Astorino Administration Wastes Taxpayer Money to Open Park Avenue Office Space

During the Thursday, May 14 meeting of the County’s Board of Acquisition and Contracts (A&C), the Astorino administration officially approved the lease for his new Park Avenue, Manhattan office space. The expensive Park Avenue office space has left several legislators questioning its value.

Legislator Lyndon Williams (D-Mt. Vernon, Majority Whip) reacted to the vote, “Westchester County is a great place for businesses to visit and get a first-hand tour of our County. I believe the effort of trying to attract business is a good one but when I heard the proposal during the State of the County, I immediately believed that the time and money would be better spent showcasing the County right here rather than in Manhattan. We are in close proximity to NYC - just short a train ride away. “

As required by the Westchester County Charter, the Board of Acquisition and Contract has the responsibility of approving various county contracts and agreements, including the lease for the Park Avenue office space. The Board of Acquisition and Contract is made up of the County Executive, Budget Director and Chairman of the Board of Legislators. The lease was approved 2-1 with Chairman Kaplowitz voting against the lease.

Legislator Catherine Borgia (D-Ossining, Majority Leader), who has a professional background in marketing and advertising explained, “The goal of attracting business to Westchester is certainly admirable but from the taxpayer’s perspective, there are more economically efficient ways to go about doing it than opening up expensive Park Avenue office space. Every time we find cost savings in any part of the government, we make Westchester County more affordable for county residents. I believe the County Executive failed to find those cost savings on this initiative.”