City Hall news release

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg that the City has entered into negotiations with Sanford Golf Design for the contract for the design and construction management of a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Ferry Point Park in the Bronx. Sanford Golf Design submitted the top-scoring proposal in an open procurement competition to choose a designer and construction manager.

“Today’s announcement shows that the City is moving swiftly to bring a world-class recreational facility to the Northeast Bronx. I applaud the Mayor, his staff and the City for its diligence and hard work to move this project ahead. While I have in the past expressed concerns about delays, I am pleased that the City recognizes the need to turn this former municipal landfill into an attractive recreational destination not just for residents of the Bronx, but for all New Yorkers. My hope is that in the near future, all can benefit from not just a golf course but a waterfront community park and playground.”

During his tenure, Comptroller Thompson consistently has urged the City to improve monitoring at the site. Last year, he issued an audit finding that the course had been far from complete more than seven years after a concession agreement for the site had been signed. Since then, City Hall and Thompson have worked together to ensure that the area is developed, and in January issued a Request for Proposals to identify a developer.

You can view the Comptroller’s earlier audit and today’s news release issued by City Hall at www.comptroller.nyc.gov.

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