jake · 2005-05-25 Majority of NYC Council Supports NYSCC
For: Immediate Release
Friday, May 25, 2005
Contact: Marissa Shorenstein
917-913-6184
A MAJORITY OF NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR NEW YORK SPORTS AND CONVENTION CENTER AND THE CITY’S INVESTMENT IN THE FACILITY
-- Support Surges as Last Approval Nears --
Members Urge Assembly Speaker Silver and
Senate Majority Leader Bruno to Approve Project
New York, May 25, 2005 – Calling it “a terrific economic engine for New York,” members of the New York City Council – a majority – today endorsed the plan for the New York Sports and Convention Center (NYSCC), including the City’s investment toward the retractable roof which will permit the facility to be used year-round for conventions, trades shows and events. Standing among numerous labor, civic and community leaders at Pace University in downtown Manhattan, the majority coalition released a letter urging Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno to approve the project at the next meeting of the Public Authorities Control Board.
“New York always has been a city that thinks big, and looks toward the future with a can-do attitude. New York Sports and Convention Center is our opportunity to leave a legacy for future generations of New Yorkers. With the facility, we’ll have a chance of hosting the city’s first-ever Olympic games, Super Bowl and other major events. We’ll create jobs, attract a professional football team back to the city and generate a large private investment. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to seize the opportunities offered by this project,” said Council Majority Whip Leroy Comrie (27th District – Queens).
"So many of my colleagues are on board with this plan because it is absolutely a no-brainer," said Council Member David Weprin (23rd District – Queens), chair of the Council’s Finance Committee. "Any time we can infuse $1.6 billion in private investment into the city, create 7,000 permanent jobs and over 18,000 construction jobs, how can we not jump at that opportunity?"
“Development of the New York Sports and Convention Center will create economic opportunity for thousands of New Yorkers in every borough. New York’s ability to expand the tourism industry and to attract major events depends on our ability to move the project moving forward. The city administration wants the project; a majority of the City Council wants the project. That should end the debate. Let’s move beyond the debate that has dominated the headlines for many months and begin construction of the vitally important project,” said Councilmember Larry Seabrook (12th District – Bronx).
"After a great deal of research and discussions, I have decided to lend my support to the creation of the New York Sports and Convention Center (NYSCC), “said Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo (17th District – Bronx). “This project represents an incredible opportunity for our city to promote employment for communities that have continually experienced high levels of unemployment. I am excited about the possibilities the NYSCC will create for us and look forward to working with our partners in the labor unions and the City, to ensure that my community can benefit directly from this project,” Ms. Arroyo added.
Council Member Tony Avella (19th District - Queens) said, “It is absolutely essential for the City’s economic wellbeing as well as getting the Olympics that we approve the stadium proposal. And we need to approve it now!”
“I am proud to support the proposed New York Sports and Convention Center on the West Side of Manhattan. The economic situation over the past few years had a major impact on our city’s budget. We must continue to seek new sources of revenue as well as the creation of temporary and permanent jobs. It is also necessary for us to welcome developers who look at our untapped resources and are willing commit themselves to the economic growth of the City,” said New York City Council Member Helen Sears (25th District – Queens).
“I have reviewed this issue in depth and although I understand those opposed to this project, I must look at the global picture and what it means to each and every one of us in the City of New York. I have done just that and that is why I support this project.” Ms. Sears concluded.
Council Member Andrew J. Lanza (51st District – Staten Island) said, “The Mayor has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in preparing the City for growth in the decades to come. This project is a perfect example of the Mayor’s leadership and vision.”
Council Member James F. Gennaro (24th District – Queens) said, "As Chairman of the City Council's Environmental Protection Committee, I am particularly concerned with the effect of major development projects as they relate to our environment," said Gennaro. "That is why I am proud to support the New York Sports and Convention Center. The sustainable planning and environmentally friendly design elements of the proposed NYSCC set a high standard for future development in New York City."
"Not only will the construction of the NYSCC allow the Jets to come home to New York where they belong, it will have the effect of removing nearly 20,000 cars off the road each game day significantly reducing air pollution throughout the region. In addition, the Jets water conservation initiatives and use of green power is a model for environmentally friendly development," added Gennaro.
"After careful examination and due consideration, I have decided to lend my support to the construction of the New York Sports and Convention Center on Manhattan's far West Side. It is my belief that this project will be a terrific economic engine for our city, creating thousands of permanent and temporary jobs while generating millions of dollars in revenue for vital government services like education, health care and public safety,” said Council Member Yvette D. Clarke (40th District – Brooklyn).
