THE CANARSIEN (JUNE 2025) Issue
CCDI
THE CANARSIE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INC. NEWSLETTER
GROWING A GREENER CANARSIE
Harold Jones,
Executive Director, CCDI
On Saturday, May 17th, 2025, CCDI held its 6th Annual Plant Giveaway for Block Associations thanks to City Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse. This year, we added 31 residents from 17 blocks and could give away over $6,000 in plants, flowers, and herbs. This is a free program; we only ask that you send photos of your plants. The program’s concept is to encourage residents to plant rather than use concrete to pave, which adds to the flooding problems we experience in Canarsie. Since this program began six years ago, we have seen a 40% reduction in flooding and a 60% reduction in dumping. We still, however, have a long way to go in curbing the dumping along Seaview Ave and 108 Street near our Nature Preserve, Canarsie’s well-kept secret. Thankfully, we have a local business like I Love Junk that collects discarded materials, making it easier for residents to contribute to the cleanup and maintenance.
For the past year, CCDI has been rebuilding the Canarsie Community Garden at Schenck Street to accommodate children as small as kindergarten to work with adults in cultivating plants and other planting activities at the garden. We plan to add a state-of-the-art greenhouse aimed at getting seniors outdoors to reduce the prevalence of dementia in Canarsie. The Parks Department has given the Canarsie Alliance stewardship of the garden and provided additional land adjacent to the garden to develop as a community space. To create this space, carpet or cardboard will be applied to kill the invasive species. While this process takes months, the garden will eventually be used for respite and special cultural events.
We want Canarsie to be a Mecca of cultural activities and live up to DON’T DUMP – LOCAL BUSINESS LOVES JUNK Meet Miguel Innocent, the man behind the local trash removal service, I Love Junk. Born in Haiti and a proud Canarsie resident since 2011, Innocent has deep roots in the community. After working for an ambulette company that closed its doors, leaving 24,000 employees without work, he decided it was time for a new path. Rather than returning to the same industry, Innocent saw an opportunity to serve his neighborhood in a new way “RERO the FLOSSY label we have today.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU This was developed by CCDI and researchers from the Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast to gather information about flooding and land sinking issues in Canarsie, the type of damages that occur, possible actions to remedy the issues, and satisfaction with the repair results. Scan the QR code to learn more. Please Take the Survey! by launching a trash removal and cleanup business. With just one van and a big dream, he got to work right here in Canarsie. “l chose Canarsie because I live here,” he said. “This business is mobile, but I wanted to give back to the community I know and love.” Innocent believes what sets his business apart is not just the convenience of service but also the genuine care for the neighborhood and its people. “The residents here are always improving their homes,” he said. “It’s inspiring—and my services help support that growth while keeping the environment clean.”
For Innocent, this business is a family affair with even his pet getting involved. Furthermore, the response from the greater community has been overwhelmingly positive. “I’ve had the chance to meet so many fantastic people. The support has been incredible,” he remarked. Looking ahead, Innocent plans to expand the fleet and hire more local residents and is committed to growth that benefits Canarsie directly. Whether it’s a big cleanup or just helping you reclaim your space, I Love Junk is available from 10 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week.
Call 347.360.5649
347-360-5649