Parks Department

Animal rights advocates rally outside of City Hall in favor of a bill to prevent birds being exposed to rat poison.

animals

Flaco’s Law: With Bird Bill, City Council Pushes Plan B for Rat Control to Protect Feathered Friends

April 11, 2024, 3:57 p.m.April 11, 2024, 4:56 p.m.

Rodenticide, building lights and glass windows are among the biggest threats for owls, hawks and falcons in New York.

Rachel Graham Kagan, left, and Maggi Farmer pose for a portrait in Bennett Park.

Parks

An Actual Turf War Erupts in Washington Heights as Parents Protest Synthetic Grass

April 4, 2024, 3:20 p.m.April 8, 2024, 11:09 a.m.

A plan to replace dirt in Bennett Park with artificial turf has raised health and environmental concerns. But parks officials say turf is leagues easier to maintain than grass.

The Big Reuse compost site under the Queensboro Bridge in in Long Island City.

Environment

Parks Department Throws Out Long Island City Compost Center

March 15, 2024, 4:59 a.m.March 14, 2024, 8:24 p.m.

Big Reuse has been asked to leave its spot under the Queensboro Bridge, while other organic waste facilities also face uncertain futures.

The NYPD shows off one of their drones during a press conference along the East River.

Pools and Beaches

NYPD to Deploy Drones to Drop Flotation Devices on Drowning Swimmers at City Beaches

Feb. 20, 2024, 4:23 p.m.Feb. 21, 2024, 11:54 a.m.

It’s not clear how many of the remotely-operated drones will be in use this summer — or how they’ll coordinate with the Parks Department and lifeguards.

Emergency FDNY responders speed through the Financial District, Jan. 4, 2023.

Mayor's Office

Less Crime, Slower Responses, Greener Parks — the MMR’s Mixed Bag

Jan. 31, 2024, 6:48 p.m.Jan. 31, 2024, 6:48 p.m.

The “Mayor’s Management Report” provides a snapshot of how the city is doing for the regular New Yorker. There’s some good news and some bad news.

A cabin cruiser floated around City Island before washing ashore last month on Rodman’s Neck.

The Bronx

Abandoned Ghost Boats Haunt City Island’s Shores

Jan. 26, 2024, 5:00 a.m.Jan. 26, 2024, 8:21 a.m.

The half-dozen derelict vessels there are among at least 600 boats washed up citywide.

Harding Park in The Bronx showed signs of wear and tear.

Parks

Bronx Park Gets Multi-Million Dollar Injection After Three Decades

Jan. 12, 2024, 5:00 a.m.Jan. 12, 2024, 11:05 a.m.

Residents are discussing what to prioritize in a renovation and expansion of Harding Park that the Parks Department says will take three to four years to complete.