More Green Spaces or More New Places in Bed-Stuy's Future?

There is an empty lot on Myrtle Avenue between Franklin and Kent avenues that is owned by the Department of Environmental Protection and that for decades has sat empty.

Community-led efforts to reclaim the land, so far, have not been successful.

Myrtle Village Green is the newest community advocacy group to step up and push for the lot's development. Its members are requesting the short-term use of the lot for things like a dog run or a community garden, or a gathering place for the elderly-- a place where residents can feel emersed in nature.

The area surrounding the lot truly is a concrete jungle, with no grassy parks or vegetation or green space for within blocks. For the elderly who have lived in the area for years, a garden within walking distance of their doorsteps would be a welcomed site, a chance to every day sit in an open space, play checkers or read the paper in the shade.

However, one elected official is saying, "not so fast."

The truth is, prime real estate in a city like Brooklyn on an avenue like Myrtle can be used for other vital things like a daycare or cafe or even affordable housing.

What do you think? As Bed-Stuy develops, should more efforts be focused on building out more green spaces, or should efforts be focused on things that stimulate the neighborhood's economy like new businesses or properties that help protect the neighborhood's most vulnerable, like affordable housing?

Take our poll, and tell us in the comments.