Brooklyn Queens Land Trust

6/15 Green

RECAP 2006 Garden History

In 1987, concerned citizens began a cleanup campaign on an abandoned lot that had become a serious health hazard. An abandoned trailer on the lot had become a haven for drug use. By dragging the trailer into the streets, we gained the attention of the Sanitation Department who eventually removed the source of the drug problem.

Over the next five years, we waged a war against illegal dumping and deteriorating conditions. Construction refuse, kitchen waste, furniture, automotive oil and an abandoned car were dumped at the site. Sidewalks were cracked and dangerous. Holes in the existing fence allowed vagrants to wander inside. Thanks to the efforts of neighbors, local politicians, and the Sanitation Department, bulldozers and dump trucks were brought in to remove the waste and add clean top soil.

Today that abandoned lot has been transformed from an eyesore and public nuisance to an urban oasis and source of local civic pride. From five pioneering gardeners, the 6th Ave. & 15th Street Community Garden was created. Renamed 6/15 Green in 2001, the garden has grown to become an incorporated organization with over a hundred members, composters and supporters with programs that reflect the diversity of our members as well as the needs of the community.

Many of the garden's activities have been supported by grants from several organizations including:

ROSAS - Recognition for Excellence in the South Slope Award;

BEAUTIFY BROOKLYN CAMPAIGN - Borough President's Office;

GREENEST BLOCK IN BROOKLYN Recognition Award;

ROSAS - Grant for Children's Workshop;

BROOKLYN HARVEST FAIR - Brooklyn Botanic Garden;

DRESS UP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - Mollie Parnis Award;

PARK SLOPE CIVIC COUNCIL - Grant for Children's Workshop;

THE GAP - Children's Workshop Donation;

NOSM - Grant for Children's Workshop and Compost Workshops;

GREENTHUMB - Grant for Children's Workshop, Compost Workshops, Solar Workshops, and Artists in the Garden (now called Open Space Gallery);

The Brooklyn Arts Council - Grant for the Open Space Gallery;

INFORM, Inc. - Contract for Waste Free NYC program as sponsored by the New York City Council and the Department of Sanitation of New York City - education on composting, compost memberships for community gardens, and stuff exchange education at the Block Association level;

PARK SLOPE CIVIC COUNCIL - Grant for the Alternative Energy Site.

Bylaws

Bylaws
Mission

6/15 Green is a community garden in South Park Slope committed to promoting a cleaner and safer neighborhood through the creation and maintenance of a community open space for cultural, agricultural and educational purposes. As well as, to stimulate and encourage community participation in the planning, development, use and maintenance of other green spaces.

Membership Eligibility
Any person regardless of race, creed, color or sexual orientation. (Membership does not guarantee individual plot).

Dues
Per Person/Family/Household: $15.00/ 1 year - Gardening $10.00/ 1 year - Composting

Meeting Times
7:00pm - Last Wednesday of every month (Unless otherwise notified in advance)

Meeting Place
St. John - St. Matthew Emmanuel / 283 Prospect Avenue(between 5th and 6th Aves.) / Basement / Unless otherwise specified

Decision Making
At all meetings of the members, 8 (eight) members present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of the quorum (five or more) is needed to pass any decision. In the absence of a quorum, a majority of the members so present or represented may adjourn the meeting, or continue with unofficial business.

Electing Officers
Officers will be nominated at the January meeting and elected at the February meeting of each year. A majority of the full membership must be present and voting. Officers will serve for one year.

Responsibility of President
The President presides over all meetings, and Steering Committee and has the authority to sign legal documents and checks on behalf of the organization.

Responsibility of Vice President
The Vice President acts as the President when the President is absent or unavailable and sits on the Steering Committee.

Responsibility of Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for all written records of the organization, notices of meetings, minutes of meetings, official correspondence and sits on the Steering Committee.

Responsibility of Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for all financial records, has the authority to sign checks on behalf of the organization and sits on the Steering Committee.

Amendments
These By-Laws may be amended by the members of the organization duly called for the purpose of amending these By-Laws. Members who wish to change by-laws must submit the proposed change, in writing, to the President or Vice President one week prior to a monthly meeting.

Membership Responsibilities
Each member shall be acquainted with and abide by the rules and regulations of the garden. Failure to do so can lead to termination of membership.

Information about Us - 6/15 Green Community Garden

6/15 Green Home Page
6/15 Membership brochure in Spanish
6/15 Green membership brochure in English
Our Programs
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