New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has launched a pilot program to install 17 new public bathrooms across the city, marking a new initiative to address accessibility concerns for residents and visitors.
The Mamdani administration announced the program on Wednesday, with installations beginning this week in locations spanning all five boroughs. Each unit will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature ADA accessibility, touchless fixtures, climate control, running-water sinks, flushing toilets, and baby-changing stations.
Locations and boroughs for the pilot program include:
- Bronx: Yankee Stadium, Admiral Farragut Playground, Mapes Park, Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square
- Brooklyn: Columbus Park, Milestone Park, Fulton Street and Truxton Street, Avenue C Plaza
- Queens: Astoria Boulevard South and 31st Street, Northern Boulevard and 31st Street, Northern Boulevard and 54th Street, 34th Avenue and 64th Street
- Manhattan: Cooper Square, Malcolm X Plaza, Delancey Street and Suffolk Street, Plaza Alianza Dominicana
- Staten Island: North Shore Esplanade
Mayor Mamdani stated in an official release that the initiative aims to provide reliable, clean, and safe restroom access for New Yorkers. “Too many New Yorkers know what it's like to have nowhere to go while they're on the go,” he said. “This pilot is about making sure New Yorkers can count on a clean, safe, accessible bathroom when they need one. We are going to learn from this pilot and build a public bathroom network that meets the needs of New Yorkers in every borough.”
The program will run for one year, during which city officials plan to evaluate usage patterns, maintenance needs, and community feedback to inform future expansions. All restrooms will be free to use and designed to meet high standards of hygiene and accessibility.
In a separate development, Mayor Mamdani also confirmed that he has added bidets to Gracie Mansion, fulfilling a prior aspiration mentioned during his transition into office. The addition was noted in response to inquiries about changes to the official residence.