Council probe finds widespread problems at public restrooms

CITY HALL — AN INVESTIGATION BY the City Council found that many of the city’s public restrooms are closed during posted hours, lack basic supplies, or are poorly maintained, according to a report released Monday.

Inspectors from the Council’s Oversight and Investigations Division reviewed 172 sites citywide, covering 337 restrooms in parks, libraries, and privately owned public spaces. More than one in 10 restrooms – all in parks – were closed when they were supposed to be open, while over two in five open restrooms were missing essentials such as soap, toilet paper, trash cans or hand-drying options. More than one in seven stalls lacked working locks, and most women’s stalls had no menstrual product disposal bins.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said the findings confirm long-standing complaints and urged the next mayoral administration to prioritize restroom access and maintenance.

Oversight Chair Gale Brewer and Parks Chair Shekar Krishnan pointed to chronic underfunding of park facilities and called the conditions a public health and safety issue.

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