"I have been primarily concerned with the approach to the inclusion of women & minority-owned businesses, as well as opportunities for people of color. After numerous meetings, conversations and examination of the debate, I am satisfied that plans have been put in place that will go along way to address the disparity that has long existed in the construction industry," Ms. Clarke added.
Council Member John C. Liu (20th District – Queens) said, “New York City is the capital of the world and if there is any place that the 2012 Summer Olympics should be, it should right here in the big apple. The Olympics is something we all dream about and with the New York Sports and Convention Center it can become a reality. The Olympics will bring excitement to our city and it holds the promise of a lasting legacy in creating jobs, housing, and transportation infrastructure. “
Jets President L. Jay Cross said “We look forward to beginning construction of this facility as soon as possible, and are gratified by the tremendous support for the New York Sports and Convention Center from members of the City Council. The facility is a wonderful example of a public-private partnership that will reap benefits for all New Yorkers.”
These legislators join a bi-partisan coalition of more than 65 public officials from across New York State fighting to realize a project that will create thousands of jobs and millions in new tax revenue. In addition, an increasing number of business and civic groups are also voicing their support for the NYSCC. The NYSCC has earned the endorsement of the Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Other representatives of leading New York City organizations that now support the project including Ken Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Kathy Wylde, President of the Partnership for New York; Maria Castro, President of the Manhattan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Steven Spinola, President of The Real Estate Board of New York; Bill Rudin, Chairman of the Association for a Better New York; Cristyne Nicholas, President and CEO of NYC & Company; Joseph Spinnato, President of the Hotel Association of New York; Richard T. Anderson, President of the New York Building Congress and Lou Coletti, President of the Building Trades Employers’ Association.
Numerous unions representing hundreds of thousands of hard-working New Yorkers are devoting time and energy to make the NYSCC a reality, because it will create thousands of jobs for their members.
Final approval for the NYSCC is pending before the state’s Public Authorities Control Board.
With PACB's approval, New York will have a world-class facility that will:
· Create tens of thousands of permanent and temporary jobs,
· Generate millions of dollars each year for education, public safety and health care, and other government services,
· Enable New York to recruit dozens of new trade shows, conventions and events each year,
· Permit New York to host the 2010 Super Bowl, and
· Give New York an excellent chance to serve as this nation's host to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Construction of the facility could begin later this summer.
A list of Members who support NYSCC and the public investment in the facility is below.
---------------------------------------
May 25, 2005
The Honorable Sheldon Silver....................The Honorable Joseph Bruno
Speaker.....................................................Majority Leader
New York State Assembly.........................New York State Senate
LOB 932.....................................................Room 909 Legislative Office Building
Albany, New York 12248..........................Albany, New York 12247
Dear Speaker Silver and Majority Leader Bruno:
We write to you, as members of the City Council of New York, to state that we support the construction of the New York Sports and Convention Center (NYSCC) on Manhattan’s Far West Side. We believe the NYSCC will be a terrific economic engine for New York – creating thousands of permanent and temporary jobs for New Yorkers and generating millions of dollars in revenue each year to pay for other vital government services like education, health care and public safety, and other municipal services.
We also support the City’s investment toward the public infrastructure for the NYSCC – specifically the retractable roof which will permit the venue to be used year-round for conventions, trade shows and large events. This $300 million investment will not take money away from existing programs, but will, as study after study has shown, generate much needed revenue to pay for other government services.
In closing, we ask that you approve the NYSCC when it is put before you at the Public Authorities Control Board.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.
The Honorable Tony Avella
The Honorable Maria Baez
The Honorable Tracey L. Boyland
The Honorable Yvette D. Clarke
The Honorable Leroy G. Comrie, Jr.
The Honorable Maria del Carmen Arroyo
The Honorable Erik Martin Dilan
The Honorable Simcha Felder
The Honorable Lewis A. Fidler
The Honorable Dennis P. Gallagher
The Honorable James F. Gennaro
The Honorable Vincent J. Gentile
The Honorable Robert Jackson
The Honorable Alan W. Jennings, Jr.
The Honorable Andrew J. Lanza
The Honorable John C. Liu
The Honorable Miguel Martinez
The Honorable Hiram Monserrate
The Honorable Annabel Palma
The Honorable Madeline T. Provenzano
The Honorable Diana Reyna
The Honorable Joel Rivera
The Honorable James Sanders, Jr.
