New York Lawmakers Plot to Erase Donald J. Trump State Park
The New York State Assembly went forward with a bill to formally rename the Donald J. Trump State Park. The effort was first proposed by Democrat Assemblywoman Nily Rozic four years ago.
“Our parklands should be reflective of New Yorkers that we can be proud of, New Yorkers that have expressed our values,” Rozic told Politico. “There are a lot of other New Yorkers who are worthy of the honor of having a park named after themselves.”
Former President Trump donated the land in 2006 after he stopped attempts to build a championship golf course on the 430-acre park. His efforts were blocked by regulations and local opposition that involved a reservoir nearby. It’s estimated that Trump paid over $2.6 million for the land. He eventually gifted the land to the state with conditions that his name is displayed prominently.
Time reported in 2019 that New York started to neglect to maintain the park in 2010. In response, the Trump Organization issued a statement.
“In 2006, President Donald J. Trump donated in excess of 430 acres of land in Westchester and Putnam counties to the State of New York so that a park could be created for the enjoyment of all NY State’s citizens,” a Trump Organization spokesperson told Fox News. “Despite the fact that the State has done a horrible job running and maintaining the park in question, an utter disgrace to such incredible land and a generous donation, the conditions of this gift, formally documented and accepted by the State of New York, could not be clearer: the park must bear President Trump’s name.
They added, “The State would be breaching its agreement by removing President Trump’s name and President Trump will take whatever legal action that may be necessary to fully enforce his rights under this agreement.”
Tourism Committee Chair Danny O’Donnell expressed confidence that Trump won’t have the time to stop the park from being renamed. “I don’t think [Trump] will have the resources to care when the time comes,” he said. “But maybe he would; he’s sufficiently a narcissist.”
