During a recent community board meeting, members engaged in a heated discussion regarding the future of the Elizabeth Street Garden and the Time Landscape, highlighting the ongoing housing crisis and the need for effective use of public funds.

One board member expressed frustration over the allocation of resources to the Elizabeth Street Garden, suggesting that it is time to accept the loss of the space to developers. The sentiment was echoed by others who questioned the prudence of investing in a site that may soon be handed over for development. The conversation shifted towards the wording of proposals related to the garden, with suggestions to rephrase requests for funding to reflect the uncertain future of the site.

The discussion then moved to the Time Landscape, a fenced-off area located at the northeast corner of LaGuardia Place and Houston Street. Board members noted that the space, originally designed to reflect historical landscapes, has not been effectively utilized and requires attention. Concerns were raised about the deteriorating condition of the fence and the overall accessibility of the area to the public.

A community member provided insights into the maintenance of the Time Landscape, noting that while some plants are cared for, others are invasive and in need of removal. The member advocated for a more open and accessible design, suggesting that transforming the area into a permanent park could protect it from future development threats.

As the meeting concluded, board members agreed to prioritize discussions on both the Elizabeth Street Garden and Time Landscape in future sessions, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping the future of these public spaces amidst the pressing housing crisis.