This post has been read 2962 times!
Correction: August 8, 2011
The previous update from today, below, was based on an erroneous Tweet by the CB1 referencing an old article. However, we can only assume that the DOT and BPCA are still bickering based on the fact that DOT spokesman Adam Levine uncharacteristically refused to give us a comment.
We also were able to reach BPCA media relations person Leticia Remauro who said, “You have to speak to DOT. They are handling then this.” We then replied, “That is not acceptable. The BPCA is an equal party in this. You cannot simply punt this to the DOT”, then Ms. Remauro hung up the telephone.
The bottom line is that the opening date for the grass field has been postponed yet again. It was supposed to open today, which was a week delayed. Should this area be controlled by a new conservancy and take funds away from the BPCA and Hudson River Trust? Read below.
Update: August 8, 2011
The opening date for the grass field has been postponed yet again. The DOT estimates that Monday, August 15th will be the date. It was supposed to open today, which was a week delayed. Should this area be controlled by a new conservancy and take funds away from the BPCA and Hudson River Trust? Read below.
Update: July 14, 2011
Well, nothing motivates a bureaucrat more than the threat of losing funding. Did our proposal, below, cause the BPCA to stop the squabbling and assume control of the grass field?
It was announced on Friday that the DOT, Hudson River Trust, and BPCA have made an agreement whereby the BPCA would tend to the grass while the Hudson River Trust will pay for the PEP security.
The Dot wrote in a statement, “In a collaborative effort, four agencies have come together and divided responsibility for delivering, maintaining and managing the well-loved and well-used park for the enjoyment of the public over the long term.”
July 15, 2011
BatteryPark.TV has extensively reported on the squabbles between the State DOT and the BPCA that have led to the BPCA refusing to accept responsibility for the newly sodded, highly valued by the community, grass playing field in West Thames Park. Most recently, we broke the story that the BPCA had still not yet assumed responsibility for the daily care of the lawn despite it being re-sodded by the DOT. 
As a result, the opening of the field will be delayed in order to prevent another mud-field incident caused by overuses and neglect. Your children will be forced to stare at the tempting green grass concealed by a hideous construction fence.
Real estate in Manhattan is extremely expensive, and to have open natural grass for a community is extremely rare. Our neighbors on Brooklyn, Harlem, The Bronx, etc must be envious and disguusted.
If the bureaucrats of the BPCA, led by CEO Gayle Horwitz and her Director of Parks Tess Huxley, do not want this gift which is being handed to them, despite the fact that it would increase the relevance and power of the BPCA (that some say should be dismantled and handed to the city), then a new solution is required.
BatteryPark.TV calls for the creation of The West Thames Park Conservancy to be established and run as a non-profit much like the Battery Conservancy to the south is established. The boundaries of the new conservancy would start at the “Pataki Highway” promenade by the Ritz Carlton on Battery Place and extend all the way north to the community gardens at Albany Street.
Funding for maintenance of the area would be derived from existing funds that now go to the BPCA, as well as fundraising events. The current funds going to the BPCA are being squandered and mismanaged by the BPCA, according to a report by the New York State Office of Inspector General.
If you support this idea, and think that our park (and tax dollars) can be better managed by a board of volunteers comprised of local residents rather than career bureaucrats of the same DNA as the MTA, please email us at info@batterypark.tv
BPCA CEO Gayle Horwitz
Strike 3!!!! Too bad the parents don’t step up!! It’s the ones like yourself without kids that care !