerful, commanding voice!

Yes the Paparazzi are at it again. This time with the Chickens as the focus!

The young women captured some gorgeous footage of our birds! We will check back in to get a link to those images.

There is an opening tonight of artwork by Lisa Revson a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Girls Club. The title? Fowl Play –  for more info follow the link!