Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has responded to an arbitration panel’s decision concerning the management of Playland, a historic amusement park in the county. The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute between Westchester County and Standard Amusements.
Jenkins stated, “The Arbitration Panel’s ruling regarding Playland is a significant victory for the people of Westchester County. The Panel affirmed what we’ve said from day one — Standard Amusements had no right to try to tear up a 30-year agreement without giving the County the contractually required opportunity to cure. Their attempted termination was not just wrong — it was legally baseless.”
He further criticized Standard Amusements, saying, “This ruling exposes Standard’s effort for what it was: an irresponsible attempt to walk away from their obligations and shift blame onto the County. They ignored the clear language in the contract and their rush to terminate was a direct threat to Playland’s future and to the significant public investment made to restore and preserve our beloved park.”
Jenkins assured that efforts are underway to continue investing in Playland, highlighting ongoing projects such as repairing rides and opening concession stands as part of a $150 million investment plan. He mentioned, “Today, we move forward, as we have done since Standard walked away. We continue to work on our $150-million-dollar investment by repairing rides, opening concession stands and serving up summer memories and fun.”
The county executive also emphasized that they are pursuing damages claims against Standard Amusements. He declared his commitment to achieving a favorable settlement for Westchester residents: “We are moving forward on the damages claim, and we won’t stop until we have a settlement that works for the people on Westchester County.”
Jenkins concluded with a firm stance against any form of manipulation over public assets: “While I am County Executive, Westchester County will never be bullied, pushed around or manipulated— especially over a public asset that exists for the joy of children. Here in Westchester we always defend the taxpayers of this County with everything we’ve got.”
