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July 03, 2009
On July 4, Support an Independent!
Contribute to Gotham Gazette, a nonpartisan source of information on New York City politics and policy. If a free and independent press covering local issues is important to you, celebrate Independence Day by giving to Gotham Gazette. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. But do it now -- our appeal ends Sunday. If you donate today, you still will be eligible to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
July 02, 2009
Please Donate Today
Dozens of you have given a total of $11,194 to our summer appeal. Thanks so much for your support and generosity. But we need more of you to help. Foundations have cut back their giving, making donations from loyal readers more important than ever before. Before you leave for the holiday weekend, please click here to give whatever you can to Gotham Gazette. We must raise $8,806 by the end of the weekend to reach our goal and continue to provide you with quality journalism on issues that mater to you. Anyone who gives is eligible to win a pair of tickets to a Broadway show.
New Board of Education Keeps Klein
With the law giving Mayor Michael Bloomberg control of the school system having expired earlier this week, the mayor and the borough presidents yesterday appointed a new Board of Education. Six of its seven members are Bloomberg supporters. The board held an emergency meeting where it voted unanimously to keep Joel Klein as chancellor, giving him all decision making powers, including the right to approve contracts. A resolution urging the state Senate to support mayoral control was passed. The board also voted not to reconvene until Sept. 10 and did not allow public comment at the meeting. For more, see Education Links in the News and follow the Wonkster for updates.
City Proposes New Plan for Gowanus Canal Cleanup (NY Times)
MTA Corks Flooding Sites, Fearing 2007 Repeat (Daily News)
Bloomberg: Albany Stalemate will Cost City $60 Million a Month (Daily News)
Two Gay Men Assaulted Days Apart in Upper East Side (NY Post)
Man Searched by Police 21 Times Settles Case for $25,000 (Newsday)
Staten Island Ferry Slams Into Dock (Associated Press)
Manhattan Residential Sales Suffer Markedly (Crain's)
State Divests $86 Million From Companies Tied to Iran, Sudan (WNYC)
City’s Coney Island Plan Meets With Council Opposition (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
July 01, 2009
Help Gotham Gazette Today
Thanks to all of you who have given $9,809 to our summer appeal. But with only three more days to go, we must raise another $10,191 so we can continue to provide issue-oriented coverage of New York politics and policy. Our support from foundations has decreased, so we need your help more than ever. If you want nonpartisan reporting on key New York City issues, please click here today. You'll be eligible to win a pair of tickets to a Broadway show.
Schools, Budget Flounder in Albany
June has now come and gone, but the factionalized State Senate couldn't step aside from its stalemate to consider either New York City's budget or mayoral control of city schools.
The city had been counting on state approval of a 0.5 percent sales tax increase to close a $518 million budget gap. Without the tax increase, which would have taken effect today, it isn't clear that the city can continue to pay its bills without reopening budget negotiations.
Yesterday's second stalemate casualty was the administration of city schools. The controversial school governance system explicitly sunset last night. The bill that gave Mayor Michael Bloomberg control over the schools in 2002 was clear that school administration reverts to the now-dismantled Board of Education as of July 1. Bloomberg is hoping to retain some control by persuading borough presidents to appoint allies of the mayor's to the board.
State Top Court to Hear Atlantic Yards Appeal (NY Times)
With More Money, City Schools Added Jobs (NY Times)
Residency Requirements Here to Stay (Daily News)
MTA Splurging on Medical Perks for Execs (NY Post)
Hidden Agenda in Senate Coup (Village Voice)
Bronx Tax Fraud Targeted Puerto Rican Residents (NY 1)
How New Yorkers Cope with Recession (Crain's)
June 30, 2009
Our Financial Crunch
Thanks to those of you who have given almost $8,000 to our summer fundraising appeal. To the rest of you, though, we need your help to reach our goal of $20,000. Gotham Gazette has lost some funding from foundations, and so, in these difficult economic times, your support is more important than ever. If you value quality local journalism, please click here to give what you can today. You'll automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Judge Orders Senate to Convene
State Supreme Court Justice Joseph Teresi ruled yesterday that all 62 members of the State Senate must appear when the governor calls an extraordinary session. The ruling is a victory for Gov. David Paterson, who brought the State Senate to court to compel them to vote on pending legislation. Lawyers for the Republican side of the State Senate said they would immediately appeal the decision -- in effect freezing it. Also yesterday, Senate Democrats released a list of bills, which would be given priority if a session ever occurred. The list included the city's sales tax increase, but it did not include the extension of mayoral control. Both measures face a July 1 deadline. For more, see Albany in the News and follow The Wonkster for updates.
Police and Banks Spar Over Bulletproof Buildings (NY Times)
Car-Free, Summer Streets Come Back (NY Times)
Toxic Fumes Kill Three At Sewage Plant (Daily News)
Officials Want Tougher Pedicab Law (NY Post)
City To Twitter (NY Post)
Madoff Gets 150 Years (Newsday)
Bill Signed for Online Hotel Tax (WNYC)
Governor Run Considered by Giuliani (Politico)
Undocumented -- and Suing (Gotham Gazette)
Law Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
June 29, 2009
The Final Week
There are only six more days in our summer online fundraiser, and we still need to raise $12,041 to reach our goal. That may sound like a lot -- but if 121 readers gave $100 or 241 gave $50, we would reach our goal and be able to provide you with comprehensive, balanced reporting on this year’s citywide races and City Council campaigns. If you value our coverage, please do your part. Click here and give whatever you can -- today. You’ll automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Senate Impasse Drags On
Gov. David Paterson called warring senators to work this weekend. They showed up for minute-long sessions on Saturday and Sunday and didn't vote on any legislation. The optimism for a quick resolution that existed late last week has faded. On Sunday an agreement that would get legislation moving appeared as far away as ever. The only thing legislators were united on this weekend was their anger at Paterson. Tomorrow a number of pieces of legislation will expire without action by the Senate, including mayoral control of schools. Today a State Supreme Court Justice will hear a case brought by Paterson that seeks to force senators from both sides to hold session together.
