Expensive Bill Brown Park Construction Delayed Until The Spring

It’s been over a year and a half, and Bill Brown park still doesn’t have its multi-million dollar bathroom.

We last reported on the park’s project when it was announced in February of 2014. Back then the estimated completion date was summer of 2016, which, barring peculiar weather, has come and gone. Residents are wondering what is going on with the $2.6 million that was allocated for the project.

Some obstacles were encountered along the way to this comfort station. A fuel tank was found in the ground during construction, which led to contractors having to get new contracts to remove the tank, according to City Councilmember Chaim Deutsch, who allocated the funds to the project, and has been working with the Parks Department to expedite its completion.

“The park isn’t meant for just the people living around the park who can run home to use the bathroom,” said Deutsch.

“We are currently in construction at Bill Brown comfort station and expect to have it completed by next spring,” said a Parks Department spokesperson. “The project was generously funded with $2.675 from Councilmember Deutsch.”

Deutsch gave the completion date of August of 2017, but has been doing everything he can to get the project done quicker which is why the Parks Department is shooting for the spring.

Another issue that they encountered while demolition was progressing was the unanticipated poor condition of the existing building there, according to the Parks Department. Deutsch said the wall near the roof needed additional work that wasn’t in the original contract.

Basically, the Parks Department didn’t know what it was in for when they started this project, but they are determined to get it finished as quickly and responsibly as possible.

“Bill Brown Park has gone through many issues,” said Thersa Scavo, Chairperson of Community Board 15. “There were construction issues and set backs as well as contractor issues. The project was larger than originally thought.”

The park has been a staple in the community, acting as a place of solitude and support with its inspirational 9/11 memorial wall. We are definitely excited for the work there to be done.