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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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?

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.