NYT: New Yorkers Got Broken Promises. Developers Got 20 Million Sq. Ft.
July 21, 2023 The article examines the shortcomings in the maintenance and accessibility of privately owned public spaces (POPS) in New York City, revealing that about 20% of such spaces don’t comply with city agreements. Despite the substantial financial benefits developers receive from these agreements—valued at approximately $10 billion—the city has collected just over $1.4 million in penalties for non-compliance. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement to ensure public access to these essential urban spaces.