Park Advocates Irked About Bloomberg L.P.'s Pricey Party At Randall's Island
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Mayor Michael Bloomberg's company is renting out a large chunk of Randall's Island for a company get-together on Saturday. But many feel that the celebration is blocking the public from enjoying the land for Father's Day Weekend.
Geoffrey Croft -- with the watchdog group NYC Park Advocates -- told WCBS 880's Jim Smith that Bloomberg L.P. is sparing no expense throwing its employees a massive party on Randall's Island.
WCBS 880's Jim Smith reports
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"There are event rides and bars, there's a carousel," Croft explained.
He said that the one-day extravaganza racks a $9 million price tag, but added that the real expense is paid for by ordinary families, shut out by fences and security guards.
"It's supposed to be a public park," Croft said, "and the event takes away that land for a little over three weeks."
He said that the company rents the area from the Randall's Island Park Alliance for $750,000, creating what he calls a slippery slope.
"Those who have money can just privatize park land at will," Croft concluded.
Bloomberg L.P. declined to comment.
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