Proposed park renovations in Downtown Brooklyn face pushback from courts
The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership wants to transform Columbus Park into a more vibrant and welcoming space.
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A popular park in Downtown Brooklyn could soon get a major makeover. But not everyone's on board with the plan.
The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership wants to transform Columbus Park into a more vibrant and welcoming space.
"This is an 8-acre park centered on Borough Hall that was historically built in the post-war era to serve the court system and the civic area around it," explained Regina Myer, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. "At this point, it’s really time to upgrade the park so we can serve more New Yorkers."
Some of the upgrades would include a new lawn and a dog park, which is exciting news for dog owners.
"A dog park would be awesome," said Elizabeth Obee, who visits Columbus Park multiple times a day.
However, the plan, which Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Councilmember Lincoln Restler are also backing, would get rid of a parking lot reserved for courthouse judges and staff.
A spokesperson for the Office of Court Administration says the current lot provides the necessary security for judges who are under increasing threats. The spokesperson adds there haven't been any proposed alternatives that would provide adequate security.
The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership says the proposed upgrades are a result of feedback from the community. They hope to continue working with the court system on a plan that will work for everyone.
