To negotiate a new operating permit for the famous sports arena, Mayor Adams promised Tuesday that the city would be a “hard negotiator,” — but he added that the recent antics of Madison Square Garden’s head honcho would not factor into his decision.
James Dolan, the organization’s CEO that owns the arena, has recently come under fire for using facial-recognition technology to bar lawyers involved in lawsuits against MSG.
This has led to rumors that Dolan’s reputational risk may affect the licensing agreement, which expires in July.
When questioned on Tuesday about the permission talks and Dolan, Adams responded, “I’m not sure what provocative things he has been doing.” “Negotiating the best deal for the city won’t be hampered by what goes on inside Madison Square Garden or how they carry out their processes.
We’re going to base our judgment on what’s best for the community, not what he’s doing and how he conducts himself within the Garden, Adams said. That has no bearing at all.
Adams stated that he prefers MSG where it is right now despite discussions of maybe moving the Garden to Hudson Yards to facilitate the reconstruction of Penn Station better heating up.
I think the location is fantastic – 34th St., Penn Station, folks don’t have to drive in, they can take public transportation,” he remarked. Simply put, it’s an excellent place to be. I’m content that it is there.
In addition to the face recognition controversy, Dolan has come under fire for his relationship with Knicks legend Charles Oakley, who was once carried out of MSG in handcuffs, and for how he manages the team.
Adams said that none of that will be taken into consideration by the city when it comes to negotiating a new license.
He insisted it won’t be determined by the New York Knicks’ win-loss record. It will be determined by what’s the best deal for the city.
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