NYRA signs maintenance deal

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - The New York Racing Association has entered into a three-year facility management agreement with Tishman Real Estate Management Co. to oversee the daily maintenance and upkeep of Aqueduct, it was announced Friday.

The management company will fulfill the duties previously held by John Olin, the NYRA facilities manager, who retired last year, and Pete McNulty, his assistant, who was recently fired.

According to a press release issued by Terry Meyocks, president of NYRA, the decision to hire a management company at Aqueduct "was based upon the need to contain escalating costs associated with the maintenance and repair of the nearly 50-year-old facility."

Tishman did the renovation of Aqueduct's paddock and the entrances at Saratoga. Meyocks said Tishman would also play a role in the construction of the video lottery terminal area at Aqueduct later this year.

Meyocks said Tishman may also be asked to oversee the daily maintenance at Belmont Park and Saratoga.