LIU STATEMENT ON CENTRAL PARK TOUR FEES
New York City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following about the new fees for Central Park tours:
"It’s especially galling to hear that the Central Park Conservancy is charging $15 for tours that were once free, because this wealthy, privately funded group enjoys plum arrangements with the City that other parks groups don’t get. Our public parks need better funding, but more importantly they need equitable funding."
Background:
Two weeks ago, the Comptroller's office rejected a $90 million, 10-year contract the Conservancy is seeking and asked Mayor Bloomberg to restructure the agreement so that it helps level the playing field for parks across the five boroughs:
http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2013_releases/pr13-06-093.shtm