\n<\/p>\n
A \u201cprivately owned public space\u201d might sound like an oxymoron, but in New York City, it\u2019s a designation dating back to 1961 for the public plazas, parks, and lobbies that private owners maintain and keep open for all.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Developers get extra square footage or zoning waivers from the city in exchange for creating and maintaining a green space for the public to enjoy. According to the NYC Department of Planning,<\/a>\u00a0the city\u2019s 590 privately owned public spaces (POPS), provide the equivalent of nine Bryant Parks, or 3.8 million square feet.<\/p>\n Three years ago, the New York Times documented compliance issues<\/a> with the program. About one in five of the properties\u2019 owners had violated the terms of their agreements. There have also been more recent controversies <\/a>over developers\u2019 duty to provide and maintain these spaces that are \u201ceasily seen and understood as open to the public\u201d and convey \u201copenness,\u201d as the city\u2019s design standards<\/a> require.<\/p>\n The NYC Planning Department maintains a map <\/a>of all the spaces that\u2019s current as of October 2025, according to NYC OpenData. Although the majority of POPS are located either inside the lobbies of Manhattan\u2019s downtown office buildings or in courtyards between them, a number of new residential projects in recent years have expanded New York\u2019s public open space.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you can\u2019t access a POPS or if it\u2019s poorly maintained, you can make a complaint to 311.<\/a><\/p>\n Here are four outdoor public spaces in new residential developments you can enjoy, whether you live there or not:<\/p>\n 300 Kent Ave. in Brooklyn<\/strong><\/p>\n This six-acre park<\/a> along the East River was built on the site of the former Domino Sugar factory in Williamsburg in 2018. Along with greenspace and beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, the park is a paradise for dogs with a dog run and doggy drinking fountain. For kids,<\/a> there\u2019s a playground with structures modeled after ones used for original sugar production, plus a water feature with 88 jets<\/a> for cooling off this summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n 60th East 112th St. in Manhattan<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n This East Harlem lot between 11th and 112th streets west of Park Avenue sat empty for nearly 50 years, allowing neighbors to turn it into a thriving green space, according to Handel Architects<\/a>, who designed this mixed-use affordable housing development along with DLAND Studio<\/a> in collaboration with developers Jonathan Rose Companies<\/a>, L+M Development Partners and Acacia Network.<\/p>\n This raised green space includes three NYC GreenThumb community gardens and seating areas. A winding walkway, which architects say was inspired by a historic Lenape path, leads through the 18,000-square-foot courtyard which has tables and seating, according to Handel\u2019s website.<\/a><\/p>\n 1185 Broadway in Manhattan<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether or not you\u2019re a guest staying in one of the Ritz-Carlton\u2019s $1,700 a night rooms or one of its lucky penthouse residents, you can enjoy this green space next door near Madison Square Park and the 28th Street Flower Market. The 4,184-square-foot courtyard has trees, seating and tables, bicycle parking and a drinking fountain, according to the planning department\u2019s map.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Developed by Marriott, Ritz Carlton Hotels <\/a>and Flag Luxury Properties<\/a> and designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects,<\/a>\u00a0the Ritz-Carlton opened in July 2022.<\/p>\n Block bounded by William, Fulton, and Gold streets in Manhattan<\/strong><\/p>\n A three-bedroom condo inside this 66-story FiDi skyscraper, 130 William St., is listed for $3.87 million,<\/a> but you can enjoy this 5,317-square-foot courtyard full of greenery for free. Sandwiched between stores, the green space has bike parking, seating, and tables, all in front of the luxury condo building\u2019s arches, which resemble a Roman aqueduct.\u00a0<\/p>\n When construction finished in building 2023, Adjaye Associates principal David Adjaye told New York YIMBY <\/a>that the plaza was intended as an \u201curban living room.\u201d Lightstone<\/a> designed 130 William.\u00a0<\/p>\n1. Domino Park in Williamsburg<\/h2>\n
2. Sendero Verde in East Harlem\u00a0<\/h2>\n
3. The Ritz-Carlton Plaza in Midtown\u00a0<\/h2>\n
4. 130 William St. in the Financial District<\/h2>\n