February 16 , 2005

Letter to the Editor

The West Side Stadium

Re "City Plans to Use Real Estate Revenue to Finance Stadium" (news article, Feb. 9):

Regarding the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association's opposition to the West Side stadium plan and the impact of the stadium on the city's finances, using the real estate payments known as Pilots, which would normally flow to the city's general fund and therefore be available to pay operating expenses, will have a significant effect on the city's ability to pay its employees.

We are in binding arbitration over the police officers' contract, which expired 30 months ago; one of the main issues being considered by the state arbitrator is the ability to pay.

Clearly, this kind of fiscal manipulation demonstrates that the city has the ability to pay but lacks the willingness.

Patrick J. Lynch
President, Patrolmen's Benevolent Association
New York, Feb. 10, 2005