project leader
Demetrice M
location
117-02 Merrick Boulevard
Queens (Jamica, Queens, New York)
latest update rss
Thank you to our donors!

the project

We are almost there! We have already raised $20,000 of the $35,000 needed to accomplish our goal; to Save the Land and Create a Community Garden in Jamaica, Queens, New York. We need your help in raising the final $15,000 to pay off the back property taxes. We need you to donate money to turn this vacant lot into a community garden.

Progress has been made in raising the funds, but your help is needed to secure the future of this land. In 2011, the City of New York placed a lien on the property for back taxes owed. The lien has been subsequently sold to a collection agency to obtain the money owed on the property. If we do nothing, the lot will be auctioned off to the highest bidder; likely a private developer – at an upcoming sale. The open space will then be lost to the community. However, if we raise enough funds to pay the amount owed, plus interest and fees, the land will be transferred to BQLT and developed into a community garden.

We need you to donate money to turn this vacant lot into a community garden. Progress has been made in raising the funds, but your help is needed to secure the future of this land. Merrick Marsden Neighbors Association has already organized several workdays to show their determination to save the vacant land and to keep the lot free and clear of garbage and overgrowth. A neighborhood group with local youth is ready to start raising fruits and vegetable crops on the land. We need your help now to permanently save this open space for another productive, sustainable and beautiful community garden! We / You can make a difference in the communities in which we live.

Check out this awesome video describing our project! 

the steps

If we raise enough funds to pay the amount owed, plus interest and fees to the collection agency and lien holder, the Merrick Marsden Neighbors Association will transfer the ownership/deed of the land to Brooklyn Queens Land Trust. The land will then be developed into a community garden. 

Once BQLT has ownership of the property, Brooklyn Queens Land Trust will apply for a tax exempt status on the property.

why we're doing it

As an open space community garden, the land will bring neighbors together to grow healthy foods for the community, create vibrant green space, and beautify the neighborhood.

budget

Lien on property: $35,000
Donations prior to coming to ioby: $20,000

Total cost remaining: $15,000

Third party credit card processing (3%) = $450
ioby materials and labor = $35

Total to raise = $15,485



RAISED = $1,445.00
ioby Platform Fee  $35.00
3rd Party Credit Card Processing Fee (3%) $41.07
TOTAL TO DISBURSE = $1,368.93

Revised Budget, 9/2/2014

Lien on property: $35,000

Donations prior to coming to ioby: $20,000

Additional donations received: $18,600

Total cost remaining, raised through ioby donors: $1,400

The Merrick Marsden II property deed was successfully transferred to BQLT
on December 23, 2013.

updates

Thank you to our donors!

photos

This is where photos will go once we build flickr integration

donors

  • Lila L.
  • Erin F.
  • Carlyle G.
  • Barbara D.
  • Seth G.
  • Iris H.
  • Jennifer K.
  • Meg F.
  • Gregory A.
  • Vandra T.
  • Irene V.
  • Ashley C.
  • Colleen S.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice M.
  • Demetrice A M.
  • Barry S.
  • Gina B.