High-Rise Tower Permits Low

New York City’s construction boom went bust. In September 2008, only 3 applications were filed compared to 23 in September 2007. During the same period, all NYC applications were down 30% from 319 to 222. 130,000 people work in the city’s construction industry. Or at least that many did back then.

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.]

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.

[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.]

Gun Permits Permit Few Gun Carriers

35,210 people have gun permits in "Gun City," uhhh "Fun City." This total includes both “premise” and “carry” licenses for firearms. The NYPD which issues permits says that figure has dropped from 41,173 active licenses in 2003. The NYC gun application and approval process may take up to 18-months and cost many hundreds of dollars. New York is considered to be among the toughest cities in the nation in which to get a concealed-carry license. Qualifications include the ability to show documented threats against the applicant or proof that the applicant routinely transports cash or valuables in business. At first glance, it would appear that the rich and well-connected have a better chance of gun permit approval than decent and humble NYC residents looking to protect themselves or their families (Can any amount of cash or valuables be more important than this?) in a city of high violent crime statistics and criminals on the loose. To many, the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States grants all the approval they need to bear arms. It states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Not to all though … especially here.

Lock Your Pedals To The Metal

As NYC becomes more "bicycle-friendly," there’s a definite need for more security stations to protect rider’s bikes. At present, the city has 5,000 U-shaped bike racks for that purpose. Most appear to be underutilized. Perhaps they’re not even noticed because of their simple design. Well, there’s a "bike rack bike contest" that's underway in the boroughs to change that. The goal is to come up with a unique design for many new “lock-down locations troughout the Big Apple. The contest winner will receive a check from New York City for $10,000. Once selected, our “greening” city will install 1,000 additional racks by next July in the new style at a cost of $275 each. The nine design finalists are currently on display at Astor Place in Manhattan. Why not ride over and lock them over?

Private Religion In Public Schools

Advocates for "religious fairness" are pushing to add two Muslim holidays to the school calendar. The holidays being recommended for observance are Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha. Robert Jackson (D-Manhattan) is the chief sponsor of this religious resolution. Reportedly, NYC officials are not in favor of the change. City Hall meeting officials said that the matter must first be addressed by New York State officials before they can act. An estimated 10-12% of New York City’s student population is now Muslim, so Jackson’s proposal is reasonable. However, in light of generally low academic scores in our public schools, do we need more holidays? Additionally, this matter brings up several unreasonable issues regarding religious holidays for consideration. To be fair and to respect ALL religions, perhaps NO religious holidays should be permitted in the public school system. Maybe days that honor great Americans or historic events in our shared American history should replace them. If religious observance is not permitted in classrooms, public schools should not be closed for religious observance. Strange as it may seem, an across-the-board ban on ALL holidays shows the greatest respect for everyone's religion.

Doesn’t NYS Love NYC?

Over the years, the “I Love New York” campaigns bringing visitors to New York State have been extremely productive. New York City is by far the most popular tourist destination in New York. Despite this vital fact to the state’s economy, Sean Cunningham, 23, didn’t think it necessary to include a single shot of NYC in a 60-second movie in New York State’s commercial contest. Stunningly, his movie was chosen as the contest winner! Judges chose among 15 finalists to select this Big Apple-absent film. Maybe it’s time NYC reminds the judges who the real star is here. Maybe it’s time to revive the 51st state campaign.

S And M Spanked In No-Fun City

Bad girls. Bad girls. Beep, beep. A Tribeca S and M "pleasure palace" was busted after a dominatrix offered sex to an undercover cop. The Manhattan club, Rapture NYC was closed with the owner and pain management domme now charged with prostitution. Whether the charge is true or not, a jury may decide. A sign in the establishment states, “We do not engage in any form of prostitution whatsoever, so don’t even ask!” Other signs are posted stating that sex isn’t permitted. Who knows what really went on behind their closed doors? Let's get real, people. It's 2008. What one defines these days as "prostitution," another might define as "pleasure for payment' with both partners regarding the sex as a "business arrangement" or "mutually consensual." Was this act so despicably different from a "date" where the male or female willingly engages in sex after money was spent on them? Who are the victims in either situation? Activities at this club were going on behind closed doors. This is not to defend hookers selling their wares on city streets. Actions of that sort have a far greater negative impact than an S and M club or even a house of prostitution. Perhaps it’s time to re-examine privacy rights and the definition of what constitutes criminal behavior in our society. Maybe we should consider that if a woman has a right to abortion in America, she should also have the right to use her body as she chooses, for her own reasons. Once again, the stipulation being that our New York society and neighbors shouldn't suffer as a result.

