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Greener pastures for a greener Flatbush

Greener pastures for a greener Flatbush
Photo by Steve Solomonson

Brooklyn loves urban farms — and it’s on its way to getting a new one.

Two Flatbush groups came together this weekend to break ground on a new farm and garden on an empty lot on Bedford Avenue near Glenwood Road — a transformation they say is all about the community.

“Green initiatives like this project help to unite the community by creating a sustainable garden which can be maintained by the students and the community at large. We are honored to be part of this process,” said Dweynie Paul, the director of community service for the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, which was one of the sponsors of the project, along with Councilman Jumaane Williams’ office, 42nd Assembly District Leader Rodneyse Bichotte, and EcoStation.

And the community showed it thanks by turning out to support the project on Saturday. Thirty volunteers worked on the space, breaking soil and setting up some planters. Tree pits and some fences around the area are next, say the project’s organizers.

“This is giving everybody a fresh start,” said Joi Wheatley, a spokeswoman for the project. “It unites the community and makes the planet better. People were stopping by all of Saturday to inquire about what we were doing.”

Reach reporter Eli Rosenberg at erosenberg@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2531. And follow him at twitter.com/emrosenberg.

Farmer in training?: Malik Dellimore, 13, helps garden at Greener Pastures Flatbush, an event organized to create a community garden on Bedford Avenue in Flatbush.
Photo by Steve Solomonson