The Ball Must Come Down But It Should Not Bounce

As final preparations are put into place to greet 2013, a million people are expected in Times Square tonight.  All there and those watching through other media sources will be focused on the work of master rigger, Tony Calvano.  He’s the man given the responsibility of dropping the ball at 11:59pm to usher in the new year.  Mayor Bloomberg and the Rockettes will push a button to signal Tony to begin the ball’s descent (The mayor always seems to be pushing someone’s button, doesn’t he?).  Since 1988, Mr. Calvano and his team have successfully, “dropped the ball” but in a good way.  Back then, they did it manually.  Now, a computer controls the winch lowering the 12,000-pound, 2,688-piece Waterford Crystal sphere down towards the future.  Thanks to all involved in this effort and longstanding New York City tradition.  And thanks to all New York City residents for keeping this city, on the ball.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php.  We invite you to post your comments on this blog and reply to the comments that other viewers have posted.  This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

 

Mayor Backs More Bike Lanes

NYC has 420 miles of bicycle paths... the most of any city in America. Mayor Bloomberg wants four times more though, with a goal to reach 1,800 miles in twenty years. Many riders on four wheels say these paths cause street confusion and congestion. Those on two wheels are generally happy with the mayor’s support. One-wheeled unicyclists could not be reached for comment.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: This piece was written today about an older New York City news headline. NYCo site delays prevented its publication before now. In an effort to entertain and educate this blog’s devoted viewers, 100’s of older headlines will be posted in chronological order until this blog is discussing current events again. Though some stories may no longer be as relevant as they once were, they remain interesting news items worthy of mention and viewer comments.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments and reply to others. This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

The Dirt On NYC

19% of city residents rated their neighborhood’s cleanliness as poor. The city’s report on itself came in at only 3.9% unacceptably clean. Big difference. Mayor Bloomberg said the number discrepancy is worth a second look. Perhaps it would be wise to start looking for other things besides sanitary issues under New York City's rug.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog is a quick comment on an older New York City news headline. Unforeseen NYCo site development delays prevented its publication before now. For readership continuity, 100’s of older headlines are to be posted in chronological order until this blog is current. Though some of the stories may no longer be as relevant as they once were, they remain interesting news items worthy of this site’s mention and viewer comments.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments and reply to others! This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

Connecting The DOTs

Shortly after Mayor Bloomberg ordered city agencies to make $1.5 billion in cuts, the Department of Transportation approved raises and promotions for four dozen of its very top managers. DOT spokesman Seth Solomon said, “A lot of these were not just raises. These were promotions and expansions of duties. So people are doing more work.” Wow! The DOT can give New Yorkers a "rough ride" even without a train or bus!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog is a quick comment on an older New York City news headline. Unforeseen NYCo site development delays prevented it’s publication before now. For readership continuity, 100’s of older headlines are to be posted in chronological order until this blog is current. Though some of the stories may no longer be as relevant as they once were, they remain interesting news items worthy of this site’s mention and viewer comments.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments and reply to others! This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

Less MSG In NYC

Mayor Bloomberg wants New Yorkers to get less salt in their food. He wants it reduced 20% over the next five years. His supporters believe it’s “the greatest public-health threat facing the city.” No new regulations are expected with this voluntary measure. Don't count on that though once the nanny-staters get the power.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog is a quick comment on an older New York City news headline. Unforeseen NYCo website development delays prevented it’s publication before now. For readership continuity, 100’s of older headlines are to be posted in chronological order until this blog is current. Though some of the stories may no longer be as relevant as they once were, they remain interesting news items worthy of this site’s mention and viewer comments.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments and reply to others! This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

Mayor Mike Peddled Bike Buildings

Bloomberg had a wheel-deal proposal for new residential and commercial buildings to be built here. His proposed requirement mandated that each new apartment building offer one bicycle spot for every two units. Office buildings had to offer an indoor bicycle spot for every 7,500 square feet. The mayor’s wheels kept spinning trying to get us to spin ours.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog is a quick comment on an older New York City news headline. Unforeseen NYCo website development delays prevented it’s publication before now. For readership continuity, 100’s of older headlines are to be posted in chronological order until this blog is current. Though some of the stories may no longer be as relevant as they once were, they remain interesting news items worthy of this site’s mention and viewer comments.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments and reply to others! This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

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.”

