Minority Leader John Larkin has introduced a resolution urging the multimillion-dollar attraction to change its name to Legoland Discovery Center in Yonkers. The title would acknowledge the venue's home in Yonkers, a distinction that has been afforded to the other cities that host a Legoland, he said.
“There are 10 Legoland Discovery Centers located around the world, and nine out of the 10 are listed as residing within their host city,” Larkin said in a statement. “The only Legoland Discovery Center that does not list its host city is Yonkers, instead listing it as residing in Westchester.”
When Legoland opens its $12 million facility March 27 inside Westchester’s Ridge Hill, Yonkers will join an exclusive club of host cities, which includes Tokyo, Atlanta, Kansas City and Chicago.
The center opted for the Westchester title because Legoland will serve Yonkers as well as the surrounding area, said Chris Mines, Legoland general manager.
“We are proud to be members of the Yonkers community and greatly appreciative of the welcome we have received here in Yonkers,” he said in a statement.
“Our attraction will welcome guests from around the tri-state area,” he continued. “The name reflects that we will serve all of Westchester and the surrounding area, and also follows the lead of Ridge Hill, as they are Westchester’s Ridge Hill.”
But Larkin, whose district includes Ridge Hill, said the explanation does not hold weight.
It “would be acceptable if the same reasoning would be applied to the other nine locations around the world,” he said.
The resolution is expected to go before the City Council at its Tuesday meeting.
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