Release #379-00

 

Contact:	Sunny Mindel / Lynn Rasic (212) 788-2958
	Karl Lauby / Nancy Ross (NY Botanical Garden) (718) 817-8616

MAYOR GIULIANI ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF
THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN PLAN FOR A NEW ERA

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced the City's participation in the New York Botanical Garden's $300 million capital campaign. The New York Botanical Garden's Plan for a New Era 2001-2007, is a public-private initiative to continue and expand the renaissance of this 109-year old institution.

As a result of the Plan, the Garden will become the world's premier institution for the discovery and interpretation of plant diversity, by creating an American horticultural showplace and building a national model for public education in plant science, conservation and gardening. In order to stimulate and leverage the Garden's fundraising, the City has earmarked matching funds of $22.2 million in its most recent 4-year capital plan, with the goal of a 10% participation in the Garden's program.

"Growing from its initial 250 acres, the New York Botanical Garden has become one of the world's premier institutions for studying and learning about plant life," said Mayor Giuliani. "I am proud to announce the City's support of the Garden's Plan for a New Era. Through public-private partnerships, continued support is assured for the Garden's 47 gardens and plant collections, its wonderful plant museum, 40 acres of original Botanical forest, and the most glorious glasshouse in the United States."

The Mayor was joined at the Botanical Garden ceremony by City Council Speaker Peter F. Vallone, Garden President Gregory Long, Garden Vice Chairman William C. Steere, Jr., Bronx Borough President representative Robert Nolan, Deputy Mayor Anthony P. Coles and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Schuyler Chapin.

"The City's commitment to 10 percent of the capital campaign provides the Garden with tremendous leverage," said Garden Vice Chairman William C. Steere, Jr. "This support is critical to helping the Garden raise the remaining 90 percent funding for our campaign from non-City sources to craft a model public-private partnership."

New York Botanical Gardens President Gregory Long said, "Twenty-two new capital projects will be the centerpiece this $300 million. The support of the City and the enthusiastic backing of Mayor Giuliani are vital to these undertakings that will allow the Garden to continue to educate and draw more than 630,000 people a year."

Speaker Vallone said, "I am pleased to support the investment in this important project. The New York Botanical Gardens have provided countless hours of education and enjoyment for millions of New Yorkers and tourists. The City Council has a longstanding commitment to the cultural institutions of this City. We, as elected officials, must continue to support this City's historical centers and provide the necessary funding for upkeep and infrastructure improvements."

In 1891, land for the New York Botanical Gardens was set aside by the State Legislature. Civic leaders and financiers, including Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and J. Pierpont Morgan, agreed to match the City's commitment to finance the buildings and improvements - initiating a public-private partnership that continues today.

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