Columbus Park renovations face parking lot problem in Downtown Brooklyn

Columbus Park in Downtown Brooklyn is expected to receive major upgrades, but local leaders say a nearby parking lot is blocking renovations. The lot near Joralemon and Adams streets sits beside the park outside Brooklyn Borough Hall and is zoned as parkland. Council Member Lincoln Restler said judges have refused to move their cars despite offers of multiple alternative locations close to the courthouse, including indoor and outdoor options, valet parking, and extra security. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said the issue is not about safety and reflects judges asserting control over the parking lot. Officials secured $21 million in city funds for Phase 1, aiming to add green space and include features such as a playground, dog run, and skate park. The Office of Court Administration stated judge security is the highest priority and that no alternatives have yet been proposed.

"“[The parking lot] is zoned as parkland, and the judges have refused to move their cars,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler, who represents downtown as part of the 33rd District. The lot, located near Joralemon and Adams streets, sits next to the park outside of Brooklyn Borough Hall."

"Officials said they secured $21 million of city funds for Phase 1 of the revitalization project, which the parking lot is a part of. The goal of the project is to add more green space to the park, which stretches about eight acres from Joralemon to Tillary streets. “What we call [Columbus Park now] is like a glorified sidewalk,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “It's not a park by the traditional sense.”"

"“We've offered [judges] multiple alternative locations in immediate proximity to their courthouse - spaces indoors, spaces outdoors, spaces with valet parking and extra security,” said Restler. “They've said 'no' to everything.” “This is not about safety,” said Reynoso. “This is about [the judges] exerting their power and wanting to show the world that we shouldn't mess with their parking lot.”"

"“It was initially designed, in the 1950s, to really be the front door of the court system,” said Regina Myer, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “It's time now for it to really be a great space for everyone.” Officials said ideas for renovations include a playground, a dog run and a skate park."

Read at News 12 - Long Island