Hello Everyone!

The Garden

The KoKo Lot is home to a garden stewarded by a group of green-thumbed community organizers. Hear their story:

“In 2020, a group of friends and community organizers gathered to clean up a neglected, privately owned lot in South Slope and transform it into a garden. We hoped to use the space for educational workshops, childcare programs, and growing food. As the police and the real estate industry pose an increasing threat to the wellbeing of working class people in N.Y.C., we intended our garden to strengthen community relationships of resistance and support. Rather than isolate one another, we prioritized solidarity.

In the year we occupied the lot, we built eight raised beds, created a lending library, did outreach with neighbors, and grew 200 pounds of vegetables which we distributed for free. Unfortunately, the owner decided to build a luxury apartment complex on the land we cared for. Despite protesting, we had to move our project elsewhere.

We have moved to 440 19th Street, growing vegetables in six beautiful raised beds. We hope to inspire our neighbors, friends, and comrades to continue the fight for community control over public and privately-owned land. In our new lot, we intend to build an organizing space for South Brooklyn-based revolutionary community organizations through educational workshops, access to resources and space, and other programming.

As gardeners and organizers, we believe everyone has the right to free, fresh food, clean air, safe housing, and self-determination. We further condemn the imperialist project of the so-called United States of and the colonial character of real estate development and gentrification within our own city. We do not work with politicians or cops and we reject liberalism. Instead we aim to nurture and organize with our local community and the revolutionary power it contains. We look forward to building with you, and welcome you to visit our garden and get involved!”