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments! Note: This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

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.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments! Note: This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

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!”

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments! Note: This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

Bloomberg Wonder Wheels And Deals

New York City purchased a prime acre of Coney Island real estate for $11 million. This maneuver prevents Thor Equities, CEO Joe Sitt, from moving forward with his plans to develop a Vegas-like entertainment complex. It also boosts city policy to build a new amusement park in Coney. The city owns 4 of 9 acres needed to do just that. Sitt owns most of the present-day amusement area. He reportedly did not see Bloomberg "strolling down the Boardwalk" with this bold action. The carnival game between the city and Sitt will go on. Now that Mayor Bloomberg will likely be mayor another four years, it’ll be interesting to see if Sitt will "sit still" in the city’s "dog house" or make a shrewd move to go back into his "life is wonderful in Coney" funhouse once again

Brooklyn Means Business

The cash is greener on the other side of the East River. That’s what the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership plans to tell Manhattan and New Jersey business owners in 2009. The idea is to attract them to Brooklyn. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz loves the upcoming “Brooklyn business blitz.” In the last four years, extensive rezoning efforts by Mayor Bloomberg created a development boom in downtown Brooklyn. The area’s downfall has been too much residential growth and not enough office and retail space. Maybe the Partnership could target home business entrepreneurs until the proper building mix is reached?

War For Tobacco Wampum

The city is d-e-s-p-e-r-a-t-e for money, so what’s a mayor to do? Declare WAR on honest tobacco-selling Indians, that’s what! Mayor Bloomberg is suing eight Long Island smoke shops on the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic, Long Island for selling cigarettes (about $5 per pack) without charging local and state tax. He contends that if cigarettes weren't sold in these stores, they’d be bought in New York City instead. He believes this has cost the state $525 million and the city $195 million since 2004 however estimates vary. He’s called upon Governor Paterson for action. The governor is reportedly “negotiating.” An Indian spokesman believes they’re being unfairly blamed for the fiscal problems of others. That may be true. According to New York state law, cigarette buyers are responsible for reporting tax-free purchases, not the stores. Indian smoke shops operate legally throughout New York. These establishments buy cigarettes wholesale and then sell them without tax. All legal. No “smoke and mirrors.” Without a change in state law and unless NYC can somehow prove that cigarette buyers would purchase packs in the five boroughs and not on the reservation, Mayor Bloomberg’s case will likely go "up in smoke." One other thought. Since Mayor Bloomberg is actively engaged in reducing smoking in New York City, shouldn't he be looking to curtail sales as opposed to making money from them?

Sharpen The Budget Scissors

Tough economic times demand hard economic decisions. Mayor Bloomberg is sharpening the blades now. He’s ordered $1.5 billion in city-agency cuts. That breaks down to 2.5% this year and 5% next year. He spoke of reducing expenses and raising revenues. Advocates for the city’s largest departments will undoubtedly be heard from very soon. Each will complain that slashed budgets were unfairly decided and will unfairly hurt New York. We know better. All city agencies waste millions of our tax dollars. All city agencies must undergo severe budget cutting ... just like the rest of us. New Yorkers will suffer to an extent, but we’ll survive. We’ve been through worse before. Besides, smaller government doing the same amount of work, or ideally more work, seems like a pretty good idea … except to those who squander our money and must work for it.

Mayor Makes Menu

“Eat what’s on your plate!” Our mother’s used to tell us that. Now it’s our mayor. Bloomberg is imposing new nutritional standards on the 225 million meals and snacks the city cooks up every year. This policy will improve food in public schools, shelters, hospitals and senior citizen centers. The mayor believes this is within his jurisdiction. Like mom said, “If you don’t want to eat, go to your room!,” the mayor says, “You don’t have to take city food.” We can’t really argue with mom or the mayor looking to serve healthy food.

