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Friday, October 2, 2026
After Decades of Delays, Mayor Mamdani Announces Greenpoint’s Box Street Park is Finally Underway
Project will transform waterfront parking lot into 2.5 acres of new public green space with an esplanade, terraced seating, dog runs, native plantings, public restroom and more
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura and NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) Commissioner Anthony Shorris today announced the start of construction on Box Street Park in Greenpoint, Brooklyn — delivering on a decades-old promise to transform a former parking lot into new public green space for North Brooklyn.
“Today, we are finally making good on a promise that Greenpoint families have been waiting decades to see fulfilled: turning a parking lot into a park,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Box Street Park will give New Yorkers a place to walk, play, rest and gather along the water, with lush gardens, open green space and pathways connecting neighbors to the waterfront. And it is proof of what becomes possible when communities organize and government delivers.”
“Our waterfront is one of our city’s great natural resources, and this new park will give New Yorkers an accessible and welcoming place to connect with their natural environment and with their neighbors,” said Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “This community never gave up on this park — and neither did we. This project is an important step toward delivering the greenspace and waterfront access that all New Yorkers deserve, and it builds on the work we’re doing up and down the Greenpoint-Williamsburg waterfront.”
“More than 20 years ago, Greenpointers were promised a new park on Commercial Street as part of the Williamsburg-Greenpoint waterfront upzoning. I’ve been fighting alongside neighbors ever since then to secure our desperately needed green space,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “While we’ve built tens of thousands of new homes in our community in the intervening years, Box Street Park remained a broken promise. After years of relentless advocacy, I’m thrilled that we’re finally breaking ground on this beautiful new multipurpose public park complete with lush greenery, waterfront seating, dog runs, a basketball court and a public bathroom. I’m thankful to all the neighbors who refused to give up on our promised park and to Mayor Mamdani for helping us get this done and showing that City Hall has Greenpoint’s back.”
The $40 million capital project will transform the former site of a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) facility into a 2.5-acre public park along Newtown Creek. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2028.
The park will feature an elevated esplanade, ADA-accessible pathways, terraced granite seating, lush gardens, a green lawn, a basketball court, a picnic area, separate dog runs for small and large dogs and a public restroom.
Native plants will cool and clean the air while strengthening the site’s resilience to extreme weather and creating habitat for local wildlife. Visitors will enjoy blackgum and Eastern redbud trees, colorful purple love grass and little bluestem grasses, and Virginia rose and seaside goldenrod shrubs and perennials.
“New Yorkers cherish our city’s outdoor public spaces, and every community across the five boroughs deserves a high-quality park close to home,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Anthony Shorris. “NYCEDC is thrilled to break ground on Box Street Park alongside our partners at NYC Parks and across city government, closing a key gap on the Brooklyn waterfront and delivering a new vibrant green space the Greenpoint community will enjoy for generations to come.”
Once complete, the project will fill a critical gap along the waterfront at the northern tip of Greenpoint, connecting with waterfront esplanades to the east and west. The park will ultimately expand an additional 0.5 acres after the MTA’s Emergency Response Unit (ERU) is relocated from the southeastern corner of the site.
The current 2.5-acre capital project is fully funded with $34.5 million from the Office of the Mayor — including a $2 million investment the Mamdani administration made in the September Capital Commitment Plan released this week, $500,000 from the City Council and approximately $5 million from local developers through air rights sales and private funds.
🌱GrowNYC Volunteer Newsletter
GrowNYC Volunteer Newsletter
Register for our next Virtual Volunteer Orientation
Interested in volunteering with GrowNYC? Join our online orientation where our Volunteer Program Manager will provide information about GrowNYC, local agriculture and food access, as well as current and upcoming volunteer opportunities.
When: Friday, October 9th
Time: 3pm - 4pm
Where: Virtual
Orientation is open to all, however, GrowNYC volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. The volunteer orientation is required to participate in our volunteer opportunities.
Register for our upcoming virtual orientation now!
Greenmarket Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer with GrowNYC Greenmarkets to help support local farmers by creating a welcoming environment and ensuring they have opportunities to sell fresh produce.
This is also a great way to do your part in helping ensure that all NYC residents have access to fresh and local produce!
These events are outdoors, rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring a reusable water bottle!
