After consideration, Diaz Jr. jumps on board with Ferry Point Park golf course

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. didn't come right out praising or damning the Donald Trump deal to bring a Jack Nicklaus golf course to the South Bronx. He sat back, considered the options, and finally chose to praise the deal.

“After extensive discussions and meetings between myself, my office and the Trump Organization over the past week; in addition to hearing from local elected officials, business and community leaders in the area, I have decided to support their concession for a golf course at Ferry Point Park," he said in a statement released Wednesday, Jan. 18.

“The Trump Organization has answered my concerns on this project, and has vowed to be a good neighbor to the people of the Bronx. This includes commitments on local hiring, outreach to our business community, both in the surrounding neighborhood and across the borough; and vital community access to the golf course for both young people and Bronx residents alike, among other points."

The reason this will be a good project for the Bronx, Diaz says, is because Trump is committing a significant amount of money to the Bronx, and having a PGA Tour quality course will enhance the borough's reputation nationally and internationally (No one exactly equates golf with crime and poverty).

City Councilman James Vacca came out praising the project yesterday, after the city's Franchise and Concession Review Committee approved the project.

“A patient and appreciative Throggs Neck community has reason to celebrate today!" Vacca exclaimed. "Although it was initially proposed 32 years ago, a vote by the Franchise and Concession Review Committee means that Ferry Point Golf Course is finally full steam ahead. This project has gone from one misstep to another, and had many observers truly wondering whether this course would ever be finished."

In 1979, as Chairman of Bronx Community Board 10, Vacca was involved in creating this project. "Today, as the District 13 Councilman, I am seeing the reality. It’s been a long fight and a long wait, but let me be clear, there is no reason for any further delay and my community will accept none."