Kings And Pawns In Queens

It’s the best of times. It’s the worst of times. There’s an obvious divide in the city between those with money in their pockets … and those with gaping holes. Councilman Eric Gioia (D-Queens) believes Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed 5,000 apartment public housing project along the Long Island City waterfront is an opportunity to do more for the middle class and poor. His vision of the plan provides more apartments for middle and lower-income families. Perhaps the recent decline in the stock market ends his argument before it’s raised. The line between all New Yorkers has been narrowed. In this instance, it's probably not a good thing.

Ticket Writers Block-Box Solved

A new law is in effect to fine motorists $115 when they’re "behind the wheel and in the box.” It’s now a parking violation, not a moving violation, if you’re caught blocking traffic when the light changes in an intersection grid. Manhattan cabbies stand to get hit extra hard because of heavy New York traffic. NYPD officials say it’ll be easier now for cops and other traffic enforcement agents to write tickets. Mayor Bloomberg said, “We’re very serious about this. Don’t drive into the box if you don’t think you can get out of there.” Nothing we can do but "grid and bear it," people!

Empty Your Pockets For The Politicians

Both Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg recently warned that tax increases may be necessary to close anticipated deficits. In today’s current economic situation, New York City residents are likely to face state and city tax increases in the very near future. Once again, unwise and wasteful spending brings us to the precipice. New York State and City governments should have mandatory special savings accounts to tide them (and us) over during tough economic times. You know. The kind of savings accounts that New Yorkers will be forced to dip into when the taxman comes knocking.

Is There A Criminal In The House?

The Brooklyn House of Detention, located on Atlantic Avenue, is reopening after being closed for five years. Neighbors are none too glad to see it back. Mayor Bloomberg plans to reopen the facility with almost the double the bed capacity to 1,469 cots. The city closed the prison because it was bad for the area’s rejuvenation. Those who bought into the rejuvenating neighborhood and those who were planning to buy, will undoubtedly oppose this new jail in court. The facility is due to open in 2012. It will be used to house inmates with sentences of less than one year. A Correction Department spokesperson said they’re firmly committed to the project, believing it’s a great thing for the criminal justice system. With the new Nu Hotel across the way, one wonders if their guests who pay over $300 for a room will enjoy hearing Jailhouse Rock when they shut their eyes

Bloomberg III May Be Blocked

Former Public Advocate Mark Green believes enough is enough. He’s forming a group of labor and civic leaders to block any attempts by Mayor Bloomberg or his associates to change term limits. Green said, “After seven years agreeing to a two-term limit, Mayor Bloomberg’s potential flip-flop is outraging a lot of civic and labor leaders who I think will come together to oppose such a Putin power grab.” Green may still be smarting from his 2001 loss to Bloomberg. In that race, he was outspent $74 million to just $16 million. However, his opposition now may be something worth considering. After all, the people have opposed the end of term limits twice before. New Yorkers said “FUHGEDABOUDIT!” In the words of one of America’s greatest presidents, Thomas Jefferson, “The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Closed-door manipulations of the people’s will by City Council members or others should be recognized for what they are. An abuse of power. Maybe the Mayor should look into this.

Schools May Have New Ruler And Rules

The school year for NYC’s 1.1 million students has started and will end in June of 2009. Coincidentally, Mayor Bloomberg’s control of the school system which began in 2002 ends June 30, 2009. Groups are forming on both sides now to present their cases to the state legislature over who should have authority over city schools on July 1, 2009; the mayor or the original seven-member Board of Education. Schools Chancellor Joel Klein will push to retain mayoral control. Klein (who was appointed by Bloomberg) is one of the 13 current board members. Many parents are upset with the lack of say they have in important school decisions. New York City’s 32 Community Education Councils (CEC’s) believe they’re powerless on major issues too. Many in the CEC’s believe that a Chancellor should be more independent of the mayor than Klein. The other side argues that since Bloomberg took over school control in 2002, per-student spending has risen from $10,694 to $15,110. Graduations have risen from 51% to 62%. Major crimes have fallen from 1,577 (2000-2001) to 1,047 (2007-2008). Before anyone looks to take the mayor out of the equation, they should offer very detailed plans on how they intend to improve upon his results. As it seems to students every September, "June will never get here!" For parties on both sides of this issue however, the time to come up with ideas that benefit our children is already running out.