NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — For months, residents in an Higher East Aspect neighborhood tried to show an deserted, rat-infested lot right into a inexperienced area.
Now the Yorkville property has been cleaned up, and the group backyard could also be one step nearer to changing into a actuality, CBS2’s Thalia Perez reported Thursday.
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Jane Lindberg mentioned she and Higher East Aspect neighbor Susan Gitlin took a stand after they turned bored with trying on the boarded-up lot on East 78th Road and First Avenue. She shared with CBS2 photographs and mentioned during the last decade it had grow to be an eyesore.
“Folks have been actually afraid to stroll alongside this when it’s darkish as a result of rats would come out,” Lindberg mentioned.
The dream is to rework the uncared for property right into a inexperienced area that may be helpful and that everybody may take pleasure in. Incoming Councilwoman Julie Menin took discover and acquired outcomes.
“They agreed to herald a non-public firm to clear the weeds. They agreed to herald a non-public firm to handle the rat infestation. In order that has occurred. Now, I’m very centered on this group backyard,” Menin mentioned.
Gitlin mentioned the lot cleanup is a step in the suitable route.
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“Each different borough has these group parks, each different a part of Manhattan, and I believe we deserve it,” Gitlin mentioned. “However to let it sit right here, it looks as if such a waste of area and time.”
Perez spoke by cellphone to the property proprietor, Robert Chou, who mentioned plans to develop the property are within the works.
When requested if a group inexperienced area is an choice, Chou mentioned, “No.”
Menin mentioned negotiations are ongoing.
“In the event that they refuse to take action, I’ve made clear to them I’ll discover a legislative resolution. That might, in different phrases, create momentary group gardens whereas so much is vacant,” Menin mentioned.
If the property proprietor agrees to a short lived group backyard, Menin mentioned the Parks Department will choose up the tab for the provides and the soil.
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CBS2’s Thalia Perez contributed to this report.