Paterson's Power Tested as Gridlock Drags On (NY Times)
Gay Marriage Lost in Shuffle of Divided Senate (NY Times)
Espada's Campaign Filings Raise Questions (Daily News)
Subway Riders Say Fare Hikes Unfair (Daily News)
Bloomberg Considers Giving City Managers Raises (NY Post)
NYU Expansion Plans Irk Residents (NY Post)
Parade Marks 40 Years After NYC Uprising (Associated Press)
Salvation Army to Shutter Two Teen Shelters (Crain's)
New York's Election Labyrinth (Gotham Gazette)
Voting Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
June 26, 2009
Thanks!
A rousing thank you to the readers who have helped us raise about $7,500 to support Gotham Gazette's election and city government coverage. We appreciate your support and your donations. But we still need to raise an additional $12,500 by July 4 -- just eight days away -- so we can stay on the campaign trail and keep you informed. Time is running out. Please click here and give whatever you can -- today. You'll automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Senate Close to Deal
Both sides of the Senate said yesterday that they were close to agreeing on a power sharing arrangement. Leaders said they hoped to finalize a deal in time to have a normal legislative session by Monday. Yesterday's special session lasted only moments. Gov. David Paterson ordered a fourth session for today and directed the state treasurer not to pay out per diem and travel expenses to senators. Meanwhile, the stalemate has sidelined gay marriage legislation indefinitely. For more, see Albany in the News and follow The Wonkster for updates.
Police Commissioner Plans to Put More Minority Officers in Top Posts (NY Times)
State Allows Payment for Egg Donations for Research (NY Times)
Buildings Department a Disaster, $4 Million Study Reveals (Daily News)
MTA Needs $600 Million to Keep Going (Daily News)
Bloomberg Asks Senate to Act on Schools (NY Post)
Port Authority Official Lauds Airport Plan (Newsday)
Council Bill Would Open Data to Public (NY Observer)
Study Finds Subway Cars Are Cleaner (NY 1)
Espada's Health Center Owes Back Tax (Associated Press)
Rangel, Four Representatives Investigated Over Caribbean Travel (Associated Press)
Head of City Teachers Union Resigns (Staten Island Advance)
June 25, 2009
Support Local Reporting
Like so many publications, Gotham Gazette is feeling the economic squeeze. But unlike our colleagues elsewhere, we don’t want to cut back on the reporting that keeps you informed. If our substantive, fair coverage is important to you, please click here to make a gift today. All who donate will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
MTA Approves New Atlantic Yards Deal
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted yesterday to allow the Atlantic Yards project developers to make payments over time for a railyard that sits in the project's footprint. The terms allow Forest City Ratner, the developer, to pay the MTA a $20 million down payment, and pay the rest in installments by 2031. The project still needs final state approval. The developer must also secure financing by selling its state issued tax-exempt bonds by Dec. 31 or lose them. For more, see Land Use Links in the News.
Senate Special Session Stalls
Senate Democrats only spent five minutes in yesterday's special session before leaving, while Republicans didn't show at all. Gov. David Paterson has threatened to withhold pay from senators until they return to work. The state comptroller's office is studying whether or not it can legally do this. Both sides of the Senate have said they will show up to today's session. For more, see Albany in the News or follow The Wonkster for updates.
Seven Fire Department Officers Censured in Bank Blaze (NY Times)
Amid Senate Chaos, Hope Fades for Jobless Benefits Bill (NY Times)
Forty Years After Stonewall Riots, Gays Still Fighting for Rights (Daily News)
Seminerio Gets 11 to 14 Years (Daily News)
City Schools Perform Well on Surveys (NY Post)
City May Require Warning Signs for Tobacco Retailers (Newsday)
City Prepares For School Board's Possible Return (NY 1)
Rent Regulation Tax Benefit in Court's Hands (City Limits)
Mayor’s Tourism Goals Still on Track (Crain's)
The Coming Fiscal Crunch (Gotham Gazette)
Finance Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
June 24, 2009
We Need Your Help
In these tight economic times, Gotham Gazette is getting less support from foundations than it once did. Now more than ever, we need your help so we can keep providing our issue-oriented nonpartisan coverage of the city's politics and policy. With the city campaigns underway and Albany in turmoil, this is no time to cut back on reporting. Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution. All who donate will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Rent Increase Approved
In what has become a June ritual in New York, the Rent Guidelines Board last night approved rent hikes for the city's approximately one million regulated homes. The board voted to allow rents to rise by 3 percent on one-year leases and 6 percent on two-year leases. It also set a supplemental hike for tenants who have lived in their apartments for six years or more and whose rent is less than $1,000. They could see their rent go up $30 a month or 3 percent, whichever is more. Although the rises were lower than the amounts approved last year, they angered tenants and elected officials who had wanted a freeze in rents during the recession. For more, see housing links in the news.
Special Session Brings More Confusion
If Gov. David Paterson hoped his call for a special session would end more than two weeks of chaos in the State Senate, he quickly learned otherwise yesterday. Democrats and Republicans did come to the Senate chamber but the meeting dissolved into chaos as the two sides held separate sessions at the same time, taking their own votes. Democrats passed 14 bills and Republicans 85, but no one could say whether the actions were valid. Paterson has called another session for today, placing same-sex marriage on the list of bills to be considered. This could prompt anther Democrat, Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., an ardent opponent of gay marriage, to switch to the Republican side, putting the Senate in GOP hands. Follow the turmoil in Albany in The Wonkster.
