Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Gov. Paterson Catches Heat for Timing of Park Opening

Hudson River Park in Chelsea features a huge skatepark along with lush greens.
Keh for News
On the day massive cuts to state park services were implemented Governor Paterson attended the ribbon cutting for a section of Chelsea Park in Manhattan. Hudson River Park in Chelsea features a huge skatepark along with lush greens.

MANHATTAN 

In a case of really bad timing - or political tin ear - Gov. Paterson cut the ribbon on a new Manhattan park Monday just as budget cuts forced dozens of state parks to close, according to the NY Daily News.

"It's not smart politics, and it's not good politics either," said Assemblyman Herman (Denny) Farrell after Paterson welcomed a new section of the Hudson River Park in Chelsea.

Farrell's Harlem constituents are furious their beloved Riverbank State Park was cut back by several hours a day.

"The governor should know this community is constantly concerned that they're not getting their fair share," Farrell said.

Statewide, 81 parks and historical sites are closing or cutting their hours because of the ongoing Albany budget crisis, according to a list on a state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Web site.

Riverbank has been ordered not to open its outdoor pool this summer and to slash summer concerts. Another state park in the city - Bayswater Point in Queens - is completely closed.


Read More:

Gov. Paterson gets flak for unveiling Chelsea park as many others close
New York Daily News - May 18, 2010 - By Erin Einhorn

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