Sign up for one or more opportunities at the following locations:
Staten Island:
Greenmarket Volunteer | St. George Greenmarket | Saturdays (sign up)
Brooklyn:
Greenmarket Volunteer | McCarren Park Greenmarket | Saturdays (sign up)
Greenmarket Volunteer | Domino Park Greenmarket | Sundays (sign up)
Greenmarket Volunteer | Fort Greene Greenmarket | Saturdays (sign up)
Greenmarket Volunteer | Bay Ridge Greenmarket | Saturdays (sign up)
Manhattan:
Outreach Volunteer | Tribeca Greenmarket | Saturdays (sign up)
Greenmarket Volunteer | 57th Street Greenmarket | Saturdays (sign up)
Greenmarket Volunteer | Columbia Greenmarket | Sundays (sign up)
5th Annual Cider Village Volunteer Opportunity
The sixth annual Cider Village is almost upon us! We'll be bringing in cideries from across New York State. Hudson Valley Apple Project will be bringing in their iconic and impressive apple varietal display. There will be cider pressing, cooking demos, and apple crafts. All at our Union Square Greenmarket!
We are looking for creative volunteers to assist with setting up and running our annual Cider Village. Your responsibilities will include designing a-frames, cider signage, assisting with setting up tents, leading an interactive activity and helping spread the good word of New York cider!
Date, Location & Time: October 16th | GrowNYCUnion Square Greenmarket | Multiple shifts available | click here to view & register
GrowNYC Partner Volunteer Activity
Become a Super Steward with NYC Parks!
NYC Parks Department’s Super Stewards work independently by taking the lead on caring for their neighborhood parks and spreading the word about the benefits of nature in the city. Super Stewards can work on their own, lead other volunteers, host projects, apply for mini-grants, network with other volunteers, and get a sneak peek at the inner-workings of the agency.
Types of Super Stewards:
Care Captains, who take care of street trees
NAVigators, who take care of forests and meadows
Shorekeepers, who take care of wetlands
Pathkeepers, who help manage our nature trails
You can use this link to register for an upcoming training with NYC Parks or send an email to stewardship@parks.nyc.gov
D.A. Bragg & DOI Commissioner Shihata Announce Indictment In QR Code Parking Fraud Scheme
Manhattan D.A.’s Office and the NYC Department of Investigation Urge New Yorkers to Remain Vigilant Against Scams
Victims of Parking Scams Should Call 212-335-8900
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., and Department of Investigation (DOI) Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata announced the indictment of MIHAI THEODOR ENESCU, 39, for allegedly conducting a scheme to steal personal information from people paying for parking in New York City. The investigation between the D.A.’s Office and DOI found 64 QR code stickers on Manhattan parking meters, which led users to a fraudulent website not affiliated with “PARKNYC,” the official mobile app and platform approved by the city. The website asked the user to enter financial information, including credit card numbers, which ENESCU allegedly hoped to access.
The D.A.’s Office and DOI urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant against this type of fraud, and encourage anyone who has encountered similar schemes to call 212-335-8900.
ENESCU is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with five counts of Identity Theft in the Second Degree and six counts of Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree. [1]
“New Yorkers should not have to worry that paying to park their car could end in identity theft,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This defendant allegedly went to extreme lengths in his attempts to steal personal information from New Yorkers, and I want to remind everyone that the city does not ask you to scan a QR code when parking. The unfortunate reality of modern technology is that routine tasks like parking a vehicle have become opportunities for scammers, and everyone must take extra precautions when entering their personal information online. We are here to help – anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam or wants to report suspicious online activity should call us at 212-335-8900.”
DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata said, “This defendant allegedly used the City’s Manhattan parking meters to scam unsuspecting motorists out of their financial information, using fraudulent QR Codes placed on meters directing individuals to a fake PARKNYC payment website. When the City Department of Transportation (DOT) learned of the scam, it immediately reported the matter to DOI, inspected all parking meters in Manhattan, and removed 64 fake QR Codes. Working with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, DOI used cyber investigative and digital forensic techniques to uncover the scheme charged today. This investigation is a prime example of how DOI’s partnership with prosecutors and City agencies gets results. I thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and DOT for working with DOI to safeguard New Yorkers’ financial information from potential fraud.”
“Scammers who prey upon people who are simply trying to feed the meter must be held accountable,” said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn. “I congratulate the Department of Investigation and the Manhattan’s District Attorney’s Office for making an arrest in this case, and NYC DOT will continue to work with our partner agencies to crack down on this predatory behavior and alert the public when we see it.”
