The public meeting that I attended was for the neighborhood of East Harlem and for the Environment, Open Space and Parks Committee. This meeting took place on Thursday, February 12th at 6:00 p.m. It was called to order by the chair of the committee, Frances Mastrota. One of the major topics that were discussed were the GreenThumb community gardens. Rasheed Hislop is the Deputy Director who made various announcements about these gardens. GreenThumb gives away different materials each year to help maintain the community gardens. Some of these materials include soil, compost, garbage bags, and a variety of gardening tools. Ways of preserving the gardens during the new gardening seasons was also mentioned. This includes creating fencing to protect the gardens from any outsiders.
The GreenThumb program is also trying to gather more assistance by creating partnerships with different greening groups. Some of the gardens that were mentioned during the presentation were the Harlem Rose Garden and El Catano. Another topic discussed about the GreenThumb program is the types of services that it provides for the people in East Harlem. Social events are hosted and fresh fruits and vegetables are grown. These gardens “beautify” the neighborhood and give it a source of positive energy. The community gardens also participate in rainwater harvesting, which I found to be very interesting. Near the end of the meeting, a man named Charlie Reynoso, who is the Regional Engagement Manager of the New York Restoration Project, mentioned that there would be a new community garden in the neighborhood. He also said that work would begin on this project in September 2015.
Another topic that was discussed during this public meeting was the James Weldon Johnson Playground. There are plans on improving the playground equipment and installing spraying showers for children to play in during the summer. Senior citizens will receive a seating area as well. There was a question asked about this during the meeting. Adults will also have the chance to exercise at this playground because workout equipment will be made available. I think this is a great addition because it will allow adults to be more active when they take their children to the playground. These playground improvements are for people of all ages, not just the children.
This public meeting was both fun and interesting to listen to. I enjoyed hearing about the community garden plans because this is a great way to get people in the community involved and to also improve the neighborhood of East Harlem. Gardens can provide beautification to the area and also enhance the moods of people who pass by them. I would love to have learned more about the current community gardens and how well people are responding to them. Making improvements on the playground is also important for both the children and adults who want to visit when the weather gets warmer. Maintaining green spaces and public areas in East Harlem is needed to allow the neighborhood to thrive.
