February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Pierce O’Reilly
Two prominent Bronx political figures, State Sen. Guy J. Velella and former New York State Assemblyman John Dearie, have backed the development of a sports stadium on Randalls Island that would be used primarily by New York GAA.
Speaking last week, Velella said the project showed real promise and that a recent meeting between GAA officers and City officials was very constructive.
“The GAA right now are at the top of the line regarding access to Randalls Island,” the Republican said. “They have entered the negotiations with a lot to offer. They stand out from other ethic groups simply because they are willing to invest themselves and aren’t looking for everything for free.”
New York City has proposed a multi-million-dollar development of the island and the GAA in New York are confident that they will be included in the draft plan, which is scheduled to be released in the next few weeks.
“I’m very confident that with cross-party support, this project will be a success,” Velella said, referring to Dearie’s Democratic Party pedigree.
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The proposed plan put before the Randalls Island Sports Foundation and city officials is reportedly worth over $5 million. It would include a playing pitch, training facilities, changing rooms, bar, restaurant and banquet facilities. While no land has been allocated yet, it is believed that the GAA is seeking at least 10 acres on the south end of the island.
GAA officials declined to comment on the development.
“A lot of issues have yet to be ironed out, but there seems to be no real stumbling block right now,” Velella said. “If the city makes it’s move, I personally can see this project taking off very soon.”
Velella has been very prominent in Irish affairs of late. Last spring, he met with Gov. Pataki to discuss the future of Gaelic Park. At the time, the GAA was worried that the MTA, which owns the Bronx site, was about to develop it as a train storage area and garage.
“Gaelic Park is safe”, Velella said. “The Governor and I are at present seeking historical rights for the venue.”
The representatives from the Randalls Island Sports Foundation, Aimee Boden and Richard Davis, seemed to look on the project favorably, according to Velella.
“The GAA are coming to the table with an open mind and the city see they mean business,” he said. The proposed development of the new GAA pitch is on the south end of the Island and would be an ideal location for teams and supporters traveling from the Bronx and Queens.
The main drawback from the proposed development is that the GAA would not have exclusive usage of the stadium. When it’s a city project, there is always an issue with exclusivity. The GAA, however, would have the priority rights to the field and the venue.
It was confirmed recently that state funding to the sum of $50,000 is being made available to the Irish community for the development of its native games in New York.