2 Research and Survey Vacant Lots → Develop a survey (address, lot structures) → Gather on-site observations → Photograph the lots → Identify ownership → Determine zoning laws
Clustered Vacant Lots Clusters of single vacant lots could serve to establish a scattered housing cooperative, under the stewardship of a community land trust (CLT) Example: Cooper Square Community Land Trust https://www.coopersquareclt.org/
3
Build Community Buy-In → Speak with residents and local businesses → Host neighborhood meetings → Build power and support Who’s going to tonight’s meeting?
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Me! We need more community owned spaces.
Develop an Action Plan → Determine community priorities → Define potential vacant lot uses → Host workshops Check out our long term organizing toolkit
Check out our short term organizing toolkit
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SUNSET PARK VACANT LOTS INVENTORY
Take Action! → Speak with local representatives → Organize with neighbors
CLT Now!
Community Stewardship >>>>>
We demand a Cooperative Future Sunset Park is not for sale!!
This map visualizes the nearly 150 vacant lots in Sunset Park (as of December 2024). The orange rectangles show where vacant, or undeveloped, lots exist in Sunset Park. Vacant lots are valuable assets for advancing housing justice and resisting displacement caused by gentrification. These underutilized spaces can be transformed into cooperative housing or community resources that reflect the needs and vision of local residents. By mapping and surveying vacant lots, the community can identify opportunities for equitable redevelopment, ensuring these spaces serve current residents rather than outside developers. Understanding the ownership, zoning, and history of these lots creates opportunity for residents to advocate for their use in creating cooperatively owned space. Activating vacant lots strengthens Sunset Park’s resilience and promotes collective ownership.