Crown Heights Street Claims Top Honors in 30th Annual 'Greenest Block' Competition

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has officially crowned the winner of its 2026 'Greenest Block in Brooklyn' contest, awarding the top residential honor to Lincoln Place in Crown Heights. The stretch, located between New York and Nostrand avenues, is maintained by the local gardening committee P.L.A.N.T., which has previously taken home the first-place title in 2019, 2022, and 2024.

This year’s competition marked a significant milestone, celebrating three decades of neighborhood greening efforts. According to organizers, the 2026 event saw 139 entries, including a record-breaking 47 first-time participants. The contest aims to foster community connection through shared horticultural projects, ranging from residential street beds to commercial storefronts.

In a statement regarding their recurring success, the P.L.A.N.T. committee noted that their efforts have evolved over the last seven years to include mentorship for residents interested in tree-bed care and community gardening. The group emphasized that their work is intended to strengthen neighborhood bonds, stating that the initiative proves how collective action can improve the urban landscape.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso commended the participants for their contributions to the borough’s aesthetic and social fabric. "When neighbors get outside and work together to make their streets greener, the entire community is more beautiful and connected for years to come," Reynoso said.

Sonal Bhatt, vice president of education at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, described the annual tradition as a vital way to cultivate local pride. Beyond the residential category, the contest recognized various other winners, including the Montague Street BID for the greenest commercial block and The Greene Garden in Fort Greene for sustainable practices.

While the winning blocks receive cash prizes and certificates, all participants are provided with fall bulbs and recognition for their involvement. The competition remains open to residential, commercial, and community garden groups throughout Brooklyn, serving as a platform for residents to showcase their commitment to local environmental stewardship.