Backing Off The 911 Backup Center

More than ten years ago, plans were made to create a New York City emergency communications backup center in the event of a serious disaster. Construction was proposed in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx. This hub would complement current 911 services in Brooklyn's Metrotech Center. Today, NYC residents are still waiting for this vital 37-story center to be constructed, though some in the building area would like to see it scaled down to its original 17-story design. With a current $957 million price tag, 40% over the last estimate, it’s likely we’ll all be waiting a bit longer. It’s more than seven years since September 11th. The question is how much longer can New Yorkers afford to wait?

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Fossil Found On Federal’s Tombstone

About 220 million years ago, an ancestor of the starfish died in a shallow sea in what is now upstate New York. The creature is known now as a “crionoid.” Local geology professor Dr. Alan Benimoff spotted its fossilized remains in a 15-foot high limestone gravestone in Staten Island’s Moravian Cemetery. The marker was erected in 1863 for 29-year-old Brigadier General Stephen Weed. He was killed in the battle of Gettysburg that same year. Nothing is known of this particular ancient creature, save for its fossilized remains. One can only wonder if 220 million years from now, Weed will be identified as easily as was this nameless crionoid who shares a cold stone with him among the weeds.

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Cutting The Apple To The Core

The city’s budget gap has grown from $2.3 billion to $4 billion for fiscal years 2009 and 2010. That means significant budget cuts and layoffs loom. It means fewer government jobs, which is generally a good thing. It means fewer services for residents, which is generally a bad thing. Mayor Bloomberg said, “We just don’t know what the future is going to hold.” A New York City political insider believes he knows. He said that the recently term-limit-extended mayor is up for re-election in November 2009. He thinks we can expect to see reasonable cuts up to early 2010. However, in fiscal year 2011 (beginning on July 1, 2010) a “huge disaster” is coming because of a projected $5 billion dollar deficit. Nobody can know the city’s financial future for sure or how it will impact all of us. Maybe a memorable quote in 1982’s Rocky III will ring true for New Yorkers in the years to come. In the movie, Mr. T’s character, “Clubber Lang” was asked to make a fight prediction. His quote? “PAIN.”

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CUNY Gets High Marks

Enrollment in the city’s university system of 23 campuses is at its highest level since 1976; 242,898 students. Much of the credit goes to higher administration standards set back in 1999 and the addition of the Honors College in 2001. Given the reasonable $4,000 undergraduate tuition in a worsening economy, even more students are expected to attend. Through much of its early years, the New York City university system was known as the “Harvard of the poor.” During the 1960’s and 1970’s, the schools suffered both scholastically and financially. That was primarily due to an open enrollment policy. It’s heartening to see that higher standards have delivered quality education, higher enrollment and significant student population increases from the minority sectors. Now the city needs a great college football team to cheer for.

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Arrests In The Apple

In fiscal year 2008, US Immigration authorities in NYC detained almost 10,000 illegal immigrants and legal residents with green cards who’d broken the law. That’s a 43% increase over fiscal year 2007. Increased vigilance and improved sharing of information by authorities led to the additional arrests. No number is available though on how many of these individuals were deported. It’s about time New York residents see better law enforcement and results regarding foreigners who break the law. Legal immigrants will always be welcome here. Illegals and those who disregard our hospitality should stay in New Jersey.

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Red Light For Green Cabs

A federal judge ruled that Mayor Bloomberg can’t force "fuel-efficiency" rules on taxi owners. Only the feds can set standards like. So says Judge Paul Crotty. Bloomberg though disappointed by the decision doesn’t believe he’s defeated yet. He’s asked the Taxi and Limousine Commission to hype his hybrid idea and vows to lobby Congress to change the mileage standards laws. It seems that if New York’s mayor can’t hail a green cab, he’ll give hell to the yellow ones.

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Pedal Pushing Forward

A new report claims that thousands more New Yorkers are cycling to work instead of using mass transit. Cyclists account for less than 1% of total NYC commuters now, but that number is expected to grow. In tough financial times, biking helps many make ends meet. Despite the obvious monetary and health benefits, many potential bike riders remain concerned about dangerous vehicle traffic and the shortage of safe bicycle parking places. The city is responding by painting new bike lanes on many thoroughfares. Much more must be done though to encourage home-to-work bike riding.

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NYC Is In The House To Save ‘Hoods

When a New York City house becomes vacant, it deteriorates quickly. It can run down an entire block. Then the neighborhood around that block can decay. Mayor Bloomberg says the city will buy as many as 115 foreclosed homes over the next 18 months using $24 million in federal funds. This money comes from a New Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant. These abandoned homes will be converted into 250-300 housing units for low and middle-income New Yorkers. He hopes this will stabilize at-risk neighborhoods. The people who buy these units will be eligible for affordable mortgages. The main rescue effort will center in central Brooklyn and Jamaica, Queens. Good job, “Mayor Homey!”

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Library DVD Borrowing Is Booking

Historically during tough times, people flock to libraries to read books. Many libraries around New York City have noted the recent increase in visitors. Unknown to many however, most libraries have a huge assortment of DVD titles as well as printed materials. As the economy worsens, savvy New Yorkers are borrowing DVDs from local libraries rather than renting them at Blockbuster-like outlets. It’s convenient, too. DVD selections may be made online and put on hold for pickup. Library DVD rentals are FREE … but watch out for those infamous “late return” fines!

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Strutting Gotham Streets

Pedestrians beware! Walking, not driving may be hazardous to your health when crossing New York City’s top five deadliest thoroughfares. Third Avenue and Broadway, both in Manhattan are the two deadliest streets in the Big Apple. Between 2005-2007, each was the location where ten people died. The Grand Central Parkway in Queens and Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island each had nine deaths. Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue claimed eight victims during the same time period. Walk with caution and confidence or you may be “chalked up” as just another statistic.

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