Release: 04/05/06
Anne Fenton: 917-251-4691
Ronnie Sykes: 917-488-2563

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, Majority Leader Joel Rivera, Councilwoman Maria Baez, Councilwoman Carmen Arroyo and Bronx City Council Delegation Announce Approval of Yankee Stadium Redevelopment and Park Improvements Project

NEW YORK, NY – Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr, Majority Leader Joel Rivera, Councilwoman Maria Baez, Councilwoman Carmen Arroyo and Bronx City Council Delegation announced that the Yankee Stadium Redevelopment and Park Improvements Project has gained approval from the New York City Council. Carrion along with his colleagues in the Council presented a vision for the redevelopment of the Yankee Stadium neighborhood almost three years ago. The plan will incorporate details that will address the importance of area becoming a year round destination for tourism that will provide economic opportunities for residents.

Commenting on the plan Carrion said “This is a great day for the Bronx and a great day for the entire city. This plan is not just about building a stadium; it is about building a stronger Bronx and a stronger city. The Bronx will now have new and improved parkland, a new Metro North Station and a revitalized commercial district that will provide our residents with jobs and economic opportunities that for too long the neighborhood has not enjoyed.”

Carrion acknowledged the concerns residents have expressed about park space, traffic circulation, and the need for economic benefits for the community. He applauded the City administration for incorporating his proposal to re-use the existing Yankee field as a “central park” complex for Little League and other public sports activities. At the urging of Carrion and the Bronx Delegation the revised plan will keep the athletic fields and running track at a site close to the residential neighborhood just across the street from the current location and will add almost 6 more acres of parkland in the community. He said “I am pleased to report that park development will be accelerated so that interim or permanent facilities are completed before stadium construction begins…in other words, immediately. Neighborhood residents will not lose their precious sports and recreation space for even one season.”

The Borough President stressed the importance of the host community benefiting from the redevelopment of the area. Carrion said “This is the largest development project in Bronx history. And it will bring jobs for local residents, construction contracts and ongoing economic opportunities for local businesses, neighborhood beautification and most importantly a formalized structure for ensuring that these things take place.” The Yankees have committed to benefits and services for the local community including a first source job referral system, in which the Yankee organization has agreed to use a Bronx-based job referral program that will provide residents with training, early application and consideration for jobs. A portion of the project’s construction dollars will also be targeted to local businesses and contractors. In addition, the Yankees will donate tickets to the community and funding for community sports equipment, community based non profits and parks maintenance.

Finally, Carrion discussed the fundamental paradigm shift in the relationship between the New York Yankee organization and the surrounding community. Carrion said “The Yankees have historically remained remote from the neighborhood and their management has not truly functioned as a member of the community. Today, I believe we have created the opportunity for this to change. We have raised the bar of what we, the community, expect from the Yankees and I applaud the Yankees for joining this new and improved relationship.” He continued “This is just the beginning of the process, now its time to roll up our sleeves and get to the work at hand which is building a stronger Bronx and stronger city and welcoming the Yankees as active participants in our community.”

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