They are squandering taxpayer money by the millions.
New York City has blown a staggering $5 million to install just five stainless steel toilets in public parks—an absurdity considering these so-called “futuristic” pods retail for around $185,000 each. At a cost of $1 million per unit, plus additional expenses for plumbing and related infrastructure, the sheer waste of resources is beyond comprehension.
Residents are outraged. “It frustrates me,” says Bushwick local Tiv Adler. “We should be reallocating that money to more essential public resources.”
While some believe that having accessible restrooms is crucial, many point out that one of the new toilets at Hoyt Playground was locked and unusable. “I feel like we should actually be able to use it,” adds Valeria Martinez, who rightly calls the initiative a “waste of money.” It’s hard to argue against that when you consider how quickly these facilities may fall into disrepair.
This botched venture is part of a $6 million pilot program that aims to address public restroom needs across five poorly served neighborhoods, including spots in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Mayor Eric Adams justifies the expense, stating that New Yorkers shouldn’t have to cut their fun short when nature calls. But the question remains—will these costly facilities actually be functional when needed?
Critics are understandably skeptical. Even Williamsburgh resident Mike Graffiti acknowledges, “A million [dollars] sounds a little steep,” and he isn’t alone. Concerns about the cleanliness and maintenance of these toilets are rampant. Elise Verstraete from Bushwick asks the crucial question, “Will it stay clean? We don’t know.” If past experiences with public facilities are any indicator, the answer leans toward a resounding “no.”
Equipped with baby changing stations and security features to deter misbehavior, these luxury restrooms are designed to last for decades—if maintained. Yet, with the city’s history of neglecting public infrastructure, how likely is that?
This initiative, dubbed “Ur In Luck,” seeks to tackle public restroom access by adding nearly 50 new bathrooms and renovating 36 existing ones by 2029. However, as a City Council bill passed earlier this year mandates the addition of over 2,120 public restrooms by 2035, the reality remains grim. Currently, the Big Apple has around 1,100 toilets for its 8.6 million residents—about one for every 7,800 people.
New Yorkers deserve better than this million-dollar folly. It’s time to demand accountability and responsible governance instead of flushing money down the drain.
