City's Celestial Observatory Project Faces Major Setback

The Amateur Astronomy Association has abandoned plans to establish New York City's first free public observatory at Jerome Park due to unmanageable city licensing requirements, including unlimited liability and increased insurance coverage. Despite spending $21,000 of the $37,000 raised for the project, the association is now exploring private partnerships to continue their efforts elsewhere in the city. The project faced bureaucratic challenges, and the association remains committed to bringing science education to New Yorkers through other means.