Candidate Ryan Maier's Proposal for Concession Stands in Bryant Park

This was Ryan Maier's answer to the first question asked last Monday night at the Bryant Park Candidate Forum (2/23). The question was this: "How would you better utilize Bryant Park for the benefit of the city?"

Contrary to Mr. Maier's assertions, there is a kayak concession that works out of Bryant Park and the surrounding area. Kayak Lake Worth operates on an appointment basis and delivers kayaks at the boat ramp for people who want to kayak in the Lake Worth Lagoon. Usually they drop them off in the public boat ramp that is there, or other places based upon weather. There is no building; it is more of an "on-demand" business providing a service. They have made presentations at City Commission meetings about their operation—so the city is aware of their operation. Apparently Mr. Maier is not.

His other ideas related to the establishment of concessions in Bryant Park gave some area neighbors coronary stress at Monday night's Bryant Park Neighborhood Association candidate forum. He thinks the park should be a moneymaker for the city, which wouldn't keep our parks non-commercialized. It also runs counter to what would be allowed in the Public Recreation and Open Space (PROS) zoning for Bryant Park. Here is what the code allows: