STATE OF NEW YORK CITY OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
GEORGE E. PATAKI, GOVERNOR RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI, MAYOR

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Release#:235-99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, June 16, 1999



GOVERNOR, MAYOR RECOMMEND HEAD OF HUDSON RIVER PARK TRUST

Attorney Who Crafted Park Legislation Gains Support

Governor George E. Pataki and Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced they have recommended Robert P. Balachandran as President and Chief Executive Officer and Connie Fishman as Executive Vice President of the Hudson River Park Trust, a public benefit corporation with authority for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of the Hudson River Park.

"The Hudson River Park is in every sense a renewal of New York's commitment to open space, the Hudson shoreline and the very history of our state and nation," Governor Pataki said. "The strong, knowledgeable and committed leadership of Rob Balachandran and Connie Fishman will help ensure that millions of New Yorkers and tourists will have an unprecedented opportunity to enjoy one of America's greatest natural and historical resources."

The Hudson River Park Trust's Board of Directors is expected to vote on Mr. Balachandran's and Ms. Fishman's appointments next week.

Mayor Giuliani said, "The Hudson River Park will change the face of Manhattan's West Side by replacing a once unsightly and deteriorating waterfront with parkland, recreational facilities and a five-mile riverfront esplanade that will be enjoyed by New Yorkers and tourists alike. The hard work of Mr. Balachandran and Ms. Fishman has helped us get to this point and their appointments will mean the continuation of their work, which will ensure the success of this project."

Trust Board Chairman James Ortenzio said, "I am extremely impressed with Robert's and Connie's credentials, enthusiastically applaud the Governor and Mayor's choices, and wholeheartedly look forward to working with them. They are knowledgeable, skillful and energetic individuals who have great familiarity with the Park and the legislation. Most importantly, there are a great number of individuals involved in the Park who like them and have enjoyed working with them."

Trust Board Vice Chairman Randy Levine said, "The appointments of Robert and Connie to the Hudson River Park Trust is exactly what was needed to jumpstart this project, which will bring a world-class waterfront park to the neighborhoods on the West Side and to millions of New Yorkers."

Mr. Balachandran has served as a Senior Assistant Counsel to the Governor since 1995 and played an integral role in the development and passage of legislation creating the Hudson River Park Trust last year. As part of that effort, he worked closely with State and local legislators, community groups and City Hall -- winning wide praise for his consensus-building abilities.

In addition to the Park legislation, Mr. Balachandran worked on matters concerning public authorities, transportation and economic development. A former partner of Coppola/Ryan/McHugh, he also served as Assistant Attorney General in 1992 and 1993. He is a Cum Laude graduate of SUNY Albany and holds a law degree from Albany Law School.

Ms. Fishman has worked in City government since 1988 and served as Planning and Development Director for Deputy Mayor Randy Levine and former Deputy Mayor Fran Reiter since 1995. She was a key player in negotiating the Hudson River Park Trust legislation last year and coordinated the Park project for the City for the past 3-1/2 years.

Ms. Fishman has also worked on a number of planning and development projects, including the reuse plan for the Fort Totten Army Base in Queens, the Williamsburg Housing Task Force, and the Lower Manhattan tax benefits program. She holds a master's degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a bachelor's degree from the University of California at Los Angeles.

The 550-acre Hudson River Park consists of piers, upland and water areas stretching from Battery Park to 59th Street. Plans for the park include renovation of the deteriorated Hudson River waterfront and piers, ultimately restoring the waterfront as an asset for the City and the region.

The park plan will provide continuous public access to the water's edge through the creation of a waterside esplanade and bikeway. The plan will preserve views of the Hudson River, while providing active uses such as ballfields, playgrounds, fishing and boating.

Governor Pataki and Mayor Giuliani, who each have pledged $100 million toward the project, broke ground on Stage One of the park last October. Construction is ongoing. Stage One includes the portion of the riverfront that stretches from Charles Street to West 11th Street in Greenwich Village.

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