Serenity of Roberto Clemente Community Garden disrupted by parking problems

Legally parked cars on Shakespeare Avenue are preventing the New York City Parks Department from using a dump truck to deliver dirt, wood chips and mulch.

Marisa Marcellino

Feb 10, 2024, 1:27 AM

Updated 239 days ago

Share:

Roberto Clemente community garden is one of 18 gardens run by the Bronx Land Trust. Its president, Vivian Mendoza, says they are unable to get necessary deliveries to the garden because cars are blocking the only entrance.
For Mendoza, the park is a serene escape but she says for the last seven months it's been a major source of frustration.
"This is the time now for us to plant, to start turning over our soil, we can't get the soil to put it in our beds," said Mendoza.
Legally parked cars on Shakespeare Avenue are preventing the New York City Parks Department from using a dump truck to deliver dirt, wood chips and mulch—all necessities for spring seeding and planting, according to Mendoza.
She's fighting to keep the entrance clear and she's calling for a sign that would prohibit parking once a week to make deliveries.
Mendoza says she's reached out to the Department of Transportation, the Community Board, the Public Advocate's office and more for help. The Bronx Land Trust says many of their 18 gardens are dealing with similar issues.
The New York City Parks Department says they've had issues making deliveries at the community garden when cars do not move during alternate side parking. The Department of Transportation tells News 12 they're reviewing a request for no standing signage.