Kenneth Jenkins, chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, has gone to court to block an agreement allowing Sustainable Playland Inc. (SPI) from running Rye Playland.
Jenkins filed his legal challenge May 23 in New York State Supreme Court in White Plains, asking a judge to throw out a management agreement approved by the county”™s Board of Acquisition and Contract. A judge will hear the complaint June 24.
On April 18, the board, composed of County Executive Robert Astorino, Jenkins and Budget Director Lawrence Soule approved a 10-year management agreement with SPI to take over Playland, with Astorino and Soule voting for the agreement.
Jenkins is arguing any lease of county owned land must be approved by the Board of Legislators.
This “is another unfortunate attempt by the Astorino administration to circumvent the authority of the board,” Jenkins said in a statement. “I am confident that a court of law will agree with me.”
SPI plans to invest $34 million in the park. Under the agreement, it would be responsible for the operation and maintenance of both the amusement area and the surrounding 100 acres of parkland.
Proceeds to pay the county, maintain the grounds and make improvements will come from equity investments from the operators, fees SPI charges its operators, revenues generated by the attractions run by the operators, and other revenue such as parking and sponsorships.
Edwin McCormack, communications director for the county executive, said Jenkins”™ lawsuit is nothing more than obstruction.
“He did not get one other legislator to sign off on his lawsuit,” McCormack said. “We will continue to move forward to save Playland and bring the park into the 21st century.”
McCormack said SPI is the group to accomplish that, saying it has public support and a proven track record.
“This is a beautiful piece of property and they will shine it up and make it more valuable,” McCormack said.
McCormack said the assessment management agreement is not a lease and the contract allows the county to maintain control of the property.
“This lawsuit is sad and unfortunate,” McCormack said.
Geoff Thompson, a spokesman for SPI, said the group wishes to move forward and Jenkins”™ lawsuit hurts all Westchester residents.
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