Westchester lawmakers clash over decision to end Rye Playland contract

Playtime could be over for Rye Playland. Westchester County Executive George Latimer on Sunday ended a 30-year contract with Standard Amusements, the company that was slated to start managing the Rye-based amusement park in November, and some lawmakers aren’t happy with the decision, LoHud reported. Latimer said his decision came because the county was “simply not satisfied with what we have been seeing,” noting that Westchester “wanted to see the energy, excitement and drive in Standard Amusements’ vision for Playland — we didn’t just want a real estate deal.” John Testa, the Republican minority leader of the Board of Legislators, however, said he felt Latimer’s decision was “a mistake financially for the success of the park and for the future of the county.” Standard Amusements had agreed in 2016 to take over management of Rye Playland and inject $27.5 million in much-needed investment to revitalize the park, but disagreements soon arose between the company and the county over who would be financially responsible for certain upgrades. Standard Amusements has accused Westchester of mismanagement and refusing to negotiate changes to its Rye Playland contract. [LoHud]