#randyland

So I know a lot of Pittsburghers, obviously myself included, panicked when this hit social media:

[ID: A piece of white paper posted over a painted Randyland sign. At the top of the original sign you can read the words, “Keep clean thanks, Randyland.” The paper reads, “Demolition Notice. Randyland Gardens (Established 20 Years Ago). 1400 Block Jacksonia St. and Arch St. 30 Day Notice. June 2, 2023. For more information, please contact Pittsburgh URA.” End ID.]

I even saw a screenshot in the comments on this Facebook post (which has now also been edited) that Randy Gilson himself posted about complaints from a neighbor and saying goodbye to the space, using the words “today the world picks on happy people and happiness everywhere” (except his version was in all caps). However.

The Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority is not taking Randyland down. I don’t know if Randy just panicked about the complaint, as local social media did, or what exactly happened, but there is no need to contact the URA, they did not put up that sign neither are they planning to destroy Randyland.

I had emailed when I saw the “news,” and this is the response I received from Tanika Harris of the Pittsburgh URA:

[ID: A screenshot from an email with the subject line “Randyland/URA Communication.” The body of the email reads, “Good Afternoon, Thank you for reaching out! The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has no intention of demolishing the community garden, affectionately known as Randyland. The demolition sign that was posted on Friday, June 2 did not come from the URA or any of our affiliates. The URA has been in conversation with Randy Gilson, Community Garden Curator and Councilman Bobby Wilson. We are committed to ensuring a safe space for all residents and will continue to work with our partners to bring about clarity, transparency, and community.” End ID.]

So I apologize for the quick reaction, I know I’m not the only one who freaked out and I am sure the URA has been absolutely flooded with emails and phone calls about this. It sounds like Randy is the one who put up the sign and while I still do not fully understand what went down, Randyland is not in danger from the URA.