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With Governors Island about to run out of money, and the ambitious Brooklyn Bridge Park project proceeding slowly, the Bloomberg administration is working to eliminate the state from the funding and operation of the two parks. In response to reporters' questions yesterday, Bloomberg admitted he's trying to negotiate a deal wherein the city would end its partnership with the state in the long-delayed Jacob K. Javits Convention Center expansion, and use the $300 million the city had committed to that project to fund the parks: "We would use that money to continue to develop these two things which are great parts of the city. The city has more of an interest. I think the state government has their own problems." Bloomberg added, "Governors Island will be open this summer."
A spokesperson for Governor Paterson's office confirmed that talks were ongoing but stressed that no resolution had been reached. Governors Island has become an increasingly popular weekend recreation destination since it was opened to the public in 2003. It's run jointly by the city and state, but Paterson's budget does not include any money for the park this year, and yesterday the Governors Island board of directors imposed an austerity budget of $11.8 million, down from $18.8 million, while acknowledging that the remaining $550,000 in its operating budget will be exhausted by the end of the month.
Assuming Governors Island reopens in May, officials expect more than 200,000 visitors to Governors Island this season, up from 128,000 last season, and New York Water Taxi is planning to set up a beach and Ferris Wheel. Meanwhile, construction has begun on Brooklyn Bridge Park, which will be an 85-acre park stretching 1.3 miles from the north side of the Manhattan Bridge to Atlantic Avenue, but city officials tell the Times they're frustrated by the state's inability to make decisions and commit money. According to the Observer, the park currently has a price tag of $350 million but only a budget of $230 million.
As for the eternally stalled Javits Center project, last week, state and city officials approved a $463 million renovation and expansion that's far smaller than what was previously planned. It will be mostly financed with revenue from a hotel room tax imposed in 2005. Officals had originally talked about doubling the size of the convention center, but the new plan will add only 60,000 additional square feet of exhibit space, the Times reports.
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"and use the $300 million the city had committed..." WOW! That will get you four park benches and two light poles if you are using typical city contractors.
Good! The less Paterson has to do with it, the better. Leave that guy in charge and nothing will ever get done, except maybe a visitors' tax on anyone riding the ferry.
Instead of calling it a tax, call it an operational expense. Charge only the people who want to go to Governor's Island, maybe $1 or $2 for roundtrip, instead of burdening taxpayers with it.
Casino gambling with a $20 fare one way.