Evan Thies

Angry North Brooklynites Demand Promised Parks at Rally

Residents, advocates and elected officials have formed a new coalition, “Where’s Our Park?” in response to Bloomberg administration claims of “no schedule” and “no funding” for the open space guaranteed during 2005 re-zoning, specifically Bushwick Inlet Park.

Angry Where’s Our Parkers rallied on Saturday, October 15th in front of the stretch of industrial waterfront the Bloomberg Administration promised to open up to the public and turn into parkland during the 2005 rezoning of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. A similar concerted neighborhood effort resulted in the City making good on a similar promise for 65 Commercial Street this past April.

The administration shocked residents and elected officials recently when it told community leaders that there was “no schedule” and “no funding” for new parks guaranteed by the mayor himself, when the City was pushing through a massive and controversial up-zoning that has already brought thousands of new residents to the previously low-density community.

“It is completely unacceptable that, six years after this agreement was reached, the Administration still has not put forth a real plan to fund the park space on the Williamsburg-Greenpoint waterfront,” said Councilmember Stephen Levin. “Our community has waited long enough for much-need open space. Mayor Bloomberg, you promised us a park and it’s time to fulfill your end of the deal. A promise is a promise.”

“It’s frustrating. The Mayor is trumpeting all these new parks around the City, except ours—the ones he promised to us,” said Assemblyman Joe Lentol. “City officials need to refocus on our parks to fulfill the agreements made to our community.”

“Every community deserves access to open space — and North Brooklyn is no exception,” said Senator Daniel Squadron. “It’s time for the City to fulfill its promise and make Bushwick Inlet Park a reality.”

“The City wants us to believe that they don’t have the money to make good on their promise to this community. But parks are investments in communities—and one of the best returns on our tax dollars over time,” said Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park co-chair Laura Treciokas, a founding member of the Where’s Our Park coalition. “Parks create a stronger tax base by adding property value and nearby commercial sales, as well as add construction and maintenance jobs. Most importantly, parks can be paid for over a long period of time—yet we continue to be in constant danger of permanently losing access to our already fenced-off waterfront in North Brooklyn. This community, the City Council and the Mayor all knew this six years ago, and that’s why they decided through democratic process to build these parks. They were right, and the City should fulfill that commitment.”

To get involved or to learn more, go to www.wheresourpark.org.

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