File #: Res 0294-2006    Version: * Name: Create a reporting mechanism that specifically identifies the number of dollars spent on City parks by not-for-profit and other non-governmental organizations that have entered into contractual or other formal agreements with NYC.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Parks and Recreation
On agenda: 5/10/2006
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the Mayor to create a reporting mechanism that specifically identifies the number of dollars spent on City parks by not-for-profit and other non-governmental organizations that have entered into contractual or other formal agreements with the City of New York.
Sponsors: Helen D. Foster, Vincent J. Gentile, Letitia James, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Rosie Mendez, Michael C. Nelson, Annabel Palma, Larry B. Seabrook, John C. Liu, Jessica S. Lappin
Council Member Sponsors: 10

Res. No. 294

 

Resolution calling upon the Mayor to create a reporting mechanism that specifically identifies the number of dollars spent on City parks by not-for-profit and other non-governmental organizations that have entered into contractual or other formal agreements with the City of New York.

 

By Council Members Foster, Gentile, James, Mark-Viverito, Mendez, Nelson, Palma, Seabrook, Liu and Lappin

 

Whereas, 28,800 acres of parkland in New York City provide active and passive recreational opportunities to eight million New Yorkers and to those who work and visit in New York; and

                     Whereas, Parks and open space promote good health and help to reduce asthma and obesity; and

Whereas, In an analysis done by New Yorkers For Parks, since 1986, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s budget has been cut by more than 20%, decreasing from $277 million in “city funds” in 1986 to $213 million in 2006; and

Whereas, Based on the Office and Management and Budget, Expense, Revenue and Capital Reports, (Adopted Budget Fiscal Years 1986-2006), these dramatic funding cuts have resulted in a nearly 60% decline in staffing over the same time period, from almost 5,000 full-time workers in 1986 to approximately 1,950 workers last year; and

Whereas, These large cuts made the raising of private monies necessary to provide park maintenance services; and

Whereas, Generous contributions from many individuals, corporations and foundations through not-for-profit and other non-governmental organizations have helped to positively transform many components of the City’s parks system; and

Whereas, An accurate accounting of private dollars being infused into parks from not-for-profit and other non-governmental organizations is not currently available; and

Whereas, Such an accounting of private dollars could provide for a more efficient distribution of public funds to parks; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York call upon the Mayor to create a reporting mechanism that specifically identifies the number of dollars spent on City parks by not-for-profit and other non-governmental organizations that have entered into contractual or other formal agreements with the City of New York.

LS# 968

PM 5-3-06

3:30 P.M.