The Honorable Larry B. Seabrook
The Honorable Helen Sears
The Honorable Kendall Stewart
The Honorable David I. Weprin
jake · 2005-05-26 Majority of NYC Council Supports NYSCC
jake · 2005-05-25
For: Immediate Release Friday, May 25, 2005 Contact: Marissa Shorenstein 917-913-6184 A MAJORITY OF NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR NEW YORK SPORTS AND CONVENTION CENTER AND THE CITY’S INVESTMENT IN THE FACILITY -- Support Surges as Last Approval Nears -- Members Urge Assembly Speaker Silver and Senate Majority Leader Bruno to Approve Project New York, May 25, 2005 – Calling it “a terrific economic engine for New York,” members of the New York City Council – a majority – today endorsed the plan for the New York Sports and Convention Center (NYSCC), including the City’s investment toward the retractable roof which will permit the facility to be used year-round for conventions, trades shows and events. Standing among numerous labor, civic and community leaders at Pace University in downtown Manhattan, the majority coalition released a letter urging Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno to approve the project at the next meeting of the Public Authorities Control Board. “New York always has been a city that thinks big, and looks toward the future with a can-do attitude. New York Sports and Convention Center is our opportunity to leave a legacy for future generations of New Yorkers. With the facility, we’ll have a chance of hosting the city’s first-ever Olympic games, Super Bowl and other major events. We’ll create jobs, attract a professional football team back to the city and generate a large private investment. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to seize the opportunities offered by this project,” said Council Majority Whip Leroy Comrie (27th District – Queens). "So many of my colleagues are on board with this plan because it is absolutely a no-brainer," said Council Member David Weprin (23rd District – Queens), chair of the Council’s Finance Committee. "Any time we can infuse $1.6 billion in private investment into the city, create 7,000 permanent jobs and over 18,000 construction jobs, how can we not jump at that opportunity?" “Development of the New York Sports and Convention Center will create economic opportunity for thousands of New Yorkers in every borough. New York’s ability to expand the tourism industry and to attract major events depends on our ability to move the project moving forward. The city administration wants the project; a majority of the City Council wants the project. That should end the debate. Let’s move beyond the debate that has dominated the headlines for many months and begin construction of the vitally important project,” said Councilmember Larry Seabrook (12th District – Bronx). "After a great deal of research and discussions, I have decided to lend my support to the creation of the New York Sports and Convention Center (NYSCC), “said Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo (17th District – Bronx). “This project represents an incredible opportunity for our city to promote employment for communities that have continually experienced high levels of unemployment. I am excited about the possibilities the NYSCC will create for us and look forward to working with our partners in the labor unions and the City, to ensure that my community can benefit directly from this project,” Ms. Arroyo added. Council Member Tony Avella (19th District - Queens) said, “It is absolutely essential for the City’s economic wellbeing as well as getting the Olympics that we approve the stadium proposal. And we need to approve it now!” “I am proud to support the proposed New York Sports and Convention Center on the West Side of Manhattan. The economic situation over the past few years had a major impact on our city’s budget. We must continue to seek new sources of revenue as well as the creation of temporary and permanent jobs. It is also necessary for us to welcome developers who look at our untapped resources and are willing commit themselves to the economic growth of the City,” said New York City Council Member Helen Sears (25th District – Queens). “I have reviewed this issue in depth and although I understand those opposed to this project, I must look at the global picture and what it means to each and every one of us in the City of New York. I have done just that and that is why I support this project.” Ms. Sears concluded. Council Member Andrew J. Lanza (51st District – Staten Island) said, “The Mayor has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in preparing the City for growth in the decades to come. This project is a perfect example of the Mayor’s leadership and vision.” Council Member James F. Gennaro (24th District – Queens) said, "As Chairman of the City Council's Environmental Protection Committee, I am particularly concerned with the effect of major development projects as they relate to our environment," said Gennaro. "That is why I am proud to support the New York Sports and Convention Center. The sustainable planning and environmentally friendly design elements of the proposed NYSCC set a high standard for future development in New York City." "Not only will the construction of the NYSCC allow the Jets to come home to New York where they belong, it will have the effect of removing nearly 20,000 cars off the road each game day significantly reducing air pollution throughout the region. In addition, the Jets water conservation initiatives and use of green power is a model for environmentally friendly development," added Gennaro. "After careful examination and due consideration, I have decided to lend my support to the construction of the New York Sports and Convention Center on Manhattan's far West Side. It is my belief that this project will be a terrific economic engine for our city, creating thousands of permanent and temporary jobs while generating