Vacant lots across New York City could soon become lush green spaces. Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced plans to transform underutilized and abandoned lots into parks, playgrounds, and green space in neighborhoods lacking open public space. The $30 million proposal includes going through the city’s uniform land use review procedure (ULURP) to allow for multiple locations in a neighborhood to be reviewed in one application. Earlier this month, the Parks Department submitted applications for 44 sites in the first two community districts identified, Brooklyn Community District 5 and Queens Community District 3.
Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr
“Access to high-quality parks is not a luxury, it is a necessity for the health and wellness of our communities. Expanding our green spaces is just one of the ways we’re making New York City the best place to raise a family,” NYC Parks Commissioner Donoghue said.
“We’re committed to supporting creative efforts to add more open space in the city so that every New Yorker — regardless of your zip code — has room to play, grow, and gather outside.”
The city’s Parks Department would also acquire vacant lots by transferring them from other city agencies. Most new land acquired by Parks over the past three years has come from such transfers at no cost.
Parks has identified 19 community districts that lack sufficient green space and has begun submitting one ULURP application per district. Each application covers multiple small sites within these areas. While not every site will be acquired, successful applications will allow Parks to purchase the included properties.
Parks recently submitted applications for 44 sites in Brooklyn Community District 5, which includes East New York and Cypress Hills, and Queens Community District 3, home to Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and Corona.
Made possible by Adams’ “Get Stuff Built” initiative, these neighborhood-scale ULURPs streamline the zoning process by allowing multiple sites to be reviewed at once, cutting red tape and accelerating approvals.
Brooklyn Community District 5 sites. Credit: NYC Parks
Parks collaborated with the Departments of City Planning and Housing Preservation and Development to identify sites best suited for parkland, based on factors such as size, location, and the status of neighboring properties.
The proposal is part of the city’s “Vital Parks for All” initiative, unveiled in June 2024. The $3.2 billion plan focuses on preserving existing park facilities, expanding accessibility in underserved neighborhoods, and improving New Yorkers’ understanding of the health of their local parks.
The announcement falls under Adams’ “We Outside Summer” initiative, which includes events, investments, and programs to “ensure New Yorkers have a safe, enjoyable summer,” according to the city.
“Today, we’re announcing a new effort to turn vacant, abandoned lots into parks — bringing more green spaces to neighborhoods across New York City that don’t currently have access to them. This initiative builds on our administration’s commitment to put a park within walking distance of a park because access to parks is critical, and as summer arrives, we’re working hard to deliver green spaces to the areas most in need across the five boroughs.”
NYC wants to turn vacant lots into public parks and playgrounds
May 28, 2025
Cover Photo by Jim.henderson on Wikimedia