Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko Square in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a memorial to a Polish Roman Catholic priest and anti-communist advocate, has become a source of concern for residents and local officials due to persistent neglect, according to reports.
The plaza, located near McCarren Park, has been described as an eyesore by locals and officials, citing issues with overflowing trash, encroaching weeds, and the presence of individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use.
"We’ve had chronic issues in this square for years," city Councilman Lincoln Restler told The Post. "It’s right next to McCarren Park — immediately adjacent to the largest park in the neighborhood — and we have too few park staff to keep that park clean. Unfortunately, the plaza has also suffered."
Restler stated that while the situation is an "eyesore," it is not yet a dangerous condition. He added, "I think we need to collectively do a better job of prioritizing the maintenance of this area."
Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher highlighted the square's importance to the Polish American community, noting an incident in 2021 where the statue of Father Popiełuszko was "heinously vandalized." She also acknowledged that "odors, trash, and people struggling with substance use and/or houselessness are frequent issues in parks across the city" and supports efforts to improve park conditions.
Locals have reportedly complained about the square's state for years, with volunteer groups like the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance stepping in to assist with maintenance. However, the persistent quality-of-life issues, exacerbated by a perceived lack of New York City Parks Department staffing, have made it challenging for volunteers to keep up.
"That is definitely disappointing, that I feel like the city is just not taking care of this space as well," said Julianna Curcio, a former Greenpoint resident who visited the plaza recently and observed several individuals congregating there. "I feel like this specific park is just a little bit overlooked."
A spokesperson for NYC Parks stated that the department performs daily cleanups at the square and coordinates with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) on outreach. "NYC Parks staff work daily to keep our parks and greenspaces free of trash and debris, from emptying trash cans to picking up litter from our shared spaces," the spokesperson said.
Father Jerzy Popiełuszko was an outspoken critic of the communist regime in Poland and was assassinated by secret police in 1984, later being recognized as a martyr. The Greenpoint monument was dedicated in his honor in October 1990. Greenpoint is known for having one of the largest Polish populations in the United States.
"It’s an important public space for our whole community, but especially for the Polish community in Greenpoint," Restler said. "He was a beloved individual, and it’s important that we maintain this space properly in his honor."
Restler's office has been working with the Parks Department, which has reportedly increased daily efforts to improve conditions since last week. His office has also encouraged volunteer groups to include the square in their regular maintenance routes for nearby McCarren Park.
Marek Skulimowski, president and executive director of the Kosciuszko Foundation, suggested that the neglect of this plaza may reflect a broader pattern, citing a similar lack of care at a nearby monument to General Thaddeus Kościuszko. He urged authorities to establish regular maintenance mechanisms for these significant public spaces.