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GJNY’s Legislative Timeline of Parkland Grab:

June 15-June 23, 2005

June 15, 2005: An Agreement is Made

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU available on www.goodjobsny.org) was signed by the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), the city and its Economic Development Corporation, and the Yankees.  In the MOU:

·                    The city and ESDC agree to make a “collaborative effort to seek State legislation  as quickly as possible” authorizing the construction of the new stadium and parking garages on public parklands;

·                    The city, ESDC, and the Yankees agree to cooperate in preparing draft legislation in seeking a Home Rule message from the New York City Council*, and the Yankees “have the primary responsibility for gathering” the support of local elected officials.

June 18, 2005-June 19, 2005 (Saturday and Sunday):

The State Legislature Takes Action

Over the course of this weekend, two bills were introduced in the state legislature to authorize the use of public parkland for a stadium and parking garages. 

            ·  A Senate bill (S5818), sponsored by Queens State Senator Frank Padavan, was referred to the

            Senate Rules Committee;

            ·  The following day, an Assembly bill (A8932), sponsored by Assembly Member Carmen E.

            Arroyo and cosponsored by other members of the Bronx delegation, was initially referred to the

            Cities Committee.

June 20, 2005: City Council Grants Approval

A Home Rule message cosponsored by Bronx Council Members Joel Rivera (Chair of the committee) and Helen Foster**, was introduced before the New York City Council Committee on State and Federal Legislation authorizing the state to move forward.

·                    The accompanying Fiscal Impact Statement indicated that there would be no costs;

·                    Minutes from the committee meeting indicate that the Home Rule message was not discussed;

·                    Minutes from the Stated Council meeting that afternoon indicate that the Home Rule message was “coupled on the General Order Calendar” to be voted on with about a dozen other items;

·                    The bill passed unanimously with one abstention. 

June 23, 2005: Final Approval from the State

A day after the bill was passed in the Senate, the Assembly voted unanimously for the bill, which was signed into law by Governor Pataki on July 19, 2005.

*    A City Council “Home Rule message” is a formal request for specific state legislation.  Parks may not be taken from the public without authorization from the state.

** Council Member Foster has since voiced her opposition to the project.