Breakfast Archive: Adrian Benepe and City Parks

On July 6, 2015 the Appellate Division, First Department voted unanimously to enjoin construction of a shopping mall and movie theater on the site of the former Shea Stadium in Willets Point, Queens.  The suit was brought in part by advocates of New York City’s parks, the latest in a long history of actions by New Yorkers to represent their valued open spaces.  On October 21, 2005 Adrian Benepe, then Commissioner of the Department of … <Read More>


City Announces Rule Changes for Unlawful Dumping on Parks Properties

On March 31, 2025, New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and other critical stakeholders announced the City has amended a rule to increase penalties for unlawful dumping on Parks properties. An amendment to Section 1-07 of NYC Parks rules, effective March 31, raises the prior $1,000 penalty for a first-time illegal dumping offense to $5,000. There is also a $10,000 fine for each subsequent illegal dumping violation occurring within twelve months of the initial … <Read More>


Parks Dept, City Officials Celebrate Opening of New Skate Park in Red Hook

On July 2, 2024, the New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, in collaboration with New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, New York City Councilmember Alexa Avilés, and members of the community celebrated the opening of a new skate and BMX park and renovations conducted at Harold Ickes Playground in Red Hook. This project was funded by the New York City Council, Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, and the Office of … <Read More>



City Announces Investment of New Skate Parks for City’s Youth

On April 30, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced a partnership with The Skatepark Project and an investment of $24.8 million in skate parks in Brooklyn and the Bronx. The Skatepark Project is a nonprofit organization with a goal of providing safe and inclusive public skateparks for the youth and the City’s partnership with them will be in furtherance of Mayor Adams’ … <Read More>


City Council Votes for Three Parks Bills to Improve Capital Project Transparency, Build Green Micro-spaces

On December 21, 2022, the City Council voted to approve three bills that would improve transparency with the Parks Department’s capital projects process and utilize small or micro spaces that can be used for beneficial green space. All three bills were sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation.