Dolan received criticism for ejecting customers from his venues using sophisticated facial recognition software. He disallowed attorneys who practice at a firm that defends the plaintiffs in a lawsuit he has filed. Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, has asked MSG for documentation to prove that the "World's Most Famous Arena" is not infringing on New Yorkers' civil rights.
In response to the New York State Liquor Authority's threat to remove his liquor license, Dolan suggested in January that he would forbid alcohol from being consumed on his own premises.
The Daily News reports that Albany legislators have introduced a budget resolution that would eliminate MSG's 40-year-old property tax exemption. According to reports, the $42 million could be allocated to the MTA, New York City's transportation system.
"Madison Square Garden does not pay property taxes, yet there are millions of businesses throughout the state of New York. Why is this picture flawed? Brad Hoylman, a state senator from Manhattan (D), remarked.
To end Dolan's properties' tax benefit, Hoylman put forth a bill.
Holyman and Dolan had previously fought. Dolan specifically addressed the state senator in his one-on-one interview with Fox 5 New York's Rosanna Scotto when talking about the crime in New York City.
"He has a law called "Clean Slate," which means that if you're a criminal, it's a clean slate. You're no longer a criminal, therefore we're going to start again," Dolan continued. And if you commit another crime, everything starts over again.
"This particular law he's working on right now prevents landlords from conducting criminal background checks on tenants. In other words, your landlord has no power to stop a pedophile from moving in next door.
In a statement to the New York Post, a Dolan representative continued to berate the state senator.
The spokesperson remarked, "It's interesting that Senator Hoylman is advocating for the elimination of government support for businesses when just last year he voted in favor of legislation extending a $420 million government subsidy for the film industry and is currently sponsoring legislation to establish new subsidies for the musical and theatrical production industry.
The spokeswoman declared, "Madison Square Garden is a big job creator and an economic leader within our community and the city. The Post questioned Kathy Hochul, the Democratic governor of New York, on whether she would approve the bill that would end MSG's property tax relief.
The spokesman stated, "Governor Hochul's Executive Budget makes transformative investments to make New York more accessible, livable, and secure, and she looks forward to working with the legislature on the final budget that serves the needs of all New Yorkers. As at the time this story was written, the budget request had not been formally submitted.
