Google To Give $1M To The High Line

In their message announcing the $ 1 million gift from Google, Friends of the High Line (FOHL) also encourages the public to continue giving. "Why we still need your help: When you read about inspiring gifts like Google's, it is easy to assume that your own gift may no longer be needed. But the fact is: We still depend on all of our friends and supporters to maintain and operate the High Line." The message goes on to say. "As part of our license agreement with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, we must raise the essential private funds every year to support the majority of the High Line's operating budget, which pays for gardeners, maintenance staff, and public programs."

However the FOHL announcement did not mention that they are trying to enter into sole source agreement with the City which would allow them to keep concession revenue. Revenues, which by law are supposed to go to the general fund. (Photo: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates) Click on Image to enlarge.

Manhattan

Google, which is looking to buy one of Manhattan's biggest buildings on 8th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets, has donated $1 million to the High Line Park, according to gothamist.

The Friends of the High Line say:

Friends of the High Line is pleased to announce that Google Inc. has stepped forward with a $1 million gift to the Campaign for the High Line. This generous gift will support the High Line's construction and its endowment for future park maintenance and operations—a sign of Google's continued commitment to its New York City neighborhood. Google first moved to the High Line neighborhood in 2006, when it moved its New York office to 76 Ninth Avenue at West 15th Street. Since then, Google has expanded into Chelsea Market at 75 Ninth Avenue and now employs over 2,000 people at these locations. Google's New York employees have become passionate about the High Line, and it was that passion that helped inspire the leadership at Google to step forward with this generous gift. We would like to extend a special thank you to everyone at Google Inc. for their dedication to our neighborhood and for their vision in supporting the construction and long-term maintenance and operations of the High Line.

Why we still need your help: When you read about inspiring gifts like Google's, it is easy to assume that your own gift may no longer be needed. But the fact is: We still depend on all of our friends and supporters to maintain and operate the High Line. Google Inc.'s very generous $1 million gift helps build the High Line and create an endowment for the future. But the day-to-day operations of the High Line—gardening, maintenance, public programs, and public art—still depend on the continued support of all our neighbors and friends across the city, and beyond. As part of our license agreement with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, we must raise the essential private funds every year to support the majority of the High Line's operating budget, which pays for gardeners, maintenance staff, and public programs. When you give to Friends of the High Line, you are helping to make sure that this special park is always maintained and operated at the high standards we have all come to love. No gift is too small. Thank you for your continued support.

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Google Donates $1 Million To The High Line

gothamist - November 19, 2010 - Jen Chung