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Boerum Hill Resident Looks for Volunteers to Tend Local Garden

By Nikhita Venugopal | December 16, 2013 4:26pm
 The Hoyt Street Garden is located at Hoyt Street and Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill.
The Hoyt Street Garden is located at Hoyt Street and Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill.
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Margaret Cusack

BOERUM HILL — More than 30 years ago, a group of residents decided to turn a vacant lot into a “jewel.”

The Hoyt Street Garden used to be covered with garbage, debris and weeds, said Margaret Cusack, 68, who moved to Boerum Hill in 1974 – the same year she and a group of residents created the garden.

“It was just really, really dismal,” she said.

Cusack is now looking for volunteers who will help tend to the garden — just like she and her neighbors did years ago.

The garden, located at Hoyt Street and Atlantic Avenue, has hosted readings, dances and small concerts, which Cusack hopes the “Hoyt Street Garden Committee” will be able to revive.

A part-time gardener and worker currently care for the green space, but Cusack is looking for residents who will organize cultural events and activities as well as do minor repairs.

The garden is open to anyone who would like to own a key, said Cusack. The Boerum Hill resident retired as the president of the Hoyt Street Association, a community group, earlier this year.

“Over all these years, it’s lasted pretty well,” said Cusack, who’d like to see the work of her and her friends continue.

While Cusack has found the neighborhood to be less involved with local activities, she is hoping volunteers will understand the importance of the Hoyt Street Garden as a neighborhood spot to enjoy nature, she said.

“People need green space,” she said.

For more information on volunteering at the Hoyt Street Garden email cusackart@aol.com