Neglected Memorial Plaza in Greenpoint Draws Concerns
Residents in Greenpoint are expressing dismay over the state of a memorial plaza dedicated to a revered Roman Catholic priest, which has become overrun with debris and vagrants. Weeds and unkempt plants have invaded the space, leading many to label it an eyesore.
Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko Square, a small green area tucked away near the busy McCarren Park, is now perceived as a problematic spot by locals and politicians alike. City Councilman Lincoln Ressler mentioned the ongoing issues, stating, “This plaza has had chronic problems for years.” He added that the park’s staff shortage has negatively impacted the plaza as well.
“I think we all need to do a better job together to prioritize the preservation of this area,” Ressler continued. It feels more like an eyesore than a safety issue, he noted.
Congresswoman Emily Gallagher emphasized the significance of the square to the Polish-American community. “Father Jerzy Popiełuszko Square is a very important monument in Greenpoint, especially for Polish-American voters,” she said. She recounted her presence at a vigil following the vandalism of Father Popiełuszko’s statue in 2021.
“Parks across the city face challenges like odor, trash, drug use, and homelessness,” Gallagher remarked, voicing her support for Ressler’s efforts to collaborate with the Parks Department to ensure cleanliness and safety in public spaces.
Residents have been voicing concerns for years, and local volunteer groups are stepping in to help. However, ongoing quality of life issues, worsened by the limited number of park staff, complicate their efforts.
Julianna Curcio, a former Greenpoint resident, stopped by the plaza and was taken aback by the sight of several vagrants drinking and smoking. “It’s definitely disappointing. I feel like the city doesn’t care about this space either,” she commented. Her experiences living in Williamsburg made her appreciate the importance of monuments—something that clearly resonates with the Polish-American community in the area.
A park official stated that daily clean-ups in the plaza occur, especially in the summer. “Our park enforcement patrols work regularly with DHS for homeless assistance,” they added, encouraging visitors to maintain cleanliness in public spaces. “New York City Parks staff work daily to keep our parks free of trash and debris.”
Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, a Polish priest and anti-communist advocate, was tragically killed by communist authorities in 1984. A monument in his honor was established in Greenpoint, a neighborhood known for having one of the largest Polish populations in the U.S., in October 1990.
Ressler emphasized the community’s affection for Father Popiełuszko and the importance of maintaining the memorial space properly. He revealed that multiple park officers have been assigned to the area daily to address the issues.
In the meantime, Ressler’s office is nudging volunteer groups to help clean up McCarren Park and possibly include less-known plazas in their efforts.
However, some advocates like Marek Skrimowski, president of the Kosciuszko Foundation, believe the neglect of the square reflects a broader trend. “The neglect of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko Square in Greenpoint is very worrying,” Skrimowski said, pointing to the similarly poor treatment of the nearby monument to General Thaddeusz Kościuszko.
“Local governments must implement regular maintenance for these monuments now that they are officially recognized,” he added. He drew a parallel to how monuments of American heroes in Poland receive proper care and expressed the need to honor these figures to foster a better future.
