Brooklyn parks left behind in development boom, critics say
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — As Brooklyn’s development surge continues, concerns are rising over the disparity in park resources across the borough.
While areas like North Brooklyn showcase trendy new developments such as Domino Park and Bushwick Inlet Park, a shadow looms over the accessibility of green spaces for all residents.
Katie Denny Horowitz, Executive Director of the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, is leading the charge for equitable city funding distribution to address this imbalance. She emphasizes the need for smaller parks in under-resourced areas to receive adequate maintenance and programming resources, advocating for what she believes all New Yorkers deserve.
Currently, parks receive a mere 0.5% of the city budget for maintenance and operations, falling short of meeting the community’s needs. Horowitz highlights a widening gap between available resources and residents’ requirements, particularly in neighborhoods like Greenpoint and Williamsburg.
To bridge this gap, Horowitz proposes innovative partnerships tailored to each neighborhood’s specific needs, drawing inspiration from successful models like Business Improvement Districts. By leveraging these partnerships and pooling resources, she envisions sustainable funding to cultivate vibrant public spaces accessible to all residents.
By adopting a holistic approach that considers the entire neighborhood, Horowitz aims to prevent neglecting less fortunate areas while focusing solely on affluent regions. This strategy aligns with her vision of promoting community equity through thoughtful planning and resource allocation.
As North Brooklyn faces the risk of becoming a divided landscape adorned with upscale green spaces while others lack basic park amenities, Horowitz stressed the importance of exploring alternative funding sources.
The North Brooklyn Parks Alliance urges community members to support The Play Fair petition, set to be presented at City Hall during the upcoming budget hearing.
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