This paper argues for the creation of community garden-based community violence intervention (CVI) programs in New York City to reduce recidivism and promote community development. Given their historical and relational ties to underserved NYC neighborhoods, these place-based interventions have the potential to address urban challenges while fostering participatory planning processes. First, I will discuss the history of both community gardens and the policing practices that have contributed to the hypercriminalization and overincarceration of New Yorkers living in these same neighborhoods. Next, I will examine the barriers to establishing and maintaining community gardens and CVI programs. Finally, I will propose solutions to overcome these barriers and offer a conceptual framework for the implementation of these programs.