millions of dollars in revenue for vital government services like education, health care and public safety,” said Council Member Yvette D. Clarke (40th District – Brooklyn). "I have been primarily concerned with the approach to the inclusion of women & minority-owned businesses, as well as opportunities for people of color. After numerous meetings, conversations and examination of the debate, I am satisfied that plans have been put in place that will go along way to address the disparity that has long existed in the construction industry," Ms. Clarke added. Council Member John C. Liu (20th District – Queens) said, “New York City is the capital of the world and if there is any place that the 2012 Summer Olympics should be, it should right here in the big apple. The Olympics is something we all dream about and with the New York Sports and Convention Center it can become a reality. The Olympics will bring excitement to our city and it holds the promise of a lasting legacy in creating jobs, housing, and transportation infrastructure. “ Jets President L. Jay Cross said “We look forward to beginning construction of this facility as soon as possible, and are gratified by the tremendous support for the New York Sports and Convention Center from members of the City Council. The facility is a wonderful example of a public-private partnership that will reap benefits for all New Yorkers.” These legislators join a bi-partisan coalition of more than 65 public officials from across New York State fighting to realize a project that will create thousands of jobs and millions in new tax revenue. In addition, an increasing number of business and civic groups are also voicing their support for the NYSCC. The NYSCC has earned the endorsement of the Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Other representatives of leading New York City organizations that now support the project including Ken Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Kathy Wylde, President of the Partnership for New York; Maria Castro, President of the Manhattan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Steven Spinola, President of The Real Estate Board of New York; Bill Rudin, Chairman of the Association for a Better New York; Cristyne Nicholas, President and CEO of NYC & Company; Joseph Spinnato, President of the Hotel Association of New York; Richard T. Anderson, President of the New York Building Congress and Lou Coletti, President of the Building Trades Employers’ Association. Numerous unions representing hundreds of thousands of hard-working New Yorkers are devoting time and energy to make the NYSCC a reality, because it will create thousands of jobs for their members. Final approval for the NYSCC is pending before the state’s Public Authorities Control Board. With PACB's approval, New York will have a world-class facility that will: · Create tens of thousands of permanent and temporary jobs, · Generate millions of dollars each year for education, public safety and health care, and other government services, · Enable New York to recruit dozens of new trade shows, conventions and events each year, · Permit New York to host the 2010 Super Bowl, and · Give New York an excellent chance to serve as this nation's host to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Construction of the facility could begin later this summer. A list of Members who support NYSCC and the public investment in the facility is below. --------------------------------------- May 25, 2005 The Honorable Sheldon Silver....................The Honorable Joseph Bruno Speaker.....................................................Majority Leader New York State Assembly.........................New York State Senate LOB 932.....................................................Room 909 Legislative Office Building Albany, New York 12248..........................Albany, New York 12247 Dear Speaker Silver and Majority Leader Bruno: We write to you, as members of the City Council of New York, to state that we support the construction of the New York Sports and Convention Center (NYSCC) on Manhattan’s Far West Side. We believe the NYSCC will be a terrific economic engine for New York – creating thousands of permanent and temporary jobs for New Yorkers and generating millions of dollars in revenue each year to pay for other vital government services like education, health care and public safety, and other municipal services. We also support the City’s investment toward the public infrastructure for the NYSCC – specifically the retractable roof which will permit the venue to be used year-round for conventions, trade shows and large events. This $300 million investment will not take money away from existing programs, but will, as study after study has shown, generate much needed revenue to pay for other government services. In closing, we ask that you approve the NYSCC when it is put before you at the Public Authorities Control Board. Thank you. Sincerely, The Honorable Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. The Honorable Tony Avella The Honorable Maria Baez The Honorable Tracey L. Boyland The Honorable Yvette D. Clarke The Honorable Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. The Honorable Maria del Carmen Arroyo The Honorable Erik Martin Dilan The Honorable Simcha Felder The Honorable Lewis A. Fidler The Honorable Dennis P. Gallagher The Honorable James F. Gennaro The Honorable Vincent J. Gentile The Honorable Robert Jackson The Honorable Alan W. Jennings, Jr. The Honorable Andrew J. Lanza The Honorable John C. Liu The Honorable Miguel Martinez The Honorable Hiram Monserrate The Honorable Annabel Palma The Honorable Madeline T. Provenzano The Honorable Diana Reyna The Honorable Joel Rivera The Honorable James Sanders, Jr. The Honorable Larry B. Seabrook The Honorable Helen Sears The Honorable Kendall Stewart The Honorable David I. WeprinMajority of NYC Council Supports NYSCC