Patti Smith He sang at a protest rally in New York as part of an attempt to prevent the conversion of a park in the city center into an affordable area.

The Sculpture Garden in Manhattan’s Nolta district, Elizabeth Street Garden, has long been a community gathering for artists and residents of the city.

However, the Municipal Authority – which holds the land – announced plans to convert the park into a “urban oasis”, a move against which Soho’s indulgences were brought to Manhattan such as Patti Smith, Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese.

On Tuesday, there was a gathering of residents trying to rescue the park with Patti Smith performing her songs, including “Peaceable Kingdom”.

“The park is a completely unique public refuge, where art, nature, literature and activism live peacefully”Pati Smith wrote in a letter in August 2024 to New York Mayor Erik Adams, who puts pressure on the construction of houses in the area. “I have the privilege of reading poetry and singing in the serene but festive gatherings in the park, where people of all ages, friends and neighbors, tourists with their children,” added the American singer and poet.

Patti Smith recognized the municipal authority’s well -intentioned intentions for the site, stressing that “Affordable housing and green areas are both key assets.”