Ferry Point golf course concession approved for Trump

Ferry Point golf course concession approved for Trump
Photo/Reuters

The Ferry Point Park Golf Course concession is going to the Trump Organization.

The final hurdle was cleared when the 20-year contract to operate the new 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course went to Donald Trump’s Trump Organization. The RFP received the approval of the Franchise and Concession Review Committee on Wednesday, January 18. Critics of Trump running the golf course believe he had gotten a “sweetheart” deal of low costs for the lease than at neighboring courses, but community leaders including Community Board 10 chairman John Marano and Throggs Neck Home Owner Association president Lynn Gerbino voiced their support of the plan to have Trump run the Ferry Point Golf Course, which is scheduled to be open in 2013. The bid, placed by Trump, also received the support of Senator Jeff Klein, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Councilman Jimmy Vacca.

The Trump Organization’s commitment to invest roughly $10 million into the city-owned course, including a state-of-the-art clubhouse with a grill room, locker facilities, and cart storage, should come as a good news to many of his constituents who have been frustrated by more than 10 years of delays in construction on the project, Klein said.

“Projections for the cost of this project have nearly doubled from their original estimates, and the previous contractor received millions of dollars on this project without completing any significant work,” Klein stated. “It is my hope that this project moves forward in a way that not only maximizes the investment of the Trump Organization and the City of New York, but also takes into consideration my constituents with regard to their quality of life and their own investment in the surrounding area.”

After extensive discussion between himself, his office, and the Trump Organization, Borough President Diaz threw his support behind the plan just before the vote was handed down on January 18, Diaz said.

“The Trump Organization has answered my concerns on this project, and has vowed to be a good neighbor to the people of the Bronx,” Diaz said. “This includes commitments on local hiring, outreach to our business community, both in the surrounding neighborhood and across the borough; and vital community access to the golf course for both young people and Bronx residents alike, among other points.”

The Trump Organization’s commitment to invest their own money in the Bronx shows just how far our borough has come, and illustrates that the borough is open for business, Diaz said.

“A PGA Tour-quality-golf course will not only enhance the image of the Bronx locally, it will also serve as a positive face for our borough both nationally and internationally,” Diaz stated.

The Franchise and Concession Review Committee’s decision sets the stage for the fulfilment of a promise to the people of the borough that the golf course will be completed more than 30 years after it was first proposed, said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe.

“This vote will allow us to transform a former landfill into a world-class golf course that will spur economic activity and encourage tourism in the Bronx, fulfilling a 30-year promise to the community, and completing a project begun by a previous administration,” Benepe said.

Patrick Rocchio can be reach via e-mail at procchio@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3393