Police Holding Fire

“Stop or I’ll shoot” followed by the sound of gunfire has been heard less frequently around NYC recently. NYPD records state that shooting incidents were down12.6% in 2007 compared to 2006; however the number of bullets fired rose. Cops shot their weapons 111 times in 2007 versus 127 in 2006. They used 588 bullets in 2007 (136 during one occurrence alone) compared to 541 in 2006. 7 police officers were shot (3 fatally) and cops shot 19 people (all male, 10 fatally). Officers shot 39 dogs last year opposed to 30 dogs in 2006 (Can't let our city "go to the dogs," right?). Considering the tough job that police have, statistics confirm professional restraint by our men in blue. The police should be commended for their great service in New York City. When there’s trouble, theirs is one of the toughest jobs in our community. Don’t expect it to get easier for them anytime soon.

NYC Bans UN-safe Tours

Many believe the United Nations to be a corrupt, anti-American and very dangerous organization for much of the world. Now, city officials say the UN is perilous to New Yorkers because of the UN's failure to resolve fire hazards in their headquarters. When the UN decided to abandon certain mandatory repairs, the FDNY suggested that all public tours be stopped. As a result, all public school trips for the 2008-2009 school year have been cancelled. In 2007, the United Nations east side complex had its first safety inspection since 1952; a checkup they vehemently fought against. Unbelievably, a total of 866 fire code violations were found! Despite the report on their risky buildings, a UN spokesman voiced confidence that the building was safe and that they looked forward to welcoming the world’s delegates. The United Nations isn’t a very popular group with most Americans and for good reason. I’m sure more than one American wouldn’t mind having many of the foreign ambassadors and delegations gathered together in a “firetrap.” UN officials often fail to act quickly enough to protect troubled people the world over. With their care-free attitude regarding their own dangerous Manhattan digs, “it’s déjà vu all over again.”

MTA Ride Is Up For Commuters

A new pilot project from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority brings an old idea back to New York City. The double-decker bus is making its return debut in Manhattan, running up and down First and Second Avenues between South Ferry and Harlem. Aside from sight-seeing buses for tourists, NYC residents haven’t seen a two-deck city bus in service here since 1976. To many on the streets, they’re a welcome and compelling sight. These buses fit more people and cost less to run and maintain. 81 commuters can find seats on this new bus compared to 64 on the "accordion" buses. They run on super- low-sulphur diesel fuel. With a price tag of $650,000, they’re also $250,000 cheaper than accordion buses. It’s time to trim the trees around NYC and "put the accordions on eBay." If the tests go well, the MTA has a winner here.

Taxi Seat Covers May Trick Air Bags

For decades, the Taxi and Limousine Commission has required New York City taxicabs to use vinyl seat covers. These covers are more stain resistant and less odor absorbent than cloth materials. That’s good for all NYC riders. Now, for the bad news. The front seats on about 20% of the city’s 13,000 taxis are equipped with weight sensors for passengers. The back seats are not similarly equipped. These sensors determine how forcefully air bags must deploy. The vinyl seat covers may disrupt the sensors from adequately deploying protection when needed. Taxicab owners were ordered to strip the vinyl ... faster than a loser beating a fare! Beaded seat backs and other types of seat padding must also be removed from the new cabs. Imagine that. A NYC taxi without beads is like a NYC taxi without a foreign language!

Bites Into The Big Apple

Street surfaces typically last 15-20 years in NYC. For many of our thoroughfares, time is up. New York City streets are on the bumpy road to hell. If you’re a city driver, you’ve undoubtedly felt this sad truth on your backside already. In fact, only 66.4% of our streets were rated “good” in the fiscal year ending June 30th. That’s downhill from 79.8% in 2003. The Department of Transportation expects to pave 1,000 “lane miles” this year. That's up from 950 miles last year, but we need more repairs than that to improve the situation here. For the foreseeable future, we’re all in for a really rough ride. Buy yourself a good seat donut and better shocks.

