Bloomberg takes hard line on Tavern talks

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced today that Tavern on the Green will be used as a temporary visitors center, snack bar and retail shop, after talks between labor group Hotel and Motel Trades Council and newly-selected venue operator Dean Poll once again reached an impasse. The city had tried to serve as a broker between the two parties, Bloomberg said, but had lost its patience after talks fell through. “We’ll solicit new proposals with labor organizations from anyone that wants to re-open it as a restaurant,” Bloomberg said. “We can’t — and won’t — wait any longer for a resolution with no guarantee that one will come.” The decision puts the legendary restaurant’s future in question, with Bloomberg making no promises to revert the venue back to its original state. “Based on the proposals and the success of the venue as a visitor center and store, we’ll decide whether or not to turn all or part of it back into a restaurant.” TRD