The Elizabeth Street Garden in lower Manhattan remains open to the public, at least for now.

Organizers say a judge has issued a temporary stay, allowing the garden to remain in place until the case is heard in February 2025. However, the city remains intent on transforming the space into affordable housing for seniors, a move that has sparked a heated debate.

The garden has become a battleground between the city and community members who wish to preserve the space. Supporters recently took the issue to court, being granted a longer stay.

"We’re feeling good," said Joseph Reiver, executive director of the Elizabeth Street Garden. "You know, we're happy. It gives the community more time to enjoy the garden. Gives us more time to work on other solutions. We’re optimistic -the city has been tough, and they remain adamant on destroying the garden.”

The city plans to build much-needed affordable housing for seniors on the site, noting a significant demand. The city issued an eviction notice to the garden in October, but the stay granted by the judge allows the space to stay open until February. Meanwhile, garden supporters are encouraging the city to consider alternative locations for the housing project.

"We're trying to convince them to work on these private site proposals with Council Member Marte and the community," Reiver explained.

In response, the city is holding firm on its plans. A statement from city officials reads: "As over 2,100 seniors sleep in shelters tonight, the well-housed plaintiffs and attorneys behind the Elizabeth Street Garden can rest well tonight knowing they have prevented the city from building affordable housing for seniors and public green space for at least another few months. We remain undeterred and will continue this decades-long fight for what is right and what is needed — housing for some of our most vulnerable neighbors."

For Reiver, the issue is not about choosing between housing and green space. "We stand against any kind of false choice that this place has to be destroyed for affordable housing," he said. "When empty buildings exist, when empty lots exist, any kind of excuse for that is really wasting time and resources when we could actually be working towards a viable solution."

For now, the garden remains open, but the debate over its future is far from over.