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 December 4, 2004 Supplemental coverage |
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INTRODUCER'S MEMORANDUM OF SUPPORT SUMMARY: MENDEZ SPONSORS MEMO: NEW YORK STATE SENATE BILL NUMBER: 55136C SPONSOR: MENDEZ TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend chapter 899 of the laws of 1984, relating to creating a public benefit corporation to plan, develop, operate and maintain and manage Roosevelt Island, in relation to prohibiting development of certain open space areas. PURPOSE: To designate open park space on Roosevelt Island as New York State parkland. The bill also requires that 4 of the members of the RIOC Board of Directors, who are appointed by the Governor, be residents of Roosevelt Island. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Amends Chapter 899 of the laws of 1984 to prohibit the development of open space on Roosevelt Island. The areas currently designated as open spaces by the Roosevelt Island Master Plan will become state parklands and no further development or construction will be permitted for other than park purposes. With four residential members of the Board of Directors appointed by the Governor, and one resident appointed by the Mayor, the residents will now have a majority voice on issues affecting their own community. JUSTIFICATION: Currently in New York City there is a very limited amount of park land when compared to the number of residents. Many areas are being developed to provide additional housing. The intention of the Roosevelt Island Master Plan was to designated certain areas for the open space. In order to ensure that these open spaces are preserved they should be designated as park land. Therefore, any changes made to the Master Plan will not threaten the areas designated for open space. The Board of Directors of RIOC is comprised of nine members. This legislation ensures that the majority of the Board, which makes crucial decisions about the future of the Island will reside on the Island. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New bill.
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