Mayoral Candidate Attacks Quinn Over Money Directed to Private Sunnyside Park
Since 2007 City Council Speaker Christine Quinn has given $130,000 of city money to the Friends of Sunnyside Gardens Park, a non-profit organization that runs the 3.5 acre private park in Sunnyside. The park, created in 1926, has a grass playing field, tennis and basketball courts, a running track, a wading pool and play areas…
Since 2007 City Council Speaker Christine Quinn has given $130,000 of city money to the Friends of Sunnyside Gardens Park, a non-profit organization that runs the 3.5 acre private park in Sunnyside. The park, created in 1926, has a grass playing field, tennis and basketball courts, a running track, a wading pool and play areas for children. Membership is open to anyone living in certain zones within Sunnyside and an annual membership for a family costs $335. The money came from member items, funds that the council members can spend at their discretion. However these funds are only supposed to go to non-profits that will spend the money for the public benefit. A strategist for Bill Thompson, a rival for the Democratic nomination for mayor, told the New York Post, “The continued lack of accountability over public money by Speaker Quinn is disgraceful.” However, Quinn’s spokesperson said that the funds went to “neighborhood upgrades all residents enjoy.”
Furor Over Quinn’s Boo$t to Private Park [NY Post]
Photo by Hobo Matt
Sunnyside Park is a private not-for-profit. that does not mean it is or isnt a good candidate for funds but christine quinn should explain why this park got funds over other worthy non-profits