Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Video: Pint Size Protester Can't Stop Developer From Destroying Kids' Community Garden
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 22, 2013
Modified May 28, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 22, 2013
Modified May 28, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Last week a real estate developer sent workers into the Children's Magical Garden on the Lower East Side to erect a fence protecting the portion of the parcel he owns. Shocked that the developer would destroy a swath of the garden used by schoolchildren since 1982 in a neighborhood that is sprouting swanky private social clubs and $3,400 studio apartments, students and community members attempted to stop the work, but were thwarted by NYPD officers and private security guards. Times Up! documented the garden's destruction, and one li'l activist's attempts to make his voice heard.
Several years ago developer Serge Hoyda bought around a third of the land, and has since argued that allowing children to use the portion of the garden he owns is an insurance liability. An attorney for the developer who was on scene last week told us, "The park is a safety issue. It's obvious."
City Councilmember Margaret Chin has been negotiating with Hoyda to reach a compromise, but called his decision to install the fence last week "not the best solution nor the act of a good neighbor." According to the Lo-Down, Chin and supporters of the garden arranged for insurance coverage last week after Hoyda's workers entered the garden.
Community Board 3 is expected to discuss the fate of Children's Magical Garden on June 13.
A message left with one of Hoyda's property managers has not been returned.
Tagged
children's magical garden
Lower East Side
serge hoyda
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman spar over immigration, cost of living in debate
The Democratic incumbent repeatedly invoked President Donald Trump. The Republican challenger largely avoided bringing up New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 13, 2026 at 9:05 p.m. ET
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
Years of bus headaches start Thursday as Port Authority advances Midtown terminal work
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
and
Carol Chen
ICE admits to using Roxbury, NJ warehouse site to process immigrants
By
Mike Hayes
Dolan's offer: Donations to Blakeman for Knicks tickets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .