JFK Approach Decisions

This always baffled me; who decides when JFK runways close and re-open? Is it the Airport Manager, the Port, the ATC in the Tower or even a computer? Also, when the VOR/DME & VOR 13L Approaches are both in simultaneous use, those coming-in over Long Island always arrive on 22L, yet many coming-in from the West (Lendy), are often sent eastbound, then turned north over L.I. for a VOR/DME 22L Arrival. Are the controllers who make these critical decisions located in the JFK Tower or the Tracon in Garden City? This is obviously done for proper separation; especially with those A388s. Anyway, if the 13L arrival pattern is swelled, the A388 will get sent-over for the 22L path. Good for spacing but not good for spotters awaiting certain aircraft to photograph.