New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08901

Introduced
6/16/25  

Caption

Requires the community gardens task force to conduct an assessment of all community gardens located on publicly owned land in the state to facilitate each garden's designation as a critical environmental area.

Impact

The bill proposes to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law by imposing new responsibilities on the task force to assess existing community gardens and ensure they meet the necessary criteria for CEA designation. This assessment process involves thorough consultations with community garden members and the Department of Environmental Conservation to evaluate the environmental significance of each garden. Reports on the findings are required to be submitted to both the Governor and the Legislature, outlining the gardens' characteristics and recommendations for CEA status.

Summary

Bill A08901, introduced by Assembly Member Torres, focuses on community gardens located on publicly owned land in New York. It mandates the Community Gardens Task Force to conduct an assessment of these gardens to facilitate their designation as Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs). This initiative aims to enhance the recognition and protection of community gardens, which play a vital role in urban agriculture and community well-being.

Contention

Notably, the bill may raise discussions among stakeholders regarding the implications of designating community gardens as CEAs. While supporters argue that such a designation could lead to enhanced protection and potential funding for community gardens, detractors may express concerns over regulatory implications and the administrative burden that could arise from these additional assessments and designations. The balance between promoting urban agriculture and managing state resources will likely be a focal point in the bill's debates.

Companion Bills

NY S05159

Same As Requires the community gardens task force to conduct an assessment of all community gardens located on publicly owned land in the state to facilitate each garden's designation as a critical environmental area.

Previously Filed As

NY S00629

Requires the community gardens task force to conduct an assessment of all community gardens located on publicly owned land in the state to facilitate each garden's designation as a critical environmental area.

NY S08560

Requires the community gardens task force to conduct an assessment of all community gardens located on publicly owned land in the state to facilitate each garden's designation as a critical environmental area.

NY A04139

Requires the community gardens task force to conduct an assessment of all community gardens located on publicly owned land in the state to facilitate each eligible garden's designation as a critical environmental area.

NY A09408

Requires the community gardens task force to conduct an assessment of all community gardens located on publicly owned land in the state to facilitate each eligible garden's designation as a critical environmental area.

NY A04996

Establishes the food chain resiliency through community gardening grant program to expand, establish, or maintain community gardens for the purpose of strengthening the resiliency of local food supply chains.

NY S06453

Establishes the food chain resiliency through community gardening grant program to expand, establish, or maintain community gardens for the purpose of strengthening the resiliency of local food supply chains.

NY S09053

Exempts certain other than for-profit community gardens from payment for water usage and supply; exempts non-profit community gardens located on property in the city of New York and licensed by or registered with such city's department of parks and recreation from payment for water usage and supply.

NY A09919

Exempts certain other than for-profit community gardens from payment for water usage and supply; exempts non-profit community gardens located on property in the city of New York and licensed by or registered with such city's department of parks and recreation from payment for water usage and supply.

NY S01082

Relates to exempting certain non-profit community gardens from payment for water usage and supply; exempts non-profit community gardens located on property in the city of New York and registered with and licensed by such city's department of parks and recreation from payment for water usage and supply.

NY A01909

Relates to exempting certain non-profit community gardens from payment for water usage and supply; exempts non-profit community gardens located on property in the city of New York and registered with and licensed by such city's department of parks and recreation from payment for water usage and supply.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.