MTA Sells Naming Rights to Brooklyn Subway Station (NY Times)
As Drive to End Homelessness Falters, City to Try a New Approach (NY Times)
Indicted Queens Assembly Member Resigns (Daily News)
Cost of 'Stripped Down' Atlantic Yards Increases Sharply (NY Post)
Two More Swine Flu Deaths Reported in City (Newsday)
Robert Morgenthau's Campaign Against Leslie Crocker Snyder (New York Magazine)
Atlantic Yards Developer Can Delay Payments to MTA (Crain's)
New York's Subway Riders Cover Major Share of System's Cost (AM New York)
Generating Revenue and Saving Money (Gotham Gazette)
Parks Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
June 23, 2009
Support Local Reporting
As city newspapers slash their reporting on local issues, New York needs Gotham Gazette more than ever. But with foundations cutting back on their support, it's increasingly difficult for us to provide our award-winning coverage. If you value our reporting, please help us raise $20,000 by July 4. Click here to
make your tax-deductible contribution. All who donate will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Senate Special Session Today
An extraordinary session of the Senate will take place today. Gov. David Paterson called the session in an attempt to have legislators, who have been wrapped in a power struggle for weeks, finally act on basic legislation. Senate leaders asked Paterson to delay the session yesterday but Paterson declined. Senators will only be able to vote on bills put forward by Paterson and while they have to show up, they don't actually have to vote. It is likely that the standoff will continue despite Paterson's call. It has not been decided who will preside over the chamber today. Both sides negotiated late into the last night but were unable to come to an agreement. Republicans are holding their own session an hour before Paterson's is scheduled. Paterson has said he will call Senators back to work everyday until they start performing their jobs. For more on the Senate's dysfunction, follow Gotham Gazette's Eye on Albany.
Mayor Warns on Pension Costs but Gave Pay Deals (NY Times)
Judge Blocks City's Penalty for Nonhybrid Cab Owners (NY Times)
Espada Turns Over Campaign Finance Forms After Legal Threat (Daily News)
Paterson Backs Bloomberg's School Control Bill (Daily News)
MTA Gives Atlantic Yards Developer a Break (NY Post)
Investigators Look Into Building Collapse in Brooklyn (NY Post)
700 NYC Teachers Paid to do Nothing (Associated Press)
What the Senate Mess Means for Housing Legislation (City Limits)
June 22, 2009
We're Counting on You
Gotham Gazette needs your support to cover this year's local races -- from the mayoral contest to dozens of City Council campaigns. We need to raise $20,000 by July 4 to put our reporters on the campaign trail. Go to our donate page and make a tax-deductible contribution. All who give will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Paterson Threatens a Summer of Special Sessions
Using a provision in the state Constitution, Gov. David Paterson yesterday effectively threatened summer school for Albany's deadlocked senators, saying he would call daily special sessions beginning tomorrow. "That means Saturdays, Sundays. That includes July 4. There will be no excuses, and there will be no tolerance to noncompliance with this order," Paterson said. The official legislative calendar ends today, with the split Senate having failed to vote on an array of issues, including a hike in the city sales tax and mayoral control of schools, which is set to sunset on June 30. For more on the Senate's dysfunction, see Can Anyone Save the Senate?.
Paterson Vows to Push Same-Sex Marriage Vote (NY Times)
Brooklyn Building Under Repair Collapses (NY Times)
Squadron Co-Sponsors Mayoral Control Bill (Daily News)
Public Health Study Begins on Newtown Creek (Daily News)
Bloomberg Furious over Stalling of Mayoral Control (NY Post)
June 19, 2009
Support Local Reporting 
Since 2001, New Yorkers have turned to Gotham Gazette for substantive coverage of every City Council race. And this year, with newspapers cutting back or closing, New York needs Gotham Gazette's fair, issue-oriented reporting more than ever. But to provide that kind of journalism, we need to raise $20,000 by July 4. Make your tax deductible contribution here, and we'll enter you in a drawing for a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
City Unemployment Hits 9 Percent
The city's unemployment rate jumped a full percentage point in May, hitting 9 percent, according to the state Department of Labor. That is the highest level since October 1997. It remains below the national average of 9.4 percent, but unemployment in the Bronx has hit 10.8 percent. Statewide unemployment grew to 8.2 percent in May from 7.7 percent the month prior. For more, see Economy Links in the News.
Crime Falls in Schools
According to data released by the city yesterday, major crimes in schools dropped 9 percent over the last year and violent crimes dropped 8 percent. But two rapes occurred this year, compared with none last year. Overall, major crimes have declined 44 percent since 2001 and violent crimes dropped 32 percent. For more, see Education Links in the News.
Groups Controlled by Golisano and Aide Investigated Over Donations (NY Times)
Lobbying Intensifies, but Fate of Sex Abuse Bill is Up in the Air (NY Times)
MTA Hit with $300,000 Fine (Daily News)
Espada and Klein Almost in Fistfight (Daily News)
Banned Group Gets Council Earmarks (NY Post)
Closed-Door Meetings Yield No Results in Senate Stalemate (NY 1)
State Gets $283 Million from Homeland Security (Associated Press)
Small Business Getting Break from City Hall (Crain's)
Regulating Stalled Construction (Architect's Newspaper)
June 18, 2009
Not Just a Pretty Face
Other publications may tell you who the sexiest City Council member is. We tell you tell you what the candidates say and what the issues are. If you value substantive, fair reporting on New York City, please go here and help us raise $20,000 by July 4. All contributors will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Assembly Approves Mayoral Control
The Assembly yesterday approved legislation which allows the mayor to keep control of the city's school system. The chamber voted 121 to 18. The bill would keep the mayor's power to appoint a majority of an oversight panel in tact, but it would limit his authority to close schools and approve contracts. A large majority of city legislators supported the bill. Although Senate Republicans are expected to support it, several Senate Democrats say they would like to see changes. However, control of the Senate remains at a stalemate. For more, see Education Links in the News.
Espada's Legal Problems Grow
The legal issues surrounding Sen. Pedro Espada, now the lone Senate Democrat to side with the GOP, continue to multiply. The Daily News reports today that the Bronx district attorney has summoned a grand jury probe into allegations that Espada supporters assaulted a blogger. A note in a subpoena issued for video of the incident says, "Re: PE case." Meanwhile, the Senate turmoil continues as important issues remain unaddressed. For more, see Albany in the News or follow The Wonkster for updates.