As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, the City was first alerted to the alleged scheme when a victim scanned one of the QR code stickers on a parking meter near 79 East 10th Street in June 2025. The sticker read “Web Pay. Scan to Pay”. The QR code led him to a website prominently displaying the official PARKNYC logo and featuring fields asking the user to enter their credit card number, expiration date, phone number, billing address, and license plate number.
The victim attempted to enter the information several times, only to encounter a continual buffer.
The victim then noticed that the QR Code was in fact a sticker that had been placed on top of the official PARKNYC sticker on the meter. The victim alerted his banks before they could suffer any financial loss.
After learning about this incident, the New York City Department of Transportation (“DOT”) conducted a canvass of parking meters throughout Manhattan and DOI opened an investigation into the matter.
The ongoing investigation eventually determined that ENESCU was connected to the website’s account.
ENESCU also allegedly purchased two packs of 4-inch by 6-inch shipping labels that could be used to create the QR code stickers that appeared on the parking meters.
The investigation into this matter remains ongoing.
[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.
Department of Energy Employee Arrested in Washington State on Charges of Attempted Material Support to Houthis
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, a resident of Richland, Washington, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Ellaboudy is scheduled to make an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Richland.
“As alleged, a U.S. government employee traveled overseas and used his specialized expertise in an attempt to aid the Houthis, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization backed by Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Additionally, Ellaboudy acquired materials for the construction of explosive material and drones capable of delivering these explosives. These allegations are so deeply disturbing that they almost defy imagination.”
“This individual allegedly betrayed the U.S. and attempted to aid the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization, but thanks to the work of the men and women of the FBI, his actions were detected and he is now in custody,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “According to the criminal complaint, Ellaboudy tried to assist the terrorist group improve its communications capabilities, he purchased materials for homemade explosives and drones, and he traveled to Yemen where the Houthis control the capital city. Preventing terrorism and protecting the U.S. homeland is a vital part of the FBI’s mission. We will use all our resources and work closely with our partners to identify and stop anyone planning to commit acts of terrorism or to help terrorist organizations.”
“The Hanford Field Office appreciates the leadership and diligence of the investigation conducted by the FBI. This matter did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce, and at no time was there a threat to the safety or security of the site,” said Office Manager Ray Geimer of the Department of Energy Hanford Field Office. “We remain committed to providing a safe and secure workplace as we move the Hanford mission forward.”
According to court records, Ellaboudy, who was a Department of Energy employee, came to the attention of the FBI after they received information that he had purchased precursor chemicals, components, and other materials commonly used in the construction of homemade explosive devices. In addition to the precursor chemicals, the investigation revealed Ellaboudy had also purchased parts used for the construction of drones and remotely operated aerial systems.
The complaint alleges that in December 2024, the FBI learned that Ellaboudy took sick leave from his employment, claiming that it was due to having been exposed to highly concentrated nitric acid, a common chemical used in the construction of explosive materials. In September 2025, Ellaboudy, using an official passport previously issued to him when employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, traveled from Richland, Washington to Oman. Upon arriving in Oman, Ellaboudy used this same passport to cross the border into Yemen with the intent on traveling to Sanaa, Yemen, the country’s capital, which is under the control of the Houthis. Upon returning to the United States, Ellaboudy stated to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers that he had travelled overseas on official government business. Subsequent information from Ellaboudy’s DOE supervisor revealed he did not have any authorized official government travel to that region.
During the investigation, Ellaboudy began communicating with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) who purported to be working for a Houthi “Colonel” to acquire communications equipment that would be sent to Yemen for use in a mobile communications center. Ellaboudy provided expert advice and assistance, based upon his background in electrical engineering, by helping the CHS test and modify solar power generators and communication equipment. Additionally, Ellaboudy provided guidance on how the power systems and communication system integrated, provided schematics and diagrams for the proper setup of the systems, and conducted research and provided guidance on other equipment that could be acquired to enhance the communications equipment of the Houthis.
If convicted, Ellaboudy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Cartier-Giroux for the Eastern District of Washington and Trial Attorneys Patrick Cashman and Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Mayor Mamdani Tells Subscription Traps: Click-to-Cancel — or Pay Up
New York City’s Click-to-Cancel rule takes effect today, with fines starting at $525 per violation
In 10 weeks, the City’s PIT Crew built a new online portal to make filing complaints faster and easier for New Yorkers
Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) Commissioner Lisa Gelobter announced that New York City’s “Click-to-Cancel” rule is now in effect, giving the City new authority to crack down on businesses that make it difficult for consumers to cancel subscriptions.
