We dream of a future where this area will be safe for children to play, for cyclists to connect from the Queens Public Library in Richmond Hill to the paths in Forest Park.
As a part of that vision, Friends of Babbage and Bessemer proposes a pilot garden program geared toward improving the ecological health of the unpaved areas under the Lower Montauk Branch Trestle. By installing and maintaining garden beds, we aim to improve the quality of life in the area by deterring trespassing vehicles and providing egress for pedestrians who temporarily cross under the trestle.
Today, a small but committed group of neighbors takes care of the daily maintenance of this unique but neglected space. But without much-needed infrastructure and attention, our challenges continue to grow. Garbage, toxic automobile chemicals, human and animal waste, and standing, fetid water create the perfect conditions for breeding bacteria and mosquitos. As another summer approaches -- threatening hotter temperatures, heavier rainfall, and the seasonal uptick in antisocial behavior that has worsened since the pandemic -- Friends of Babbage and Bessemer is proposing to help address this public health crisis with essential next steps toward a brighter future for our communities.
FOBB volunteers have been regularly cleaning and maintaining several bays along Babbage and Bessemer Streets since the fall of 2020. In addition to direct service, the organization provides fundraising and logistical support to projects that will improve conditions under the Lower Montauk and coordinates with community members, policymakers, and other stakeholders to address persistent problems and propose real solutions.
FOBB is raising funds and engaging neighbors, policymakers, and the wider community to develop tactical, small-scale infrastructural solutions to the area’s most persistent and dangerous problems. Over the next 18 months, Friends of Babbage and Bessemer proposes to organize several projects that will support a healthier environment under the trestle by 1) maintaining a clean, safe, useful environment for our neighbors and 2) fostering community engagement in our neighborhood through the curation of art and events.
As a part of that vision, Friends of Babbage and Bessemer proposes a pilot garden program geared toward improving the ecological health of the unpaved areas under the Lower Montauk Branch Trestle. By installing and maintaining garden beds, we aim to improve the quality of life in the area by deterring trespassing vehicles and providing egress for pedestrians who temporarily cross under the trestle.
Today, a small but committed group of neighbors takes care of the daily maintenance of this unique but neglected space. But without much-needed infrastructure and attention, our challenges continue to grow. Garbage, toxic automobile chemicals, human and animal waste, and standing, fetid water create the perfect conditions for breeding bacteria and mosquitos. As another summer approaches -- threatening hotter temperatures, heavier rainfall, and the seasonal uptick in antisocial behavior that has worsened since the pandemic -- Friends of Babbage and Bessemer is proposing to help address this public health crisis with essential next steps toward a brighter future for our communities.
FOBB volunteers have been regularly cleaning and maintaining several bays along Babbage and Bessemer Streets since the fall of 2020. In addition to direct service, the organization provides fundraising and logistical support to projects that will improve conditions under the Lower Montauk and coordinates with community members, policymakers, and other stakeholders to address persistent problems and propose real solutions.
FOBB is raising funds and engaging neighbors, policymakers, and the wider community to develop tactical, small-scale infrastructural solutions to the area’s most persistent and dangerous problems. Over the next 18 months, Friends of Babbage and Bessemer proposes to organize several projects that will support a healthier environment under the trestle by 1) maintaining a clean, safe, useful environment for our neighbors and 2) fostering community engagement in our neighborhood through the curation of art and events.