Subpoenas Issued to Landlords Who Rented to Seabrook (NY Times)
New Health Chief Doesn't Feel Safe Cycling in City (Daily News)
Trifecta of Malfunctions Traps Disabled Woman in Subway (NY Post)
New Report Outlines Dire Climate Change Projections for City (NY Observer)
Bloomberg Blames Port Authority on Ground Zero Stall (Metro)
City’s Coney Island Plan Gets Important Nod (Crain's)
Bus Rapid Transit — Can It Make It in New York? (WNYC)
State Tax Revenue Tumbles 36 Percent in May (City Room)
Documenting the Undocumented (Gotham Gazette)
Demographics Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
June 17, 2009
Help Us Follow Them
Every year since 2001, Gotham Gazette has provided New York City's most comprehensive campaign coverage. We need to raise $20,000 by July 4 so we can continue to do that this year. If you value Gotham Gazette's original reporting and balanced non-partisan coverage of local politics, click here to make your tax-deductible contribution. All who donate will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Senate Deadlock Continues
Supreme Court Justice Thomas McNamara dismissed the Senate Democrats' case yesterday, declining to insert himself into matters of the legislative branch. That leaves Republicans arguing they are rightfully in charge of the Senate and Democrats saying that Republicans need to enter into a power-sharing agreement. The Senate is split 31-31 as Sen. Hiram Monserratte, who helped give Republicans control of the chamber, has returned to the Democratic fold. Republicans attempted to hold session yesterday. Democrats did not attend. Meanwhile, renegade Democrat Sen. Pedro Espada, Jr., who was voted temporary president of the Senate last week, is under increasing scrutiny from investigators.
Espada's Switch Imperils Pro-Tenant Rent Law Changes (NY Times)
Rabbi in Jailhouse Inquiry Met With Mayor's Top Strategist (NY Times)
Bill Could Let MTA Shift Stimulus Funds (Daily News)
Bloomberg and Silver Pressure Port Authority on WTC (NY Post)
Will Senate Mess Doom Mayoral Control? (NY Post)
Death of Rikers Inmate Ruled a Homicide (Newsday)
June 16, 2009
We Need Your Help
Providing New York's most comprehensive, balanced local campaign coverage takes time and money. That's why we need your help. We must raise $20,000 by July 4 so we can provide original reporting on every race, campaign finance information, links to other reporting and more. Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution. All who donate will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Budget Deal
The Bloomberg administration and City Council reached a $59.4 billion budget agreement last night -- two weeks before the city's budget deadline. The agreement restored cuts to the Fire Department, the Administration for Children's Services and it continues six-day service at the city's libraries. As of last night, it was unclear how much the city's work force would be reduced, though the Times reports it could be approximately 2,000 positions. In May, the mayor proposed shrinking city employment rolls by more than 13,000. The tax package the council and the mayor agreed upon, including an increase in the city's sales tax, will need approval by the State Legislature. For more, see Gotham Gazette's "Mayor and Council Reach Budget Deal."
Senate Now Split
After an hour-long meeting between both sides of the State Senate aisle, both Democratic and Republican leaders decided the decision over who is entitled to a majority in the governing body should be left up to the courts. Both sides are expected back in court this morning at 10 a.m., where Supreme Court Justice Thomas McNamara could settle the issue. Currently, the senate is split 31 to 31, after Sen. Hiram Monserrate defected back to the Democrats. Neither party has a quorum to hold a session. Also yesterday, the State Senate Democrats named Sen. John Sampson their conference leader, keeping Sen. Malcolm Smith as the so-called "majority leader" for now, while Republican Leader Sen. Dean Skelos and Sen. Pedro Espada continued to argue that their week-old vote installing themselves as majority leader and temporary president, respectively, was valid. For more, see Albany Links in the News and the Wonkster for updates throughout the day.
No Agreement on Ground Zero Rebuilding (NY Times)
Bovis Executive Resigns After Inquiry (NY Times)
Rainfall Likely to Make Record Books (Daily News)
Study: Charter Schools Work Well (NY Post)
Benefit Cards No Longer Accepted to Wed (Newsday)
Schumer Calls for Wireless from the MTA (Associated Press)
Tax Break Boon For Island (Staten Island Advance)
June 15, 2009
The $77 Billion Man -- or Woman
Four City Council members want to become city comptroller and oversee the city's multibillion-dollar pension funds. Gotham Gazette needs to raise only $20,000 to follow that contest and the other municipal elections this year. Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution and help Gotham Gazette continue to provide the most issue oriented political coverage in New York. All contributors will automatically be eligible to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Another Switch by Monserrate?
With the turmoil in Albany about to go into its second week and the legislative session entering its final stretch, Sen. Hiram Monserrate told the Daily News yesterday that he was ready to return to the Democrats. If Monserrate, one of two Democratic senators who switched allegiance last week, does indeed do that, the Senate would be split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, casting further doubt over who would control the body and how it would function. Monserrate's possible change comes after Democratic senators Friday reportedly asked Sen. Malcolm Smith to step down as their leader, so they could replace him with Brooklyn Sen. John Sampson. Meanwhile, a state Supreme Court justice has said he could rule on the Democrats' suit over last week's apparent Republican takeover of the Senate as early as today -- if the senators cannot work things out on their own. For the issues at stake, see Gotham Gazette's reporting from Albany and City Hall. And for more on the political horse-trading, go to our Albany links in the news.
City Moves to Regulate Pedicabs (NY Times)
World Trade Center Site Negotiations Continue (Crain's)
Calling Card Hang-ups (Gotham Gazette)
Tech Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
June 12, 2009
Gotham Gazette's Campaign Trail
Since 2001, New Yorkers have turned to Gotham Gazette for substantive coverage of every City Council race. This year with newspapers cutting back or closing, we want to keep providing our fair, issue-oriented reporting. But to do that, we need to raise $20,000 by July 4. Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution, and we'll enter you in a drawing for a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Still No Senate Session
Sen. Hiram Monserrate yesterday refused to vote on any legislation, saying more Democrats need to join the "coalition government" before he is involved. He has declined to explicitly recognize Republican Sen. Dean Skelos as the majority leader. Sen. Pedro Espada offered to bring gay marriage legislation to the floor next week, leading Democratic Sen. Thomas Duane, who is openly gay, to say he was open to leaving the Democratic conference. Meanwhile, a judge temporarily barred Espada from acting as Senate president. More court hearings are scheduled for today. Things have been chaotic, with protesters accused of spitting at Republican staffers and Espada saying his home was burglarized. For more, see Albany in the News or follow The Wonkster for updates.