The administration also launched a new online complaint portal, built in just 10 weeks by OTI’s Public Interest Technology (PIT) Crew, making it easier for New Yorkers to report subscription traps and seek help from the City.
The rule follows Mayor Mamdani’s Jan. 5 signing of Executive Order 10, which directed DCWP to prioritize enforcement against deceptive subscription practices and consider new rules to stop them. Starting today, businesses that make it difficult for consumers to cancel a subscription can face restitution and civil penalties, with fines starting at $525 per violation. The Roosevelt Institute estimates the rule could save New Yorkers up to $162.5 million per year.
New Yorkers can file complaints at nyc.gov/click-to-cancel.
“No one should need 45 minutes of hold music to stop paying for something they never wanted,” said Mayor Mamdani. “New Yorkers work too hard for their money to have it drained by a subscription they can’t cancel. If a company can take your money with one click, you should be able to get your money back with one click. And now, if they won’t let you cancel, the City is coming for them.”
“This administration is putting its enforcement power behind affordability for working New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “The rule gives DCWP the authority to hold businesses accountable, and the portal gives New Yorkers a straightforward way to ask for help. I thank Commissioners Levine and Gelobter and their teams for delivering both.”
“If you signed up for a subscription online, you should be able to cancel online,” said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “To any company taking money from working people through subscription tricks and traps: you’re on notice. And to New Yorkers struggling to cancel a subscription, file a complaint through our new portal today. We have your back.”
“Government technology should work for the people, not against them,” said CTO and OTI Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. “Building this tool in house let us move quickly and design it around what New Yorkers told us they needed. We are proud to partner with DCWP to defend consumers in all five boroughs.”
What the Rule Requires
The rule gives DCWP citywide authority to enforce simple cancellation practices for consumers. It targets practices including “free trials” that quietly convert into paid subscriptions and cancellation processes buried behind unnecessary steps or unclear instructions.
Under the rule, businesses must provide consumers with a straightforward, transparent way to cancel a subscription. Businesses must also provide clear disclosures when consumers purchase, enroll in, or cancel a subscription.
The rule applies to subscriptions that qualify as automatic renewals or continuous service offers.
New York City is the first municipality in the country to implement a Click-to-Cancel rule.
File a Complaint at nyc.gov/click-to-cancel
OTI’s PIT Crew teamed up with DCWP to build a new, easy-to-use way for New Yorkers to file complaints about subscription traps. The PIT Crew, launched in July by Mayor Mamdani and CTO Gelobter, built the tool in just 10 weeks, designing and testing it with New Yorkers throughout development. The new portal is designed to make filing a complaint faster and easier, connect seamlessly with DCWP’s enforcement teams, meet high accessibility standards and be available in every major language spoken in New York City.
New Yorkers can file complaints online, by mail or by fax. After filing, they can check the status of their complaint using the complaint number they receive. In many cases, DCWP mediators will review the complaint and work with the consumer and the business to resolve it.
New Yorkers should file a complaint at nyc.gov/click-to-cancel if:
- The business did not clearly explain the terms of the subscription.
- The business made it difficult to cancel. For example, requiring a consumer who signed up online to cancel by phone or in person.
- The business delayed canceling the subscription.
- The business sent products the consumer did not request and expected the consumer to return or pay for them.
- The business did not notify the consumer about changes to the subscription terms.
- The business did not disclose that the subscription would automatically renew.
WORST OF THE WORST: ICE Arrests Violent Assailants, Robbers, and Other Public Safety Threats
Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, the era of lawlessness is OVER. All illegal aliens will be arrested and deported to make America safe again
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of more worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens convicted for aggravated assault, robbery, third-degree burglary, and other horrific crimes.
“From day one, President Trump made it his mission to make America safe again. Every day, ICE continues to deliver on that promise by arresting the worst of the worst,” said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Just yesterday, ICE arrested numerous violent assailants, robbers, and other public safety threats. The men and women of ICE are heroes, and we can never thank them enough for removing illegal aliens from our streets.”
Arrests include:
Argeny Rodriguez-Hilario, a criminal illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, convicted for aggravated assault, third-degree burglary and conspiracy in New York, New York.
Mario Perez-Lerma, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for multiple counts of aggravated assault in St. George, Utah.
Christopher Cruz, a criminal illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, convicted for aggravated assault in Middlesex, New Jersey.
Julio Rivas-Chicas, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, convicted for robbery, burglary, and unauthorized paraphernalia possession, in Richmond, Virginia.
Moises Carranza, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for robbery in Whittier, California.
Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.