City Inches Closer to Kicking State Off Governors Island

Last year the state's budget crisis held Governors Island hostage, making it difficult for the island to plan events because the state didn't commit funding until the last minute. The island is controlled and financed jointly by the state and city, but last year Mayor Bloomberg made a move to cut the state out entirely, and also take over Brooklyn Bridge Park. In exchange, the city would end its partnership with the state in the long-delayed Javits Center expansion, and use that $300 million to fund the parks. The idea was not exactly embraced by Paterson, but apparently it's still got legs; the Villager reports that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is supportive. And The Governors Island Alliance, which manages the island, is also on board, though executive director Rob Pirani would also like as many details in writing as possible: "As much as I trust this mayor, he's not going to be mayor forever—at least I assume not."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in News on January 15, 2010 2:48 PM

Comments [rss]

ProcedureTurn

I've been to governors island once since it opened to the public and find it quite nice. Rode my biek around and poked through the buildings.

There is so much potential fo this island. I hope they come up with some neat stuff come the Summer. Can't wait. Best part is the lack of car traffic and being surrounded by water. Too awesome!!! This place is a gem for NYers. It just needs some TLC.

MrManhattan

Kicking the State off of Governors Island? How about kicking the State off Manhattan Island first ?!?

JenChungsBaby

How ironic to talk about trusting the mayor in the same sentence that you comment on how long he'll be in office. Because if he was worthy of trust he would have been out of office after two terms.