PEEKABOO BLINDS? $1 Million bathroom at Joyce Kilmer Park leaves users exposed with open louvers

The new Portland Loo bathroom at Joyce Kilmer Park has opened at a cost of $1 million as seen in this. -Photo by David Greene

By David Greene 

Bronx Voice 

August 13, 2025

BRONX - The Parks Department has announced a new pilot program where five new public bathrooms will open across the city. The one Bronx bathroom at Joyce Kilmer Park has opened to mixed reviews—especially after residents learned of the $1 million price tag and patrons could be observed by sickos from outside the bathroom.

On July 1, Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa announced the installation of five new “Portland Loos” at a cost of $6 million as part of the “We Outside Summer” pilot program.

A press release about the new program states that the bathrooms “get built faster and for a fraction of the cost.” The Adams Administration plans to spend $150 million in the construction of 46 new bathrooms and renovating 36 existing bathrooms through 2029 as part of the “Vital Parks for All” program.

On July 6, the Bronx Voice visited the new Bronx bathroom inside Joyce Kilmer Park at East 164 Street and the Grand Concourse and found that the bathroom was open and had a soap dispenser, running water and a working hand dryer on the outside of the stainless-steel structure.

One notable problem quickly discovered at the new bathroom were the “angled louvers” or slats at the top and bottom of the bathroom that according to the manufacturer would discourage “inappropriate use” including prostitution and drug use.

One unidentified woman visiting Joyce Kilmer Park said of the bathroom, “It’s really nice.” 

When pointed to the angled louvers and told someone could look inside, she replied, “I know but nobody would do that.” When told of the $1 million price tag, she concluded, “It’s okay because there’s no bathrooms around.”

Carlos, a Grand Concourse resident, was asked about the bathroom as one of his two sons used the new restroom. When told of the $1 million cost, he replied, “That’s crazy.” When directed to the angled louvers that allow sunlight to come into the bathroom, Carlos said, “And peek in. I think it’s a mistake as well.”

Chris, a young woman sitting on a park bench with a friend and several children, said she had noticed the new bathroom was installed recently. Asked if she had checked it out, she replied, “No I haven’t, I’d rather not.” When told of the $1 million cost, she said, “No way.”

When directed to the openings at the top and bottom of the bathroom, Chris said, “Oh, they could see right in. Yeah, I said it from the beginning when I found out they were going to put some port-o-potty there, I said that’s not a good idea. You don’t know who’s in the park, there’s a lot of kids here. I don’t think it’s safe.”

The Parks Department was asked the reason for the angled louvers as well as a comment about the possibility of someone being seen in the bathroom by someone from the outside, Chris Clark a press officer at New York City Parks avoided the question and directed questions regarding the design of the bathroom to the manufacturer Portland Loo.

Portland Loo designed a somewhat similar bathroom that opened on Fordham Plaza in 2016 that charged 25 cents. That bathroom did not have slats and was completely encased and had zero visibility to anyone on the outside. Norwood News visited this site on June 14 and found that the bathroom was broken and locked.

Regarding the slats, Portland Loo’s website states, “Privacy and visibility: While providing users with needed privacy, the design incorporates strategic low visibility features that allow subtle monitoring by authorities, first responders and maintenance workers. This thoughtful approach helps deter illicit activities while maintaining a secure and safe environment for everyone.”

Vincent Barone, a press secretary at the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) stated that the Accessible Public Toilet at Fordham Plaza opened in 2016 and is currently working with franchisee JCDexaux to replace the current bathroom with a revamped version before the end of 2025, with no cost to taxpayers. Barone was asked how long has the Fordham Plaza bathroom been out of service, but he did not respond to the email request.

Norwood News also reached out to toilet provider Port-O-Potty in Port Richey, Florida, where a spokeswoman stated that they only sell previously used bathrooms and that they do not transport, but bathrooms cost just $400.