NYC Baseball Is The World Serious

NYU adjunct professor, John Tepper Marlin, prepared a report to show how much money New York City businesses will lose if New York’s two baseball teams fail to make the post-season this year. The following figures represent the amounts for each team at each level of play. For the Yankees elimination, $26 million for the AL Division Series, $54 million for the AL Championship Series and $61 million for the World Series. Should the Mets not play “October baseball,” $21 million for the NL Division Series, $45 million for the NL Championship Series and $81 million for the World Series. Marlin was chief economist for three former city comptrollers so he knows something about money. But, how can he be talking cash at a time like this? Neither team is a lock to get in! He may know money but he obviously knows nothing about the heart of Big Apple baseball fans. Should either team fail to make it, money lost will mean nothing to their faithful. We’re talking the end of the world, here.

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.

The Bronx Is Gay Family Friendly

A new study has found that Manhattan's gay couples are more likely to hit city nightclubs, while gay pairs in The Bronx are more likely to be at home with their kids. The Bronx has an estimated 11% of New York City’s gay couples and 32% of homes where children are being raised by homosexual or lesbian couples. In fact, nearly half of all gay households in the Bronx are raising kids. That's close to NYC’s overall rate of 55% of households with kids. Statistics show that minority same-sex partners are more likely than gay white couples to have children. Maybe the Bronx rates so high because most gay men in Manhattan are more concerned about careers, working out and clubs than diapers and families. Perhaps another reason is that the four “outer” boroughs are a better place to raise kids than Manhattan.

Cops Cop Real Raise

Happy cops make unhappy crooks. New York City and the Police Department reached agreement on a new pay scale for New York’s Finest. NYPD rookies will get $42,000 instead of $36,000. NYPD officers will get a 17% increase over four years. Their base salaries will shoot from $65,382 to $76,488. NYC officers will soon be at a more comparable level to cop salaries in surrounding communities making it less likely for them to leave for greener pastures. It's smart to pay this kind of protection money.

An English Language Lesson With NYC Slang

In New York City, students who need help with English are called “English Language Learners.” An estimated 75% of these students don’t receive adequate schooling in their special classes. Not surprisingly, this large percentage of kids doesn’t graduate on time. Only $13.7 million of $380 million in state funding is targeted for these ELL pupils. So now, I’m raising my hand hoping to be seen. I’m waving my arm wildly now and yelling, “Ooooh, ooooh, ooooh” just like Arnold Horshack on the TV show Welcome Back Kotter once did. Finally, someone from the Board of Education points at me. I ask my question on behalf of students who may be unable to ask the question in English, themselves. Why?

Where Politicians Find NYC Bread

A Manhattan Upper East Side zip code, formerly 10021 (now 10021, 10065 & 10075), gives the most money to politicians and into political coffers. In this blue city, most donations wind up with Democrats, not Republicans. Over the last two years in fact, the NYC metro area raised $144.6 million compared to Washington D.C., $121 million and Los Angeles in third place with $73 million. New York City. It's quite a place for politicians to find bread for all the baloney they serve us during election seasons.

No Seat-Of-The-Pants Driver

NYC Transit fired a driver who refused to wear pants or culottes at work. Tahita Jenkins, 35, claims she couldn’t wear them for religious reasons (Weren't job applicants told of a "dress code" prior to employment?). The MTA thinks it’s a matter of safety for drivers; male or female. Ms. Jenkins pastor from the Holy Ghost Headquarters Prayer Band Mission of New Beginning Deliverance Church wrote a note on her behalf. It confirmed her deep religious conviction and long-standing aversion to pants. Now, Ms. Jenkins is suing New York City for reinstatement. The case will be reviewed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Religious discrimination should never be tolerated in any form or forum. However, freedom of religion shouldn’t mean that employers must accommodate the religious principles of everybody’s religion. What would an employer do for example if two employees had religious principles which opposed one another? How can the employer defer to one without offending the other? Can't be done. There are times when an individual must decide if their religious beliefs prohibit them from working where a job's requirements are contrary to those beliefs. If that’s the case, and the regulations aren’t intentionally discriminatory, it might be best to pray for divine guidance ... to find a more suitable position elsewhere.