Pedicab Safety Rules Were Never Put Into Effect (NY Times)
City to Kill at Least 2,000 Geese Near Airports (Daily News)
Paterson Creates Council to Execute Broadband Policy (NY Observer)
Recession Seen Pinching Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn (Crain's)
Pension Politics Rile Race For Comptroller (City Hall)
June 11, 2009
Looking for an Upset
Some 37 City Council members face challenges this fall. Who's running and why? Gotham Gazette will tell you -- if we have your help. We need to raise $20,000 by July 4 so we can provide you with the comprehensive, nonpartisan coverage that has characterized Gotham Gazette's election reporting since 2001. Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution, and we'll enter you in a lottery for a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Senate Turmoil Continues
Although the Senate GOP now has keys to the chamber floor, session never resumed yesterday. Sen. Hiram Monserrate, one of two Democrats who agreed to caucus with Republicans in Monday's coup, did not show up, leaving the GOP without enough members on hand for a quorum. Instead, he met with the new majority leader for about an hour and then they announced session would be postponed. Gov. David Paterson called on the Senate to "act like adults." Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith is expected to go to court later today seeking an injunction. For more, see Albany in the News and follow The Wonkster for updates.
Plan by Silver Would Extend Mayor’s Control of Schools (NY Times)
Councilmember Seabrook’s Group Got Inflated City Payments (NY Times)
Civilian Complaints of Excessive Force Up 50 Percent (Daily News)
Sitt Refuses to Give Up Coney Island Property (NY Post)
Councilmember Arroyo's Kin Accused of Stealing $200,000 (NY Post)
Coney Island and Willets Point Projects Escape Budget Axe (NY Observer)
Three More City Residents Die From Swine Flu (NY 1)
Dock Street Approved (Gotham Gazette)
Subway Payphones not Always Reliable (AM New York)
Split Race, Split Support For Gioia Seat (City Hall)
June 10, 2009
State Senate Leadership Still in Turmoil
The renegade New York State Senate leadership, which claimed control Monday when Democrats Sen. Pedro Espada and Sen. Hiram Monserrate announced that they would caucus with the GOP to unseat Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, still doesn't have the key to the legislative chamber. Senate Secretary Angelo Aponte has the key and he's not planning to use it just yet. That could mean legislative sessions in the park if the key doesn't surface. Gov. David Paterson has expressed dismay over the timing of the move but has said he won't get involved in the debate and will continue to recognize Smith as the leader until the whole Senate comes to agreement on a new leader. According to some reports, Democrats are inching toward a move to unseat Smith as leader of the state Democratic conference, with Sen. John Sampson of Brooklyn on everyone's lips as a replacement. Billionaire Tom Golisano, widely credited with orchestrating the takeover, expressed pride that the so-called "coup" still came as a surprise, even after weeks of planning.
Follow the Wonkster for updates as this story continues to evolve, or find a full roundup of recent reporting in our Eye on Albany pages.
Only on Gotham Gazette
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Poll Finds Paterson Deeply Unpopular (NY Times)
Brooklyn Cries Foul Over Atlantic Yards Architect Switch (Daily News)
Parks Advocates Envy Highline Security (Daily News)
Education Department to Ditch Bloated Contracts (Daily News)
More Deutsche Bank Delays (NY Post)
Brooklynites Take Debts to a Judge (Village Voice)
Retired Pastor Still Advocates for Parishoners (Village Voice)
June 09, 2009
Republicans Take the Senate
Republicans have regained control of the New York State Senate thanks to the support of two city legislators. Democrats Sens. Pedro Espada and Hiram Monserrate voted with Republicans yesterday to install Sen. Dean Skelos as majority leader and Espada as temporary president of the Senate. Democrats were caught unaware and struggled to keep control. The new leadership passed a slew of rules reforms and committee chairs are to be reassigned. The action leaves important legislative issues facing the city up in the air. Democrats now say they will challenge the Republican action in the courts but it is not clear what legal grounds they have. Espada is currently under investigation by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Monserrate has been indicted for attacking his girlfriend. Espada was reportedly unhappy with the member items he was given by Democratic leadership.
What Your Money Can Buy
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Talks On Ground Zero Remain Deadlocked (NY Times)
Paterson Recieves Praise for Economic Plan (Daily News)
Critics of Drug Law Reform Say Inmates Support Recent Changes (Daily News)
Mayor Backs Ending Tax Breaks for TV Shows (NY Post)
Residents of City Island Fear Increase in Crime (NY Post)
Former West Side Railway Opens as High-Rise Park (Newsday)
When Could Empty Condos Become Affordable Homes? (City Limits)
Head of Empire State Development Corp. Quits (Crain's)
Official Reviewing City Special Ed Program Quits (Gotham Schools)
June 08, 2009
See How They Run
As dozens of candidates scramble to get to City Hall, Gotham Gazette is the one publication in town that plans to cover all of them. To do that, we need to raise $20,000 by July 4. Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution and support the solid, unbiased campaign coverage thousands of New Yorkers rely on. Helping us also will give you the chance to win a pair of tickets to a Broadway show.
Pension Deal Reached
Gov. David Paterson and state labor leaders reached a deal on a new pension tier Friday that would reduce benefits for new employees. The deal, which would save the state $30 billion over 30 years, does not include city employees. The new pension tier, otherwise known as Tier V, requires employees to contribute to their pensions for their entire careers and would raise the retirement age from 55 to 62. The deal also includes buyouts and tables a proposal to layoff 8,700 workers. The deal was praised by the mayor and state leaders. For more, see Albany Links in the News.
