Bushwick City Farm volunteers mark 15 years as elected officials push for deal to reopen locked site
The anniversary event became a rally, with local elected officials in attendance, urging the owner to meet with the city and negotiate a path forward.
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Volunteers and supporters of Bushwick City Farm gathered this weekend to celebrate the space’s 15‑year anniversary, even though they haven’t been allowed inside since March.
The property owner locked the gates earlier this spring, halting all operations at the long‑running community farm.
The anniversary event became a rally, with local elected officials in attendance, urging the owner to meet with the city and negotiate a path forward.
They warned that the growing season is already underway and that crops inside the farm could spoil if access isn’t restored soon.
Bushwick City Farm has served as a neighborhood resource since 2009, offering free produce, food distribution, mutual aid, chicken‑raising, composting, and a green space for local children.
As News 12 previously reported, the property owner closed the site in March, citing a rising tax burden following recent rezonings in the area. Volunteers say they were given no timeline for reopening and have been unable to maintain crops or care for animals since the lockout.
Earlier News 12 coverage also documented the farm’s role during the pandemic, when it became a major mutual‑aid hub distributing free produce and essential supplies, and highlighted volunteers’ concerns that months of planting work — including spring seedlings — could be lost.
Council Member Chi Ossé and Assembly Member Jabari Brisport joined the anniversary rally, telling residents that the city has tools that could help — but only if the owner agrees to meet with them.
Ossé said the city could help alleviate the financial strain the owner is facing, saying, “The city can help in terms of financial burden — in terms of the hurdles to this space. So let’s have a conversation. Let’s sit down. This is a plea to you.”
According to Ossé, ACRIS, the city's system for monitoring properties, shows multiple missed tax payments on the lot due to recent upzoning of the area.
Ossé told News 12 that his office has discretionary funds that could potentially be used to provide tax relief or even purchase the property through the city’s GreenThumb program, which preserves community gardens and open spaces.
Volunteers say they hope the owner will agree to meet soon, as the longer the site remains closed, the more difficult it will be to salvage the growing season.
News 12 reached out to the phone number listed for the property owner and is still waiting to hear back.
