The Democratic National Committee is on the verge of making a decision on where to hold its national convention next year. The party is giving the de Blasio administration one last chance to make its pitch for Brooklyn to host the gathering. NY1's Vivian Lee filed the following report.
Debbie Wasserman Shultz, the head of the Democratic National Committee, toured Brooklyn Friday before deciding a host city for the party's next presidential convention.
She kept her schedule a secret but Mayor Bill de Blasio acknowledged that he put in a final word about his bid to hold the convention in Brooklyn.
“We've had very productive conversations with the chairwoman and with her staff,” de Blasio said. “I know we're coming down to the wire in terms of a decision being made.”
De Blasio rolled out the red carpet for DNC officials last summer as they inspected Barclays and sampled the city's attractions.
Wasserman in recent days also visited the other finalists for the convention: Philadelphia and Columbus, Ohio.
Many Brooklyn residents seem intrigued about of having the convention at Barclays.
"It would be a very good exposure for them, bring in a lot of revenue, probably get a lot of people employed, so I really think it would be a positive thing,” said one Brooklynite.
"Something different for the community to see,” added another.
"What's great about Barclays is every subway stop, you know, train comes here so it's easy to get here from all parts of the city,” said a third.
Not everyone agrees. Some cringe at the idea of a political convention here in the middle of summer.
"Look around here, it's not that wide. You know it’s enough. Even when there's games here traffic is crazy,” said a Brooklyn resident.
Although Barclays hosted the Video Music Awards and will be part of next month's NBA All Stars weekend, some don't think it has the status to host a major political event.
"I don’t know, it doesn't seem something that might be very politically, I don’t know directed toward the political scene,” said another. “More of entertainment venue, concerts, sports.”
Financing, logistics, and providing adequate security are the elements each city will be judged on. The DNC could make its decision as soon as next week.