The Adams administration is pushing to preserve the Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita by officially designating it as city parkland before Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani assumes office in January. A November 3 letter from Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Louis Molina formalized the move, first reported by Gothamist.
First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro stated the administration aims to permanently protect the community green space, declaring it cannot be “alienated in the future.” This action marks the latest development in a decade-long conflict over the city-leased property, which has drawn support from celebrities including Robert De Niro and thousands of local advocates.
The battle intensified in 2017 when former Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed replacing the garden with “Haven Green” – an affordable housing development for formerly homeless seniors. Though Adams initially supported constructing 123 senior housing units at the site, his administration reversed course in June after negotiating with Councilmember Christopher Marte. Their agreement calls for building 600 affordable units at three alternative locations (contingent on rezoning approvals) while preserving the garden.
Mamdani has repeatedly pledged to advance the housing project during his first year in office, potentially displacing the garden. Affordable housing advocates condemned the parkland designation, with Open New York calling it a “disgraceful final act” prioritizing “elite comfort over affordable homes.” The group vowed to collaborate with Mamdani and state officials to reverse the decision in 2026.
The Elizabeth Street Garden organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the last-minute preservation effort by the outgoing administration.