Swine Flu Death Toll Climbs to Eight (Daily News)
Good Grades Pay Off at City Schools (NY Post)
Councilmember Sends Cash to Group After it was Rejected (NY Post)
A Senator Starts Over (New York Magazine)
June 05, 2009
Not Just a Pretty Face
Other publications may tell you who the sexiest City Council member is. If you want a more substantive approach, support Gotham Gazette. We need to raise $20,000 by July 4 so we can tell you who has the most thoughtful stands -- not just the brightest smile. Click here to help. All contributors will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
Gehry Design for Arena Scrapped
Developer Bruce Ratner has dropped architect Frank Gehry's plan for the proposed basketball arena at Atlantic Yards, replacing it with a design that some officials have reportedly likened to an airplane hangar. The new plan, by the firm that designed the home of the Indiana Pacers, is expected to shave about $200 million off the price of the arena. The change comes as the future of the entire massive project in downtown Brooklyn remains in doubt because of the troubled economy and repeated, though so far largely unsuccessful, legal challenges. Further delays could threaten Ratner's ability to use tax-exempt bonds for the arena and apartment complex. For more see Land Use Links in the News.
New Charter School to Put Teacher Pay to the Test (NY Times)
Bishop's Fight Against Bill on Abuse Suits Raises Church-State Questions (NY Times)
Sergeant at Scene of 'Friendly Fire' Shooting Had History of Civilian Complaints (Daily News)
Governor Puts Ticket Scalping Law in Limbo (Daily News)
Administration Opposes Fixed Terms for Members of School Panel (NY Post)
Man Wielding Knife Shot at Queens Police Station (Newsday)
Plan for Cell Phone Service in Subways Delayed Indefinitely (NY 1)
Sales at New York Stores Fell in May (Associated Press)
High Line Park to Open Tuesday (AM New York)
June 04, 2009
Help Gotham Gazette Cover the Issues
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Paterson Vetoes Pension Bill
Gov. David Paterson unexpectedly vetoed a routine pension bill yesterday that would have allowed New York City police officers and firefighters to join a benefit system, which lets them retire after 20 years. The veto was an attempt by the governor to cut costs at the state's pension system and symbolize his support for a new pension tier that could reduce benefits for new hires. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Bouncer Found Guilty of Murder
After less than seven hours, a state Supreme Court jury in Brooklyn yesterday found Darryl Littlejohn, a former bouncer at a SoHo club, guilty of murdering grad student Imette St. Guillen in 2006. The murder forced city leaders to examine the city's nightclub industry. Littlejohn faces life in prison. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
New Report Offers Details of Officer's Shooting (NY Times)
Senate Approves Consolidation Bill (NY Times)
Layoffs Won't Hurt Child Abuse Investigations, Mayor Says (Daily News)
Luxury Building Turned Into Shelter (Daily News)
Silver to Support Disclosing Income (NY Post)
Correction Commissioner Steps Down (Village Voice)
City Lawyer Arrested for Fraud (Associated Press)
State Comptroller Calls for Campaign Finance Reform (Albany Times Union)
Two More Die From Swine Flu (Reuters)
Bills Could Allow Union Strikes, City Hall Says (Staten Island Advance)
June 03, 2009
Gotham Gazette's Campaign Trail
Since 2001, New Yorkers have turned to Gotham Gazette for substantive coverage of every City Council race. This year with newspapers cutting back or closing, we want to keep providing our fair, issue-oriented reporting. But to do that, we need to raise $20,000 by July 4. Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution, and we'll enter you in a drawing for a pair of tickets to a top Broadway show.
New Bronx Assembly Members
Democrats Marcos Crespo and Vanessa Gibson won special elections yesterday for Bronx Assembly seats. Crespo takes the place of Ruben Diaz Jr., who was elected Bronx Borough President in another special election. He will represent the 77th District. Gibson takes Aurelia Green's old seat, who left to be Diaz's new deputy. She will represent the 85th District. For more, see Voting Links in the News.
Calls for New Ethics Rules
Senate Majority Leader Malcom Smith yesterday said that legislative leaders should not have outside income. "The conflict is too great," he said. Smith also declared support for increased disclosure on lawmakers' outside business interests. Bills are being developed in both houses that would require more disclosure. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver disagreed with Smith on his leaders comment, but noted his chamber will be advancing a disclosure bill. In related news, Silver is leaning against Gov. David Paterson's proposal for overhauling state ethics bodies. The overhaul has the support of watchdog groups. For more, see Albany in the News.
City Labor Unions Agree to Reductions in Health Benefits (NY Times)
Police Drills Seek to Prevent Mistaken-Identity Shootings (NY Times)
Small Classes Help Brooklyn Students Gain Edge (Daily News)
Ninety Percent of Charter Schools Passed State Math Test (NY Post)
Paterson Blows a Whistle on the Stealth Candidacy of Cuomo (NY Observer)
Survey Shows Gay Marriage Bill In Jeopardy (NY 1)
Judge Delays Water Bottle Deposits for a Year (Associated Press)
City Still Safest in Country (Metro)
Judges Win Pay Raise Lawsuit (Daily Politics)
Deal to Power Down Idling Red Hook Cruise Ships Falls Through (Brooklyn Papers)
The City's Future Ghost Towers (Real Deal)
June 02, 2009
Put Gotham Gazette on the Campaign Trail
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City Sales Tax Agreement
The Bloomberg Administration and the City Council agreed yesterday on a plan to raise revenues through increasing the sales taxes and restructuring some of the city's business taxes. The deal, the first step toward a budget agreement, would increase the city sales tax by 0.5 percent and no longer exempt clothing sales over $110. The agreement would raise $887 million next year, but needs to be approved by the state. The mayor backed off a plan to tax plastic bags. Comptroller William Thompson criticized the mayor's overall budget plan, calling it "risk-laden." For more, see Council and Mayor Reach Revenue Deal and Gotham Gazette's "Finance Links in the News."
