Playland in Rye is a place for fun. But tonight, Westchester County looks at details of four proposals to kick-start the park as a successful entertainment business.
The Westchester County Board of Legislators is hosting a public information session tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Little Theater at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains, to examine plans for the 280-acre County Park and National Historic landmark.
The information session is set to include trade show-style presentations from representatives of the four revitalization proposals:
— Sustainable Playland
— Standard Amusements
— Central Amusements
— Paidia Company
Those in attendance can visit each of the four vendor areas, look at materials and ask questions. At 7:30 p.m., there will be an hour-long Q & A and public comment period on the proposals as well.
Legislator Catherine Borgia, D-Ossining, will moderate the proceedings. Representatives of the four proposals are expected to be answering most of the questions.
“I think this public information session will be an excellent opportunity for concerned residents and business owners to be engaged in the process of revitalizing Playland and see for themselves what each proposal offers in terms of enjoyment and economic viability,” said Borgia. “This iconic park has created so many great memories for generations of Westchester residents, so we should ensure that Playland’s long-term future moves in the right direction. Because once the contracts are signed there will be no chance for second-guessing.”
The Westchester County Board of Legislators moved forward last month with its evaluation of the top four proposals for the revitalization of Playland. TheGovernment Operations Committee outlined goals for the decision process.
In the 2012 Adopted County Budget, Playland expenses were $12.4 million plus $3.6 million of debt service. Revenue for the park was budgeted at $10.3 million. Without the debt service, the park was slated to make a $1.6 million profit.
For more on the Playland proposals go to http://westchesterlegislators.com/committees.html?id=2029
Playland is scheduled to open for its 85th Season on Saturday, May 11. A jobs fair for the new season is set for Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westchester County Center.
According to Westchester County, the Main Boardwalk at Playland will remain closed due to damages sustained from Hurricane Sandy, with a hoped reopening in mid-May. The Pier and Beach opening should follow for Memorial Day weekend.
The Ice Casino remains closed due to damages sustained from Hurricane Sandy and the North Boardwalk and Seaside Walk remain closed. The North Boardwalk, destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, is not expected to be replaced until sometime in 2014, according to the county.
