Mill Brook Gardens

The Millbrook Gardens Project's goal is to transform unused green gated spaces in the Millbrook Houses Development.  We have tried to build a community garden in this space in the past but have lost momentum due to trouble with leadership and commitment.  

We are organizing a group of like minded individuals willing to invest in time to build community and who believe in the potential for a space that can be enjoyed by residents of the NYCHA development.  We want to bring residents opportunitites to learn ecology, sustainable design, and systems thinking while also providing a social component where people can gather for recreation and entertainment.  These are things that are currently lacking in the community. 

This fundraiser will help build our initial phase laying the foundation to drive interest from more MIllbrook residents to engage with the space.

We are also speaking with community based organizations to develop programmatic partnerships.  

Current Objectives:

1. Establish a core group of 5 Millbrook Residents to serve in our Millbrook Houses Garden Club.

2. Design a smart green space that residents on the NYCHA property can be proud of.

3. Lay the foundation of the garden space including building barriers and planters to protect plants.

4. Work with organizations in the South Bronx to bring resources to Millbrook Houses,

I, Cesar Yoc, was raised in Millbrook Houses and have seen the economic and cultural changes in the neighborhood. I have heard of shootings and young people being recruited to get involved in illegal businesses. I have also seen the effects of air pollution on the health of residents in the Mott Haven neighborhood. My personal loved ones have had asthma and other respiratory chronic illnesses.  This community garden project has the potential to introduce the youth and seniors to the importance of green infrastructure and can lead to more parks and gardens stewardship in the neighborhood.

People in the South Bronx struggle economically due to lack of access to jobs and job training.  With Millbrook Gardens we will provide a place where residents can learn environmental sciences, history of the neighborhood, and have a place to relax.

Residents can learn about the heat island effect and how the use of salt to remove snow can harm aquatic ecosystems by understanding why installing pervious pavers and thermal pavers is a better solution. Also, they can learn how to identify trees and flowers by learning about what’s planted. The historical signage can also teach residents about their neighborhood and build neighborhood pride.