NYC plaza honoring Catholic priest overrun by vagrants, trash and overpowering odor

A neglected memorial plaza in trendy Greenpoint has been overrun by vagrants and trash as unkempt weeds and plant life encroach on the tribute to a beloved Roman Catholic priest, locals said.Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko Square in Greenpoint, a tucked-away green space located just steps from the bustling McCarren Park, has become a local eyesore in the Polish enclave that reeks of garbage, according to residents and local politicians.“We’ve had chronic issues in this square for years,” city Councilman Lincoln Restler told The Post.“It’s right next to McCarren Park — immediately adjacent to the largest park in the neighborhood — and we have too few park staff to keep that park clean.

Unfortunately, the plaza has also suffered.“I think we need to collectively do a better job of prioritizing the maintenance of this area,” he added.“It’s an eyesore, rather than a dangerous condition.”“Father Jerzy Popiełuszko Square is an incredibly important Greenpoint memorial, with great significance to our Polish American constituents in particular,” noted Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher, adding she attended a vigil in 2021 after the statue of Father Popiełuszko was “heinously vandalized.”“Unfortunately, odors, trash, and people struggling with substance use and/or houselessness are frequent issues in parks across the city, and I support my NYC Council counterpart, Councilmember Restler, in his efforts to work with the NYC Parks Department to ensure our parks are clean, healthy, and safe for all who use them.”Locals have complained about the state of the square for years, Restler said, and volunteer groups and nonprofits like the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance have since picked up the slack.But the quality-of-life issues — exacerbated by a lack of Parks staffing — has made it an increasingly tall order for volunteers to handle.Former Greenpoint resident Julianna Curcio, 23, stopped to enjoy the shade and quiet provided at the plaza on Sun...