Squadron vowed as State Senator to fight aggressively for state dollars, to push for city dollars, and to keep the pressure on by working with the community - while remaining steadfast in his commitment to reject luxury condos and new housing within the park.

"After years of delay - and a new five year delay announced just last week - we need new leadership in the State Senate to get this park built," Squadron said. "Our communities, our borough and our city deserve a real, world-class park with year-round recreation - without having our waterfront turned into a de facto backyard for luxury condo towers."

Squadron was also joined by Michael Rabinowitz, Deputy Director for Strategic and Political Affairs of the NY Hotel and Motel Trades Council, which has endorsed Squadron. Rabinowitz praised the plan for the hotel. "The hotel planned for this park will help increase the world-class hotel options in this City," said Rabinowitz. "Who wouldn't want to stay here, with this wonderful view and so many great entertainment options nearby? As long as it is free from labor disruptions and disputes, it will be a great addition to the
neighborhood and help fund this great park."

Also standing with Squadron were local parents and children, including Lisa Pines, a Brooklyn resident, and her son Graham, age 10. "I want to see this park built while my son can still enjoy it. I'm confident Daniel is the fighter we need to make this vision a reality for our community."

Murray Adams, Former President of the Cobble Hill Association, also voiced his support for Squadron's proposal. "Dan Squadron is absolutely right to oppose any new housing being built in Brooklyn Bridge Park, and to sponsor legislation to get the park designated by the State as parkland to prevent it. It is wrong to require any park to be self-supporting from revenues generated from housing and other non-compatible uses."

Squadron's proposal for the Park includes:

• State legislation to designate the area as parkland
• No new housing within the park's boundaries
• Using a community-based process to increase year-round recreation (eg. swimming pool, ice skating rink, field house, cultural presentation/performance space, affordable waterfront concessions)
• A multi-borough commission on linking Governor's Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Hudson River Park and the East River Waterfront
• An immediate public 30-day audit of projected costs and revenues, including those expected from the existing development at 360 Furman, the proposed hotel and other potential revenue generation within the park to prevent delay and ensure the park's operating budget is sustainable

In advocating for moving forward with the right plan that links Brooklyn Bridge Park with the other new waterfront parks - Hudson River Park, the East River waterfront and Governor's Island - Squadron said that it is critical to implement a timeline to create a Unified Harbor Park that would create a new and innovative central park for the center of our city. This Unified Harbor Park would draw city residents back into the waterfront, create an active harbor, and drive economic development.

"We have an opportunity here to advocate forcefully for the kind of 21st Century grand project like the great public works of Central Park and Prospect Park," said Squadron. "With the right balance, the Unified Harbor Park would serve both as a local spot for immediate residential communities, as well as a magnet that draws folks in from surrounding communities and the world."

Daniel Squadron is running in the Democratic Primary to represent the 25th State Senate District. He was a co-author, with Senator Charles Schumer, of the book Positively American: Winning Back the Middle-Class Majority One Family at a Time. He has also worked for the public schools and was Communications Director on the campaign to pass
the Transportation Bond Act. Squadron has been endorsed by Senator Schumer, Mayor Bloomberg, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assemblymember Kavanagh, the progressive Working Families Party, the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, UNITE HERE! Local 23-25, the Downtown Independent Democrats, UAW Region 9A, and CWA District 1.