Honoring Loisaida Through the Years
For generations, “Loisaida” (a phonetic transliteration of the Spanish pronunciation of “Lower East Side”) has been a place defined by community, activism, and a deep commitment to preserving its unique character. From cultural centers and community gardens to affordable housing advocacy and historic preservation, residents and local organizations have worked tirelessly to protect the neighborhood’s history while building a future for those who call it home.
Our Village Awards have recognized many of the people and organizations carrying on this tradition. Their work reflects the many facets of community preservation in Loisaida, demonstrating how the neighborhood’s history is shaped by the people who come together to protect and celebrate their community.
Carlos “Chino” Garcia – 2026
Carlos “Chino” Garcia was a legendary activist and community leader based in the Lower East Side. Chino was best known for his work as one of the co-founders of the Charas/El Bohio community and cultural center.
CHARAS occupied the former P.S. 64 at 605 East 9th Street (east of Avenue B) for many years, and addressed issues as wide-ranging as housing, environmentalism, education, job training, and the arts. CHARAS hosted a wide array of activities: community meetings, children’s programming, art exhibits, music concerts, film screenings, plays, dance recitals, bicycle recycling, construction training, substance abuse treatment, and political organizing.
In 2015, Village Preservation had the chance to sit down with Garcia for an oral history, and in 2026, just a few months before his passing, honored his legacy with a Village Award.
LUNGS – 2025
Since its inception in 2011, Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens, or LUNGS, has strived to connect all the volunteer-based community gardens of Loisaida, the East Village, and the Lower East Side, ensuring permanent access to green spaces in lower Manhattan.
Working closely with 52 community gardens in the East Village and the Lower East Side (including some of the oldest gardens found in New York City), LUNGS operates under three core values and pillars: cooperation, coordination, and communication.
These gardens are by and for the community—maintained by volunteers and managed by GreenThumb/NYC Parks Department, New York Restoration Project, the Manhattan Land Trust, or established through the Trust for Public Land. Throughout the year, LUNGS supports a wide array of community-based events and programming that enrich the neighborhood.
Since 2013, LUNGS has offered its own pay-as-you-go Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), allowing community members to purchase and enjoy fresh, locally grown produce. Unlike other CSAs, LUNGS offers a drop-in, making it more accessible. Since 2014, the organization has provided summer employment opportunities for twelve local youth each year, offering a hands-on experience working in the community gardens and learning about ongoing environmental issues.
GOLES – 2017
GOLES stands for “Good Old Lower East Side,” which is an apt name for this group, which works hard to preserve the spirit and character of the East Village and Lower East Side. A neighborhood housing and preservation organization, GOLES has served its communities since 1977.
The organization works locally, citywide, and nationally with allies to build solidarity and collective power to fight against the issues facing residents and community members.
GOLES largely advocates for quality, affordable housing for the people of the East Village and Lower East Side, and for services that add to quality of life. GOLES takes a holistic view, combining affordable housing advocacy while maintaining the scale and character of the neighborhood. They also advocate for environmental justice, employment services and training, and services for seniors.
Rosie Mendez – 2012
Throughout her career, City Councilmember Rosie Mendez distinguished herself as a staunch advocate for historic preservation and zoning protections, as well as a voice for the Puerto Rican and LGBTQ+ communities.
From 2006 until 2017, Rosie represented District 2 in the City Council, which at the time included the East Village as well much of NoHo and Greenwich Village east of Fifth Avenue (that district, with somewhat different boundaries, is now represented by Harvey Epstein).
One of Rosie’s first acts as city councilmember was to join GVSHP and neighbors in protesting NYU’s plans for a 26-story dorm on the site of the historic St. Ann’s Church in the East Village (sadly, and despite years of fighting, the building was constructed).
In the East Village, in particular, Rosie had a tremendous influence in expanding landmark protections and speaking up for endangered historic sites. She successfully campaigned for the expansion of the proposed East Village/Lower East Side Historic District to include key sites, such as 101 Avenue A and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral on East 2nd Street, which Village Preservation long fought to protect.
In addition to her landmarking efforts, Rosie pushed for more appropriate zoning in nearly the entire East Village and much of the Lower East Side in 2008. She was also a staunch advocate for animal rights in New York City.
You can learn more about past Village Award winners HERE. You can learn more about Loisaida, its culture and history, HERE.