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Committee reviews move to hourly park rentals and residents-only booking; members warn of rate impacts
Summary
Staff proposed switching park and facility rentals from time blocks to hourly billing, requiring renters be Brooklyn residents or Recreation Center members and allowing discretionary nonprofit exceptions; committee members asked for comparisons and warned the change could steeply increase costs for some residents.
On first reading the Finance Committee reviewed proposed changes to park and public facility permit and rental fees under Brooklyn Codified Ordinance 539.16. Staff said the city evaluated similar programs and plans to switch from fixed sessions or blocks to an hourly billing structure, with staff monitoring in‑person occupancy and online verification that the renter is a resident or Recreation Center member.
Committee member Matt Mosley raised an operational concern, saying the hourly system could "cut up the pie weird" for rentals that previously used morning/afternoon blocks. Staff responded the hourly approach was chosen after reviewing recent bookings, which were typically four-hour sessions, and that the approach should expand availability; staff agreed to provide comparative data and the current policy redlines.
On residency and nonprofit access, staff said only residents or members may rent, though the city will exercise discretion to allow bona fide local nonprofits and schools to rent at reduced or different rates. A committee member cautioned the change represents a "very big steep increase for our residents." Committee members requested a redlined draft of the ordinance, current policy, and comparative fee tables before the council acts.
