NYC Homeowners Taxes On The “Up” Escalator

The average city homeowners’ property tax will rise by $171 this year. Local real estate taxes are expected to add $13.78 billion to the city’s coffers. By far, this is the largest source of income the city generates. With billions in cash and the law behind them enforcing collection, it’s doubtful this political gravy train will change direction any time soon. To those who believe that New York City officials are spending every penny they gather wisely, rejoice. To everyone else, start saving up a bit more for next year’s levy and keep smiling, lest someone think you're unhappy about the increase.

New York Means New Jobs

Over the past year, the NYC metropolitan area added 39,800 new jobs. Fortunately for us, 92% of those jobs were right in our five boroughs. The Big Apple's growth rate was five times the national average. This, despite only registering a meager 1% growth rate; the lowest since 2004. So says the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite the weakening national economy, New York City remains the city that never sleeps … on the job.

NYC Spends $65 Million For Reservists’ Pay

Since September 11th, over 2,000 city employees have been called up by their country to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. At present, 488 of our city’s brave sons and daughters are on duty overseas. We’re grateful for their honorable service. When municipal workers become serving reservists, the city foots the bill. Representative Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn/Queens) is calling upon the Federal government to reimburse New York for the expense. It’s a reasonable idea that’s unlikely to happen; and perhaps it shouldn’t. New York City’s burden is likely in proportion to other municipalities across the country. Maybe we should look into the city’s bloated budget to cut waste rather than reaching out for a handout during a time of war. Yes, New Yorkers are special, but we must remember that we're AMERICANS first ... except of course for all of the illegal aliens throughout our five boroughs.

World Trade Center Tragedy – Part II

Nearly seven years after September 11th, the Port Authority says it needs time to calculate how late and over-budget the rebuilding effort is. This is a disgrace and insult to millions of New Yorkers. Those who have had authority over the years should be held accountable for their inaction. To his credit, after only two months on the job, new Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward seems to acknowledge this. He intends to get something done. Perhaps he can accomplish what his predecessors and others could not. Unfortunately, we’re years away from knowing.

Drinkers Downing Alcohol And Their Tips

Bartenders throughout New York City are reporting that tips are getting worse in direct connection with the economy. The National Bartenders Association says many mixologists are reporting a decrease of up to 30% in tips. Most bartenders work for tips alone so this economic downturn is hitting them a bit harder than most. For some, it’s enough to drive them to drink … if only they had the extra cash to do so! So be a bit more generous in the future, tipplers. Skip the "one last drink for the road," be safer and instead, be a bit more considerate of your bartender with the extra bucks.

Partnership Between People And Technology

There are several groups in Manhattan that employ hardware and software to keep streets safe and clean. One is a non-profit group called The Union Square Partnership. Its members voluntarily walk through the Union Square neighborhood with a handheld ComNET computer (Computer Neighborhood Emergency Tracker). It records things like uneven pavement, graffiti and even stray voltage from lampposts. The info they collect is uploaded into the ComNET computer system which prepares lists of problems. Other Partnership members can then address these problems more quickly. Sounds like a good idea ... while at the same time, taking us one step closer to an Orwellian future.

Green Deadline For Hybrid Taxis May Be Dead

Yellow taxi fleet owners must replace their vehicles every three years; individual owners every five years. New York City’s October 1st deadline for fleet owners to purchase hybrids is in peril. An estimated 2,500 of the city’s 13,227 taxis are scheduled for replacement this October. Unfortunately, cab owners claim there aren’t enough hybrids to go around (Reportedly only 20% are available nationwide.) and that they’re not as safe as their Crown Victorias. With hybrids, cabbies are estimated to save $5,000 a year. Cab drivers are being hit hard enough because of rising gas prices. Government officials should give taxi owners some additional time to convert their vehicles or work with the automakers to secure the needed hybrids. Common sense and compassion from any government is rare. Both may be needed more now than conservation.