The Elizabeth Street Garden in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood has become the center of a growing dispute as New York City plans to build affordable housing on the site. The proposal has sparked significant opposition from local residents who value the garden as one of the neighborhood's few green spaces.

"This community is speaking up for the garden," said Joseph Reiver, director of the Elizabeth Street Garden. He emphasized the garden's unique value, calling it "a work of art in its own right."

“We do free public programs, we have educational workshops here, music events, the local public school comes here,” said Reiver.

The city, which owns the land, intends to replace the garden with approximately 123 units of affordable housing, primarily for seniors. It also will include units designated for the homeless. In response to plans, the nonprofit organization that operates the garden has suggested alternative locations for the development and launched a writing campaign.

The campaign has attracted support from various groups, including students, local businesses, and public figures such as Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. Despite these efforts, the city continues to move forward with its plans.

“You can’t be a politician saying you listen to the community and not listen to thousands of people weighing in,” said Reiver.

Michael Sandler, a representative from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development,says the city is in a severe housing crisis. "We need to build housing; we need to build housing everywhere," Sandler said. He added that the city’s current vacancy rate is just 1.4%, with affordable housing vacancies closer to zero.

“We’re looking at every opportunity to build affordable housing. Through the City of Yes, we’re proposing zoning changes to allow a little more housing in every neighborhood,” said Sandler.

“This lot, along with lots all over the city, are being transformed into extremely low income affordable housing set aside for folks living in shelters,” he continued.

To address concerns about the loss of green space, Sandler mentioned that the city's plan includes a small community open space within the new development. He also announced a public design process for this space, inviting community input to include features such as public art and events. "For anyone anxious about the loss of the garden and the loss of green space in this community, we want to hear from you," Sandler said.

Reiver reiterated the community's stance, saying, "We want affordable housing in the neighborhood. We don’t want to push out affordable housing, we just don’t want it at the expense of any green space. We’re also in a climate crisis."

The group advocating for the garden’s preservation has until Sept. 10 to vacate the site. They are also exploring legal options as the dispute over the garden's future continues.