Senator Golden Wants To Get To The Bottom Line On Javits

SENATOR GOLDEN WANTS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM LINE ON JAVITS

Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C, Brooklyn) attended a hearing of the Senate Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Committee to discuss the Governor’s plan to sell land slated for the Javits Convention Center Expansion.

"This hearing was a good first step to finding out what the Governor wants to do with the Javits Center. The bottom line is that this convention center is the linchpin to the revitalization of Manhattan’s Westside. To ignore the expansion and improvement of Javits is like trying to start New York City’s economic engine without any gas," said Senator Golden.

Representatives from the State, and other local levels of government, numerous trade show associations, as well as other experts and interested parties testified regarding the Governor’s plan and how recent shifts in priorities could effect the expansion of the Javits Center. Deputy Mayor Robert Leiber expressed New York City’s concerns regarding the future of this project. Also discussed was how the vacillation of the Spitzer Administration on this project would have a ripple effect on the businesses and neighborhoods in Manhattan.

"When it comes to the Javits Center, the Governor defies logic. Each answer that ESDC Commissioner Pat Foye gave, illustrated the administration’s fundamental lack of vision for the convention Center. Their plan essentially breaks up the Javits Center revitalization to other parts of the City. It is foolish to think that neighborhoods in outer boroughs wouldn’t be uprooted by this poorly planned development. By failing to expand the Jacob Javits Center to the scope and size originally planned, New York will simply not maximize this once in a lifetime economic opportunity," continued Senator Golden.

"This hearing was a good first step. However, there are other questions which need to be answered. I feel that the Governor needs to lend more accountability and transparency when it comes to his plans for the expansion of the Javits Convention Center. If he won’t voluntarily do it, I will continue to work with Senator Flanagan and the entire Senate Committee, to shed light on what is amounting to a black hole in New York City’s economic future," concluded Senator Golden.