The City is putting pressure on gardeners to sign an onerous agreement. They are threatening groups that have been voluntarily gardening for more than 30 years. This is unconscionable.
Once again, we urge you not to sign this license. We as community gardeners must stand together.
Our next action will be on the steps of City Hall on September 19th at 10am.
The City has adopted some of our recommendations but they have not accepted many that are crucial to protecting community gardens and their stewards.
All gardeners have a stake in the license terms which still put gardens at risk of being locked out. On Thursday, we will urge The City make the following changes:
- License Termination. Remove redundant provisions in the Termination clause and clarify that only current default or prior termination will cause the Commissioner to terminate or deny to renew a license.
- Liability and Risk. Clearly define terms related to liability and risk in response to licensee questions.
- Consistency. Handbook needs to provide clear and consistent guidance about:
- Fire hazards of barbeques and grills,
- Danger/nuisance,
- Temporary structures, and
- Event permitting. Parks attempt to reconcile language in the License Handbook and Parks Rules & Regulations have not fully resolved discrepancies.
- Audits. Add "with cause".
- Access and Site Inspections. Add "with cause", written notice, and announcement requirements prior to visits.
- Assignment. Include process for reassignment of license to a new licensee in the event a license holder unexpectedly leaves a garden group.
- Audience. Include only the terms that are required of volunteer community gardeners. Remove boilerplate city language more suited to a corporation or concessionaire contract, such as the waiver to a jury trial.
Get ready to rally at our banner-making workshop on Sunday, September 15 from 1-5pm at Firemen's Memorial Garden E. 8th Street (between Avenues C & D)!
