Calls for Gov. Cuomo to allow bowling centers to safely reopen
SOUTHGLENSFALLS, N.Y. » New York State Sen. Daphne Jordan (R,C,I-Halfmoon) proudly joined bowling center owners and employees from across the Capital Region at Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center, Friday in South Glens Falls, to urge Gov. Andrew Cuomo to allow the safe reopening of bowling centers.
During the press conference, Sen. Jordan and bowling center owners noted that the continued closure – 137 days and counting – of nearly 300 bowling centers throughout NYS could place over 9,000 jobs statewide in jeopardy, with bowling centers losing approximately $90 million in revenue with an estimated economic impact to employees of $30 million in lost wages. Many bowling centers may shutter their doors forever unless the Governor acts.
“Bowling centers offer fun, family-friendly recreation and access to a beloved pastime. By employing over 9,000 New Yorkers and providing tens of millions of dollars in economic activity, as well as supporting countless charitable causes, bowling centers are a vital part of our economy. Sadly, many bowling centers here in our Capital District, and across our state are struggling as never before since Governor Cuomo shut down our economy,” Sen. Jordan stated.
“Back on July 14, I wrote the Governor asking him to direct Empire State Development (ESD) to develop a plan to allow for the safe, sensible reopening of these facilities. To date, the administration hasn’t responded, and a growing number of bowling centers – many of which are family- owned and operated small businesses with deep roots in their communities – may face the possibility of permanent closure. We can’t allow that to happen. Governor Cuomo needs to step up and direct ESD to formulate a common-sense plan so they can reopen safely and sensibly,” Sen. Jordan noted.
“Our goal for this press conference is to open a dialog with Governor Cuomo so that bowling centers statewide can present our case as to how we can open our centers safely. We offer our guidance to the governor and are happy to help work with his office to modify the previously submitted opening plan so that it meets or exceeds all of his concerns. Our center owners are some of the best in our industry! Let us work together to get the 300 bowling centers open in New York State,” New York State Bowling Proprietors Association (NYSBPA) President Doug Bohannon explained.
On July 14, Sen. Jordan wrote
Gov. Cuomo requesting that he direct Empire State Development to develop a plan to allow the safe, sensible reopening of bowling centers that had been closed since the issuance of the Governor’s New York on PAUSE directive on March 22. The administration has provided no formal response to the request thus far and bowl
ing centers remain closed.
“We have to protect lives – but we also need to safeguard livelihood’s. The proud owners of these facilities – the small businessmen and women you see here – have poured their money, their sweat, their tears, and everything they have into their businesses – and now they are looking at potentially losing it all. In June, there were over one million unemployed New Yorkers. So many small businesses are struggling, and many
may go out of business, permanently. Governor, please hear our request and allow these beloved small businesses to reopen, safely, and sensibly,” Sen. Jordan added.
Joining Sen. Jordan and taking part in Friday’s press conference were New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner; Alison and Doug Bohannon, President, New York State Bowling Proprietors Association, owners, Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center, South Glens Falls;
Rich Sheldon, owner, Saratoga Strike Zone, Saratoga Springs; Scott McLaughlin, owner, Lucky Strike Lanes, Malone; Bill Cornell, owner, Dell Lanes and East Greenbush Bowling Center; Carol Judge, General Manager, Spare Time, Latham; Bobby Downing, owner, Crystal Lanes, Corning; Jeff and Beckie Ripic, owners, Ripics Carousel Lanes, Binghamton; Mike Tryniski, owner, Lakeview Lanes, Fulton Brandon and Sean Bickford, owners, Broadway Lanes,
Hudson Falls and Slate Valley Lanes, Granville, and Michael Bittel, President, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.
New York State is home to approximately 300 bowling centers, the majority of which are family-owned and operated, employing over 9,000 people. Since the mandated closure of bowling centers 137 days ago, bowling centers have lost approximately $90 million in revenue with an estimated economic impact to
employees of $30 million in lost wages. With fall leagues set to begin soon, the financial impact to these centers increases dramatically. Absent fall bowling leagues being allowed to start, many bowling centers may be forced to close forever.
Additionally, bowling centers are key parts of local communities as hundreds of non-profit organizations use bowling centers to raise much-needed funds for local charitable causes.