Albany Debates Raising Wages to Build Lower-Cost Housing (NY Times)
New York City Shows Gains in Math (NY Times)
Gay Marriage will Pass Senate, Says Sen. Duane (Daily News)
Council in Sketchy Spending Spree (NY Post)
Techies Push for Open 311 (NY Observer)
Witnesses: Officer Identified Himself Before Fatal Shooting (NY 1)
Yankees: Subpoena Will Cost More than $5 Million (Associated Press)
The Business of Education: Teachers Missing at the Top (City Limits)
Bronx Still Waiting on City’s Fields of Dreams (Metro)
Partners Sue MTA Chairman Over Building Deal (Crain's)
State Will Get Private Firms to Repair City Bridges (AM New York)
The Toll of the Swine Flu in Queens. (New Yorker)
Ratner May Receive Generous New Terms from MTA (Brooklyn Papers)
Competitive Bronx Special Election Today (Mount Hope Monitor)
June 01, 2009
Help Us Follow Them to City Hall
Huge Loss for State Fund
New York State's public employee pension fund lost about a quarter of its value in the 12 months ending March 31, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli reported Friday. Despite the $46 billion loss, DiNapoli said no one's pension is at risk. The news comes as Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating whether DiNapoli's predecessor, Alan Hevesi, sold access to the fund and amid continuing debate over the fund's recent investment strategies. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Police Shooting Investigated
The investigation continues into the fatal shooting of Omar Edwards, a black off-duty police officer, by a white fellow officer in Harlem Thursday night. The probe will likely consider whether the officer who fired the shots, Andrew Dunton, followed the law and department regulations, such as properly identifying himself to Edwards. Over the weekend, Mayor Michael Bloomberg met with Edwards' family, while the Rev. Al Sharpton, among others, called for an outside inquiry. With some raising questions about another shooting of a black officer by a white colleague, the department said it would improve training and provide special instruction on dealing with confrontations such as the one that ended in Edwards' death. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Baby's Death Linked to Swine Flu (Daily News)
City Increases Funding for Charter School Construction (NY Post)
Several Schools Closed for Swine Flu Reopen (NY 1)
A Who's Who of New Yorkers in the Obama Administration (New York Magazine)
Fighting Domestic Violence (Gotham Gazette)
Immigrants Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
May 29, 2009
Bloomberg Calls Reporter a Disgrace
At a press conference yesterday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg glared at a reporter and said, "You're a disgrace." Bloomberg had mentioned improvements in the economy and the reporter was asking if that affected his rationale for extending term limits to run for a third term. But Bloomberg cut him off, ridiculing the question. Shortly afterward, he ended the conference and made the "disgrace" comment on his way out. A spokesperson later offered an apology. For more, see Voting Links in the News.
Civil Suit Filed in Sodomy Case
The man who accused uniformed police officers of sexually assaulting him in a Brooklyn subway station last October filed a civil suit yesterday. The suit, filed against the city, the police department and the individual officers involved, seeks $220 million in damages. The criminal trial against those officers starts in four months. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Web Site Lets Parents Track Data on Students (NY Times)
Safety Drives Riders' Tepid Reaction to Cab-Sharing Plan (Daily News)
Quinn Calls Plastic Bag Tax 'Off the Table' (Daily News)
Democrats Want Silver's Education Plan Watered Down (NY Post)
Three Cheers for Economic Pessimism! (NY Observer)
Molinaro's City Planning Commission Pick is Sister of Daughter-in-Law (Staten Island Advance)
Statistics on the City's Tech Sector (Crain's)
City Resists State on Voting-Machine Program (City Room)
May 28, 2009
Plans for Cab Sharing
The Taxi and Limousine Commission is planning two pilot programs for cab sharing. The first would outfit 1,000 taxis with meters that would be able to split fares. Electronic signs would be installed on the roof of those cabs which would display their destination so that other riders could jump in. Each passenger would reduce the fare by half. The second plan would create six new group-ride pick up locations with designated routes. Each rider would pay a flat fee of $3 to $4 and could get off anywhere along the path. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
City to Pay $2 Million in Death After Hospital Wait (NY Times)
Preparing Willets Point Workers for Jobs After the Junkyards Go (NY Times)
National Grid May Owe Most for Cleanup of Gowanus Canal (Daily News)
$1.3 Billion in Stimulus for City (NY Post)
MTA Officially Rolls Back Service Cuts (Newsday)
All the Bloomberg You Can Handle (NY Observer)
Court Temporarily Halts Bottle Deposit Law (Associated Press)
City Modifying Film Tax-Credit Plan (Crain's)
Cemeteries Dying from Neglect (AM New York)
Brooklyn Co-housing May Have Greenest Building in City (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Can HHC Be Saved? (Gotham Gazette)
Health Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
May 27, 2009
Weiner's Won't Run
Rep. Anthony Weiner will not run for mayor this year. His decision leaves City Comptroller William Thompson Jr. and City Councilmember Tony Avella as the only Democrats in the race, with Thompson seen as the odds-on favorite to win the party's nomination to oppose Mayor Michael Bloomberg in November. In an op-ed piece in today's Times, Weiner, who ran for mayor in 2005, said he was passing up the race partly because he wanted to play an active role in Washington at a time when "ideas matter." But he also cited the billionaire mayor's campaign spending, saying it would make a "substantive debate" unlikely. For more, see City Hall News.
Sotomayor's Selection
New York officials yesterday hailed President Barack Obama's nomination of federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor of the Bronx for the Supreme Court. If confirmed, Sotomayor, who was raised in a Bronx public housing project and worked for the Manhattan district attorney, would become the nation’s first Hispanic justice. Former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer said he and his wife "shed tears of joy" when they heard the news, and Angelo Falcón, president of the National Institute for Latino Policy, said "people are just ecstatic" at the nomination. "Her outstanding legal mind, and her compelling life experience, is just the combination this court needs," New York Sen. Charles Schumer said. While some Republicans have indicated opposition to the appointment, many believe that, unless something unexpected occurs, they have little hope of blocking her confirmation. Sotomayor would become the third New Yorker on the high court, joining Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. For more, see Law Links in the News.
