‘No, thank you’. Neighbors react to launch of public restrooms across NYC
As the city prepares to roll out new public restrooms, neighbors are concerned about safety and maintenance.
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New Yorkers will soon have access to a new network of public restrooms as the city rolls out 17 fully touchless, ADA-accessible bathroom units across all five boroughs this week.
The pilot program, part of a $4 million city initiative, is designed to address the longstanding shortage of public restroom options in busy areas. Four of the new units will be in The Bronx, including sites near Yankee Stadium and neighborhood playgrounds.
The high-tech restrooms can be accessed using a tap card, text message, or QR code. Inside, users will find running water, flushing toilets, climate control and baby-changing stations.
While some residents welcome the added convenience, others remain concerned about how the facilities could impact their neighborhoods.
"I don't think it should be here, because it is going to bring a lot of people to come and just convene where they shouldn't be, convening where little children are playing," said Crotona Avenue resident Erykah Kane.
Kane was among several Bronx residents who questioned whether the restrooms could attract unwanted activity near community spaces.
Others, however, see the project as a positive step toward improving public amenities.
"It will attract more people in general, but I think it would attract the right crowd more than the wrong crowd," said Que, a Crotona Avenue resident.
Community concerns raised during the rollout include the potential for drug use, loitering and homeless encampments around the facilities. City officials say the units have been designed with those concerns in mind.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted several built-in safety measures, including a 10-minute usage limit and regular cleaning schedules.
"Every single unit is cleaned by a real person and is done so on average every 15 uses or fewer," Mamdani said. "These are bathrooms where you start to have flashing lights after a certain point to encourage people to get out of the bathroom."
Despite those safeguards, some residents say they still would not use a public restroom.
"No, I never do. I only use my bathroom in my home," said Aida Garcia, of Crotona Avenue.
Others were more enthusiastic about the new option.
"That'd be good. We need that," one resident told News 12.
Even supporters acknowledged they may not personally use the facilities regularly.
"I'm not going to lie to you. Probably not," Que added.
As the program launches, city officials say accessibility remains a priority. For people who may not have a cellphone or prefer a physical option, the city plans to partner with local organizations to distribute tap cards that grant access to the restroom units.
The pilot program will run for one year, with the pilot's success likely dependent on whether the city can balance convenience, cleanliness, and public safety while addressing residents' concerns.
