Assembly Member Robert Carroll is making headlines this winter, not just for his work in Albany but also for his presence at the Winter Olympics in Italy. The Brooklyn Democrat is actively exploring the possibility of New York City and Lake Placid in the Adirondacks cohosting the Winter Games, potentially as early as 2042. The call for bids for hosting the Olympics is anticipated to occur at the end of next year.
The Milan Cortina Olympics are notable for being the first games officially cohosted by two cities. Like New York City and Lake Placid, the two Italian locations are only about a five-hour drive apart. Notably, Lake Placid has a rich Olympic history, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice in the past, most recently in 1980, meaning that the necessary sports infrastructure is already in place.
During an interview in Italy, Carroll discussed his vision for a dual-city Olympic partnership, which he believes could leverage modernized facilities in Lake Placid alongside New York City’s state-of-the-art venues, including Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium. He stressed that this collaboration would not require new sports infrastructure, differentiating it from other Olympic preparations like those in Milan Cortina, which have involved significant construction efforts.
Addressing concerns over public investment for Lake Placid, Carroll pointed out that Governor Kathy Hochul has invested hundreds of millions in recent years to modernize the facilities, making them competitive on a global scale. He expressed confidence that these upgrades would prevent the need for additional debt or further construction to host the games.
While some critics have raised questions about the financial and logistical aspects of cohosting the Olympics, Carroll highlights the differences between the Winter and Summer Games, noting that the Winter Olympics are considerably smaller in scale and would have the advantage of utilizing existing infrastructure.
Carroll is exploring the formation of an exploratory committee to move the proposal forward, which would include key figures like Governor Hochul, local mayors, and community leaders from both areas. This committee would focus on financial specifics, legal obligations, and logistics to evaluate the feasibility of hosting the Olympics.
On a personal note, Carroll, an enthusiastic sports fan, mentioned his excitement about attending a variety of events, such as hockey, figure skating, and curling. He shared his experiences at the current Olympic events in Italy, stating that the trip has been a remarkable opportunity to enjoy the spirit of the Games.
In addition to his Olympic aspirations, Carroll also discussed his support in the local congressional race, notably shifting his endorsement from Dan Goldman to Brad Lander, citing a strong personal friendship and belief in Lander’s progressive ideals and experience as reasons for his support.
Carroll’s vision for a New York City-Lake Placid Winter Olympics, combined with his commitment to community engagement in local politics, signals a proactive approach to enhancing both New York’s sporting landscape and its legislative engagements.