Sunset Over ATM - Central Park's Great Lawn. Is this what Calvert and Vaux envisioned. In May the City Council banned exterior ATM machines on city sidewalks. (Photos: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates)
Manhattan
Yesterday New Yorkers were startled to see multiple ATM's lining Central Park's Great Lawn. Workers from National Cash Register (NCR) began installing eight wireless, diesel powered cash machines in the City's first scenic landmark.
Yesterday New Yorkers were startled to see multiple ATM's lining Central Park's Great Lawn. Workers from National Cash Register (NCR) began installing eight wireless, diesel powered cash machines in the City's first scenic landmark.
Seven ATM's were placed along the park's walkway - plus one in a VIP area - for this evening's Black-Eyed Peas concert sponsored by JP Morgan Chase. The bank is charging the usual $3 fee to withdraw funds for non Chase customers. According a (NCR) employee this is a pilot program and the first time ATM's have been allowed at the site.
One thousand NYPD barricades have also been adorned with Chase and Robin Hood logos according to workers installing the signs.
According to the Parks Department, JP Morgan Chase is the primary presenting corporate sponsor of the concert and their financial support has enabled Robin Hood Foundation to organize the event and distribute over 50,000 free tickets to the public.
600 VIP tickets were available for sale at $ 500 each.
In May the City Council banned exterior ATM machines on City sidewalks. The bill, sponsored by Councilwoman Diana Reyna (D-Brooklyn), increases the fine for property owners with the illegal ATMs to as much as $5, 000 for the first day and $5, 000 every five days that the ATM is not removed, beginning 30 days after the city alerts the owner.
Attempts to confirm the amount being donated to the Robin Hood Foundation and to Central Park Conservancy by the Parks Department and the public relations firm handling the event were unsuccessful by press time.
"We do not know at this point," said an employee at Rubenstein Communications. "That number has not yet been released.
The ATM machines will be there till Friday according to a Parks Department spokeswoman.
In 1974, Central Park was designated the first scenic landmark in New York City by New York City's Landmark Preservation Commission. Central Park is also a National Historic Landmark park. - Geoffrey Croft
Cash With a View. Belvedere Castle.
This is terrible. Why would anyone think this is a good idea? The park is a place of calm, or should be....
ReplyDeletefits right in
ReplyDeleteShocking. Our city is run by whores.
ReplyDelete