On Sunday our Kickstarter project ended. We successfully reached and even exceeded our goal of $23,000, ringing in at $24,282 pledged by 284 incredible people. Thank you all for your support!
Next up in the immediate future:
- We are applying for non-profit status so we can register as a 501(c)3 – a tax-exempt organization (Form 1023).
- Contacting contractors/engineers who will be able to install a water line onto the property. The water issue has been an interesting decision-making process. There are several scenarios we looked at including utilizing hydrant water and rain barrel collection. I am leaning heavily toward installing a proper pipe, faucet and water meter because of its permanence and ease of use. I can run drip line into the vegetable beds, there will always be adequate pressure and there will always be water! A rain barrel in the northeast will not necessarily catch enough water to supply a sizeable garden throughout the summer. A fire hydrant is a nuisance to set up and you must install a pressure regulator. The only thing with installing a water line is how to winterize it.
- We are meeting with architects at Growing Cities who will help us design and build out certain elements of the space, including our outdoor classroom, benches and picnic tables.
- Continue to apply for grants the old-fashioned way.
In the more distant future:
- PRIORITY: Apply to have the lot transferred from HPD to Parks Dept. This will insure that it will not be taken away in the future. The decision will go before a committee. Thankfully I have some folks in the Brooklyn Borough President’s office on my side!
