Willow Gets 'Stay Of Execution' From Bk Developer, Activist Says

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — The historic Weeksville willow tree in danger of being chopped down by developers has been granted a “one week stay of execution,” according to an activist trying to save it.

“Their lawyer didn’t look too happy,” said Greg Todd, an activist who appeared in Brooklyn Civil Court on Wednesday to defend the Imani Community Garden willow tree. “The judge was like, ‘You can probably wait one more week.’”

Developers who purchased the garden at 87-91 Schenectady Ave. have been threatening to chop down the tree and build a four-story residential building since they first bought the plot of land for $500,000 in 2015, city records show.

Imani Community Garden activists have been trying to make a deal with Mindy Deutsch — who represents the landowners — by offering them air rights and neighboring plots in return for a pledge to preserve the approximately 70-year-old tree, both Todd and Deutsch confirmed with Patch.

“We didn’t decide whether not were chopping down the tree or not,” Deutsch told Patch on Wednesday. “We’re trying to make a deal.”

“I don’t get a sense that he’s trying to hard,” retorted Todd. “He’s kind of doing the least he can to show he’s trying to save this tree.”

Which is why Todd filed suit against the landowners, named by Department of Building records as 89 Schenectady LLC, after they filed permits to develop the land in March, he said.

And, on Wednesday, a Brooklyn judge gave Todd one week to file a request for Landmark Preservation Commission review that could potentially protect the tree from being destroyed, Todd said.

If Todd can provide proof that LPC officials will review his request, he can get a court-ordered “stay of execution” until the board makes its final decision, he said.

Todd also hopes to get letters of support from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the Weeksville Heritage Center.

“The fact that I was in court by myself today probably didn’t help our case,” said Todd.

“If we could show up with 30 or 40 people and get those letters of support from the Brooklyn Borough President, I think there’s a good chance.”

Representatives from Eric Adam's office did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

Photo by Patch editor Ciara McCarthy