🧪 The People's Potion for Protection of Flowers Park
A Declaration Against the Secretive Privatization Plan

WHEREAS:
Flowers Park is not just public land — it is sacred ground that honors the life and legacy of William O. “Brud” Flowers: a decorated Army veteran, New Rochelle High School basketball champion, police detective, youth officer, and beloved youth sports coach who dedicated his life to serving our community’s children;

AND WHEREAS:
Brud Flowers’ contributions to New Rochelle’s youth, athletics, and civic life are permanently enshrined through a memorial park, a scholarship fund, and his induction into the New Rochelle Sports Hall of Fame — all reflecting his deep roots in public service and community empowerment;

AND WHEREAS:
A sudden and opaque plan has emerged to transfer control of Flowers Park to a private master developer — with no prior public hearings, no community surveys, no town hall discussions, and no engagement with residents, stakeholders, or those who use and love the park;

AND WHEREAS:
This plan, moved forward with unusual speed and a disturbing lack of transparency, ignores established protocols for major public land decisions and disrespects the democratic process and the will of the community;

 
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED COMMUNITY MEMBERS, HEREBY DEMAND:
FULL DISCLOSURE of how this plan advanced:

Who proposed it?
Who voted for it?
What was the timeline and decision process?
Where is the paper trail — agendas, minutes, and memos?
IMMEDIATE HALT to any further steps or agreements with private developers until:

A transparent and inclusive community engagement process is completed.
Public hearings, workshops, and surveys are held.
A full impact study is conducted on how this change would affect community use, youth sports programs, access, and affordability.
RESPECT FOR LEGACY:

Any changes to the park must honor the name, purpose, and values of William O. “Brud” Flowers.
Community stewardship must remain at the core — not private profit.
 
THIS POTION IS POWERED BY:
The voices of the families who play here.
The legacy of a man who served here.
The youth who grow stronger here.
The spirit of New Rochelle.

 
🛑 STOP THE TAKEOVER. RESTORE THE PEOPLE’S VOICE. PROTECT FLOWERS PARK.