News &Timeline
Follow the 8-year long campaign to save Fort Greene Park's trees through court decisions, media coverage, and community organizing.
Latest News
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit, Allows Tree Removal
On Friday, July 18, 2025, members of FFGP spoke with Brooklyn News 12 to voice their disappointment in the ruling. "This decision represents a setback not only for Fort Greene Park but for all New Yorkers who believe in protecting our city's green spaces and honoring our shared historical and cultural heritage," said FFGP President Kelly Schaffer.
Despite the court's decision, the group emphasized that their fight is far from over. FFGP vowed to continue mobilizing neighbors, raising awareness, and pressing city officials to adopt the community's counter-proposal — one that preserves the tree canopy, restores historic landscape features, and ensures the park remains accessible, sustainable, and welcoming for future generations.
Recent Updates
'Living for the City' Discusses Fort Greene Park Controversy
During WBAI Radio's "Living for the City" program on May 14, 2025, hosts discussed Mt. Prospect Park and Fort Greene Park, explaining the situation well.
To tree, or not to tree? Advocates, city continue legal battle over Fort Greene Park revamp
The lush but aging greenspace was chosen as one of eight city parks to be overhauled by the Parks Without Borders program in 2016. Nine years later, the projects have wrapped up in the other seven parks — but haven't begun at Fort Greene.
That's because a group of local activists, the Friends of Fort Greene Park, believe the project will do more harm than good, and doubt the city's studies that say otherwise. In an effort to stall the project and demand more information about the plan, the Friends have filed three lawsuits against the city since 2018.
Advocates Battle NYC Parks Plan to Cut 78 Trees
A Fort Greene nonprofit group took the city Parks Department to court on March 27, arguing the city agency failed to conduct a full environmental review before approving a $24 million redesign of Fort Greene Park that would result in the removal of 78 trees.
Friends of Fort Greene Park (FFGP) argued that the Parks Department violated the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), according to a press release.
Key Milestones
Major moments that shaped the campaign to save Fort Greene Park.
FFGP, City Club of New York, and attorney Richard Lippes file lawsuit demanding environmental review under SEQRA. Landmarks Preservation Commission criticizes design.
Residents come together and prevail in court, resulting in a temporary stay of execution for the trees.
Despite the lawsuit dismissal, FFGP continues the fight with new volunteer assistance to spread awareness as quickly as possible to all neighbors and plea for the last time for counter-proposal acceptance.
Stay Informed & Take Action
We need your help NOW. Join our mailing list for updates, join us in the park, and take action to save our trees.