City Catholic School Crisis

Enrollment at New York City Catholic schools continues to decline. The Archdiocese of New York, which operates schools in The Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan and northern suburbs dropped to 88,273 students. Diocese of Brooklyn elementary schools in Brooklyn and Queens dropped to 36,000 students. High school figures for them were not made available. Over 1,300 Catholic schools have closed nationwide since 1990. The main reason appears to be the higher cost of a religious education as compared to education in the public school system. Charter schools have also become a reasonable alternative for many Catholic families. Unless things change, Catholic schools won't have a prayer.

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.]

Pushed Passed His Limit

Ex-Staten Island Borough President, Guy Molinari sued Mayor Bloomberg in Federal court for pushing through his third-term mayoral run. Other plaintiffs include several City Council members and prominent New Yorkers. Molinari said, “This is a mockery of the word democracy. When I think back to the days when I was fighting with the Marines in Korea … people would say, ‘We’re here to defend our democracy.’” Molinari believes term-limits should be decided by the voters … not the City Council. Bloomberg ran and run… but Molinari was right.

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.]

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.

[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.]

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.

[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.]

Our Intrepid Friend Is Home

A “gray lady” may now be seen on a Hudson River pier. Fresh from a two-year restoration in Staten Island, the USS Intrepid majestically cruised back to the West Side of New York. USS Intrepid, back home at Pier 86, reopens to the public on November 8th. To students of history and to all yet to learn of America’s great naval history, this is a trip worth taking. About 250 ex-sailors took the tow from Staten Island to Manhattan. What memories they must have. What memories you will have.

FREE Ferry A Fine Ferry-Tale

$5.69 per commuter ride is what New York City taxpayers pay to keep the Staten Island Ferry, “free.” That’s a 23.2% increase from the previous year, primarily attributed to rising fuel costs. On average for NYC’s nine ferries, the fuel consumption rate is 175-275 gallons an hour. The total operating cost was put at $112 million for fiscal year 2007. There’s little desire among politicians or ferry riders to reinstitute the 50 cent fare that was eliminated in 1997. Since there’s no reasonably priced alternative to accommodate our Staten Island residents and no more enjoyable ride in town ... c’mon and take a free ride.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcoaLnvU2hc

Ferry Settlement For Victim

Darius Marshall, 25, left home in October 2003. He never returned. Sadly, Marshall died in the Staten Island Ferry crash in 2003. This September, his family was awarded $2.3 million for their terrible loss. Marshall survived the 9/11 attack. He was standing near the South Tower when the jet struck the building. His family received word of the payment, also on 9/11. It’s hoped that the settlement will bring comfort and closure to his loved ones.

Ferry Man’s Ship Comes In

In 2003, a Staten Island Ferry crashed into the dock. It left James McMillan, 44, paralyzed. A jury awarded him $23 million. Now it’s up to the judge to determine the award. The jury based their decision on McMillan living another 25 years with necessary medical costs and for "pain and suffering." Let’s see if the judge agrees or torpedoes their judgment.

Urban Turbines Blow Mayor Away

Mayor Bloomberg recently proposed installing large wind turbines atop New York’s tallest buildings and bridges. Donald Trump likes the idea … but not on his buildings! He said, “My buildings are known for their great architecture, so I’d have to give it some serious thought.” The mayor’s windy ideas are far reaching however, going way beyond the boroughs. He also wants “wind farms” built miles out in the Atlantic Ocean. He believes these farms can supply twice as much wind as land-based wind farms and supply 10% of the city’s energy in ten years. A wind farm is already being built at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and there’s a proposal for a larger one on the Fresh Kills, Staten Island landfill. Wind turbine opponents point to problems with funding issues (public vs. private investment), noise pollution, safety issues (think toppling cranes), environmental impact and even the likelihood that the blades will kill birds. Most importantly perhaps, Siemens AG, one of the biggest makers of wind turbines says huge windmills in cities are not realistic. A company representative said that turbines attached to bridges and buildings would put too much stress on the existing structures which weren’t built to accommodate them. Undeterred, Bloomberg believes in using many approaches to solve our energy and pollution problems. The mayor realizes his breezy ideas are unlikely to fly. His intent is simply to get people talking … and thinking. He said the city will welcome “anybody that has brilliant ideas.” Who’s tripping down the streets of the city? Everyone knows it’s Windy.

Foreclosures Building In Big Apple

Compared to July 2007, foreclosures are up 67% citywide (215%-Staten Island, 81%-Queens, 63%-Brooklyn, 16%-The Bronx and 7.6%-Manhattan). So far in 2008, the total number of homes lost in NYC is 2,216. Despite the losses, New York City is still doing better than most large cities in the U.S. With only a 30% homeowner base, New York City is somewhat fortunate during these tough economic times. Things might be worse here if fewer people rented. Many experts agree that many current foreclosures were often caused by overly-lenient mortgage companies who approved overly-enthusiastic home buyers. Buyers took chances and gambled with adjustable rates on their interest payments. Some lost. Whatever the reasons, it’s hoped that the economy will improve soon. Those in power should initiate reasonable measures to help our home-owning neighbors now. Also, they must act to prevent future lenders and buyers from falling into the same mortgage traps again.

Staten Island – NYC Tourist Attraction?