Two More Deaths in City Linked to Swine Flu (NY Times)
Silver Plan Would Keep Mayor in Charge of Schools (Daily News)
Paterson's Ethics Changes Seen as Unlikely to Win Approval (NY Post)
Recession Derails Development Plans for Southeast Queens (NY 1)
Despite Recession, Broadway Sets Record (Associated Press)
How the Bloomberg Administration Created, Then Ignored the School Crowding Crunch (New York Magazine)
Threat of Violence Still Plagues Kings County Psych Ward (City Limits)
Manhattan Apartment Rents Fall (Crain's)
Broadway Closing Gets Mixed Reviews (AM New York)
May 26, 2009
Second Confirmed Swine Flu Death, Schools Respond
The city's Department of Health confirmed Sunday that a Queens woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions died this Sunday as a result of complications brought on by the H1N1 virus. Four Brooklyn Yeshivas are closed today while a dozen public schools are set to reopen. Mayor Bloomberg maintains that school closings won't stop the flu's spread.
Starbucks Blast Could be Connected to Others
A small homemade bomb placed underneath a bench exploded outside a Starbucks at 92nd and 3rd Avenue early Monday morning. No one was injured and there was little property damage. Investigators are pouring over surveillance footage from the area, trying to determine if the blast has any connection to three similar attacks, including one at a Times Square military recruiting station in 2008. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Leadership Academy Graduates Fare Worse than Other New Principals (NY Times)
State Comptroller Bans Worst Managers in Pension Fund Scandal (Daily News)
Personal-Injury Lawsuits Cost MTA Tens of Millions (NY Post)
Park Projects Victim to Slashed Spending Cuts (NY Post)
MTA Will Get New Sensor-Exit Buses Next January (Newsday)
More Schools, including Four Brooklyn Yeshivas, Close over Flu Fears (NY 1)
Hudson River Park Launches 'Big City Fishing' Program (1010 WINS)
A Smaller Safety Net (Gotham Gazette)
Law Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
May 22, 2009
Details Emerge in Terror Plot
The four men captured in the terrorist plot Wednesday night were petty criminals who all served time in the past for drug dealing. They were radicalized during their prison terms. One was addicted to cocaine since he was a teenager and another was mentally disturbed, keeping bottles of urine in his apartment. The disturbed man's deportation to his home country after his last arrest was stayed by an immigration judge because he was deemed insane. Although there is concern about radicalization during incarceration, authorities contend that New York prisons work effectively to stem it. The imam at the mosque the men attended said the informant who lead police to the men offered money to other congregants to join his "team." The informant eventually drove them to the synagogues they plotted on destroying. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
City Temporarily Stops Charging Rent to the Working Homeless (NY Times)
Conferences on Mortgages Are Called Ineffective (NY Times)
Council Bills Would Tighten Smoking Laws (Daily News)
State Police Probe Looks Like a Bust (Daily News)
Pilots Fear Birds from Planned Trash Transfer Site (NY Post)
New York Swine Flu Cases Hit 333 (Newsday)
Data Show Minority Juveniles Arrested More Often (Associated Press)
Paterson: Grants to Spur Clean Energy Jobs (Associated Press)
Tenant Groups Pressure Espada Over Rent Laws (Norwood News)
Report: Significant Overcrowding at Public Schools (Staten Island Advance)
City Jobless Rate Edges Down to 8 Percent (Crain's)
A Colombian Model for the MTA? (WNYC)
Bloomberg Swears Off Additional Public Funds for Atlantic Yards (Brooklyn Papers)
Swine Flu Closes Dozens of Schools (Queens Chronicle)
Flood Victims File Lawsuit Against City (The Forum)
May 21, 2009
State Budget Gap Could Double
If the economy doesn't improve, the state's deficit could be $6 billion by the start of the next budget, Gov. David Paterson said yesterday. That would be double previous projections. The figure is an estimate based on the amount the state needed to cut from its budget last year as tax receipts plummeted. For more, see Albany in the News.
Four Arrested in Terror Plot
Police and the FBI said they foiled a terror plot, arresting four men last night as they planted what the men believed to be bombs outside two Riverdale synagogues. The bombs, reportedly obtained through an FBI informant, were fake. The four arrested also hoped to shoot down military planes. At a press conference today, police said the men all lived in Newburgh, had met in prison and did not appear to be linked to any larger network. They are slated to be arraigned in Federal District Court in White Plains today.
Four Accused of Bombing Plot at Bronx Synagogues (NY Times)
Flu Closings Failing to Keep Schoolchildren at Home (NY Times)
World Trade Center may go $1.1 Billion Over Budget (Daily News)
Patronage Plum Eyed for Como (NY Post)
A Rebuttal for the Ethics Commission (Village Voice)
Atlantic Yards, Finance Footrace (NY Observer)
Survey: New York Has Nation's Worst Drivers (NY 1)
Keeping Eyes on the Tenant Watch List (Gotham Gazette)
City Job-Loss Estimates Ease (Crain's)
Delivery Date for Transit Hub Is Set for 2014 (AM New York)
G Train Extension (Brooklyn Papers)
May 20, 2009
State Revenues Fall Sharply
State revenues for April 2009 fell by 44 percent from April 2008, according to a report released yesterday by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The $4.8 billion collected last month is about a quarter of a billion dollars below the numbers forecast in the state budget passed less than two months ago. DiNapoli's report indicates Gov. David Paterson and the Legislature could have to make further cuts to this year's budget, which was widely criticized as unrealistic when it passed. Officials at the state Division of the Budget, though, said the figures do not reflect the budget's new and increased taxes and fees. Some Democrats said also said the effect of federal stimulus money is not yet clear. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Schools Face Cuts
When New York City principals receive their school budgets today, they will see a cut of about 5 percent for 2009-2010. As a result, Chancellor Joel Klein said yesterday, many schools will have to slash after-school and weekend programs. The reductions total about $405 million, with central and field administration offices set to lose $20 million, and are not as severe as originally planned due to the federal stimulus package. In addition, many schools have already cut back and can roll those savings into the next school year, Klein said. The Department of Education managed to avoid system-wide teacher layoffs, but principals could eliminate teaching aide positions at their schools. For more, see Education Links in the News.
City to Monitor, Put New Limits on Military Recruiting in High Schools (NY Times)
Senate GOP Could Determine Fate of Mayoral Control of Schools (Daily News)
Flu Closes More Schools, Reaches Rikers (NY Post)
Toddler Who Died Did Not Have Swine Flu, