In 2011, Merrick Marsden Neighbor Association of Jamaica, Queens approached Brooklyn Queens Land Trust to help save a large plot of vacant land in their community that they own, but lack the funds to pay back taxes on.
Leader
Demetrice Mills
Location
117-02 Merrick Boulevard Jamaica, NY 11434
Impact areas
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.
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.
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.