NYC Spends Millions on Preschools That Never Opened

Dozens of planned sites remain unused, leaving families on long waitlists

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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New York City has poured millions into expanding preschool programs, but records show that more than 25 planned preschool locations remain unused, even though the city paid for construction, renovations, or rent. Some fully renovated sites sit empty, while parents nearby struggle to find spots for their children. City agencies cite poor coordination and legacy planning as contributing factors, and the mayor's office says steps are being taken to put these funded facilities into use.

Why it matters

This issue highlights major accountability and planning problems in NYC's early childhood education system, leaving families frustrated as they face long waitlists for preschool seats despite the city investing in new facilities.

The details

Records show that more than 25 preschool locations in New York City remain unused, even though the city paid millions for construction, renovations, or rent at these sites. Some fully renovated warehouses in Brooklyn and Queens sit empty, while parents nearby scramble to find spots for their children. In certain cases, the city wasn't even aware of the existence of some sites, which were only flagged after council members or local officials discovered them.

  • The city has been pouring millions into expanding preschool programs in recent years.
  • The unused preschool sites have remained vacant for an unknown period of time.

The players

New York City Department of Education

The city agency responsible for overseeing the expansion of preschool programs.

New York City School Construction Authority

The city agency that oversees construction and renovation of school facilities.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who has acknowledged the issue and says the city is taking steps to put the unused preschool facilities into use.

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What’s next

The mayor's office has said the city is reviewing the 'phantom' preschools to determine where they are needed most and taking steps to put the funded facilities into use.

The takeaway

This situation highlights major accountability and planning issues in New York City's early childhood education system, with millions of dollars spent on preschool facilities that have never opened, leaving families frustrated by long waitlists for limited seats.