It’s sounding like Apple got a sweetheart of a deal from the MTA to open an Apple Store in Grand Central Station. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is going to investigate.

As much as I hate linking to and quoting the NY Post here it is:

In addition to state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who told The Post he would look into Apple’s sweetheart lease, State Sen. Tony Avella also called for an investigation yesterday.

Regardless, iPads are coming to Grand Central a week from today — probe or no probe. Confirming a Post report, Apple said yesterday it will open its store inside the Big Apple’s historic commuter hub Dec. 9.

So what does an Apple Store in Grand Central Station do for NYC’s economy?

The comptroller of New York is planning to audit the MTA and it’s about time. They always look for ways to hike fares while being known to keep two sets of books! One book says they’re not making enough while the other shows a surplus. They also try to undercut their employees when it comes time to bargain. This is why TWU Local 100 went on strike in 2005. New York’s public authorities need reform and many were hoping that Sptizer would have taken this on when he was the governor. I wonder what Governor Patterson’s thoughts are on public authorities in NY?