Report on the Condition and Management of Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) in New York City

Introduction

New York City hosts hundreds of Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS), including plazas, courtyards, and small parks. These spaces are typically maintained by developers as part of agreements allowing larger building projects. POPS aim to contribute to urban livability by providing accessible outdoor areas for public use, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Case Study: POPS Behind 200 E. 89th Street

Recently, the POPS located behind 200 E. 89th Street has come under scrutiny due to ongoing neglect and deterioration. A long-term resident, who requested anonymity, reported the declining condition of this space, highlighting issues that undermine the SDG 11 objective of inclusive, safe, and accessible green public spaces.

Findings on POPS Conditions and Maintenance

1. Neglect and Deterioration: The resident noted worsening conditions over 12 years, including peeling benches, empty planters, rat infestations, and removal of signage, which reduces public awareness and accessibility.
2. Lack of City Oversight: No recent inspections by the Department of Buildings (DOB) or Department of City Planning have been observed. Maintenance is limited to basic cleaning by the building superintendent.
3. Resident Initiatives: The resident has personally contributed by adding potted plants to improve the space, reflecting community engagement aligned with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Enforcement and Regulatory Actions

• The DOB has identified multiple violations related to the POPS maintenance and signage.
• As of June 2025, The Monarch building, which includes the POPS, has 137 DOB violations and 23 violations from the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH/ECB).
• Two enforcement summonses have been issued for failure to maintain the POPS and to provide proper signage.

Challenges and Broader Implications

The situation at 200 E. 89th Street exemplifies broader challenges in balancing private development with public benefit, a critical issue for achieving SDG 11. Without consistent enforcement and citywide management, POPS risk becoming neglected, undermining their intended role in enhancing urban environments.

Recommendations for Sustainable Urban Development

1. Comprehensive Citywide Analysis: Conduct a thorough assessment of all POPS to identify maintenance gaps and enforce compliance.
2. Strengthen Enforcement Mechanisms: Enhance coordination among city agencies to ensure timely inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
3. Community Engagement: Encourage resident participation in monitoring and maintaining POPS, fostering partnerships aligned with SDG 17.
4. Transparency and Public Awareness: Maintain clear signage and public information to promote accessibility and usage of POPS.

Conclusion

The condition of the POPS behind 200 E. 89th Street highlights the need for improved management and enforcement to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable cities and communities. While recent enforcement actions are positive steps, a coordinated, citywide approach is essential to ensure that POPS serve their intended public purpose effectively.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses the maintenance and accessibility of privately owned public spaces (POPS) in New York City, which directly relates to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The presence of rats and poor maintenance in public spaces impacts community health and well-being.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article highlights issues with enforcement, regulatory oversight, and accountability concerning the upkeep of POPS, which relates to building effective, accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Proportion of urban public spaces that are accessible and well-maintained (implied by the condition and accessibility of POPS).
   • Number of complaints and violations related to public space maintenance (evidenced by DOB violations and complaints).
2. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Incidence of vector-borne diseases or health hazards related to poor sanitation (implied by rat infestations and unsanitary conditions).
3. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of enforcement actions and violations issued by regulatory bodies (DOB violations and summonses).
   • Existence and effectiveness of inspection and enforcement mechanisms (implied by lack of consistent inspections and fragmented management).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: ourtownny.com