A number of Brooklyn residents gathered on Sunday, urging city officials to officially designate a downtown parking lot used by judges as parkland.
Local City Councilman Lincoln Ressler expressed his frustration, stating that judges and their staff have effectively covered Columbus Park with concrete while continuing to utilize the parking lot for years.
“This generation of judges…has prioritized their own convenience over our community’s needs,” Ressler remarked during the protest.
He pointed out that judges already have access to around 250 free parking spaces nearby, with 170 on-street spots and 80 in a city garage just a couple of blocks away. Meanwhile, over 25,000 new homes have been constructed in downtown Brooklyn recently, and residents are increasingly seeking more green spaces.
“Every summer when I walk by, it’s just unbearably hot—I really wish there were more trees and grass for some shade,” said Kate Blum from Cobble Hill.
Ressler believes that transforming the parking lot into a park would benefit the community as a whole. “You can serve more people this way. It’s a win-win,” he added.
However, judges have taken legal action, suing the city and former Mayor Eric Adams for allegedly breaching a 2008 agreement that required their approval before any removal of parking spaces.
Ressler argues that private parking options, such as those provided by the Brooklyn Law School and nearby hotels, are sufficient. He remains optimistic that a new mayoral administration might facilitate this project.
He mentioned a fear among some officials to confront the judges, noting, “You never know when one of us might end up in their courtroom.”
The $80 million plan aims to develop Columbus Park into an eight-acre green space featuring lawns and gardens. So far, Ressler has secured $21 million in funds, but the agreement hinges on judicial approval.
Kathy Park-Price from New Yorkers for Parks pointed out that downtown Brooklyn has only about 6 percent park space, significantly less than the citywide average of 23 percent. “Columbus Park will benefit thousands if converted,” she remarked, adding that the current parking situation is untenable.
While Ressler emphasizes the urgent need for more green space, the president of the New York Administrative Office of Courts has cited increased threats against judges as the reason for occupying parking lots. Despite attempts to reach out for comment, there has been no response from their office.