Most tourists stay in Manhattan when visiting New York City. Admittedly, that’s where most of the city’s famous attractions are. However, Gray Line is starting a Staten Island Tour. As a New Yorker, I know there’s much to be seen and enjoyed in every borough. But Gray’s $15.00 ticket price might seem high to most out-of-towners to see an “unfamiliar” place … maybe even to most New Yorkers familiar with Staten Island as just a stepping stone to New Jersey.

MTA’s Bus-y Business

Between September, 1997 & 2007, bus riders grew 22% yet service was increased by only 15%. As one might have guessed, service in Manhattan and Staten Island fared better than bus service in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. The New York City Transit Authority says ridership was depressed in the mid nineties. They think today’s service levels are at the correct levels. Gene Russianoff, of the Straphangers Campaign disagrees. He believes the surge in bus travel was not met with the proper increase in buses. So the question is, are today’s commuters riding comfortably on the bus … or being tossed in front of it?

Final Ruling Against 9/11 Remains Transfer

Judge Alvin Hellerstein recently decided against the lawsuit raised by 9/11 families. The plaintiffs (WTC Families for a Proper Burial) want the city to move World Trade Center debris from the Fresh Kills landfill in Staten Island to a burial site. The judge said, “Not every wrong can be addressed through the judicial process. The grave harm suffered by the plaintiffs in this case is undeniable. But the jurisdiction of a court is limited.” Sad as it is to think that any human remains may have been overlooked during the exhaustive sifting process, the family’s request may be impractical now for financial and logistical reasons. However, couldn’t New York City make arrangements to set aside a proper burial area in the vicinity of Fresh Kills? The landfill won’t be a landfill forever.

The Jungles We Call Our Parks

A recent study found homeless people, junkies, pushers, illegal dumpers, prostitutes, chop shops and gangs residing or plying their trade in parks throughout every borough of New York City. According to testimony, numerous park workers have been “warned” not to go inside certain parks because they’re too dangerous. Have we been officially warned? Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe is seemingly unaware of the extent of the problems. He claims that his office doesn’t favor certain parks over others. Let’s see if that’s true by following the money. The city spends $10,694 per acre in Manhattan compared to just $2,104 in Staten Island. Keep in mind that parks in New York City’s upscale neighborhoods often receive large subsidies from conservancies or government-affiliated entities. They don’t need government funds as much as other parks do. So is this favoritism? Benepe says city parks are better cared for than ever before. There is loud debate on that. Even former Parks Commissioner Henry Stern admitted that some parks have been abandoned because of inadequate funding. Since 2002 under Mayor Bloomberg, the city has added 468 acres of new parkland to its existing 29,084 acres in 1,875 parks. It’s time that dollars were more equally divided for the care of all parks throughout our city. Furthermore, no parks should be abandoned to squatters or criminal types. Give them an inch and they’ll take an acre … or 29,804 acres. Our brave troops are not writing off land in Iraq. Our city government shouldn’t do it here either.

Firehouse Names Too Hot For FDNY Brass

Poor behavior and recent booze and broad scandals of some New York City firefighters is forcing officials in the Fire Department to try to clean up it’s public image. One way to do this, they believe, is to eliminate politically incorrect nicknames for firehouses. After a three year battle with a firehouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn, the FDNY has prevailed. That means the “Happy Hookers” firehouse in Red Hook is no more. Gone too is the moniker “Southern Comfort” in Staten Island, “Animal House” in the Bronx and “Fosters” in Brooklyn. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta believes this is the right approach. Perhaps more severe punishment should be meted out to specific individuals who bring shame to the Fire Department rather than cutting out part of the spirit and camaraderie which all fire personnel and many neighborhood residents enjoy.

Motel 6 They Ain’t

Three New York City hotels, The Plaza, The Bowery and The Duane, are among 136 hotels in 53 countries judged to be the hottest “new” hotels in the world. That, according to Conde Nast in their new Traveler’s Annual. Congrats to them! All are located in Manhattan. That of course means higher rates than comparable (Yeah, right!) hotels in Staten Island. For example, rates at the Plaza start at $775 per night! So weary, wealthy travelers, sleep well. And if you can’t nod off, try counting dollar signs instead of sheep.

Staten Island Ferries Won’t Go Bump In The Stormy Night

The Statue of Liberty’s torch isn’t powerful enough to light Upper New York Bay. Let’s be fair though. For over 100 years, her flame safely guided millions here from around the world. It doesn't need to be New York City’s night light too! Staten Island Ferry boats have been somewhat at the mercy of bad weather. To remedy this potentially dangerous situation, high-tech radar will be installed in 2008 on the city’s ferry boats and docks. This gear will enable captains to see their way clear through even the worst of storms. Great idea, but has New York truly gone all these years without this type of electronic system in place? That wasn't too bright.

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Staten Island

For unknown reasons, Staten Island has the highest rate for smoking in New York City. In fact, 27% of those in the borough are smokers compared to an average of 17% in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. Among pregnant women, Staten Island moms-to-be smoke at an alarming 19% rate while in the Bronx the number is 5%, Manhattan and Queens are both at 5.1% and Brooklyn is 5.9%. The plus-puffing figures are puzzling. Residents of Staten Island will soon be barraged with a new wave of NYC-sponsored ads urging them to give up smoking. Hopefully they’ll be able to see through their own smoke to read them.

A Real Sewer Doer

Even in 2007, not all neighborhoods in NYC have sewers. Mayor Bloomberg announced that the Annadale section of Staten Island will be getting their sewer system built and connected in June of 2009. Rats not included.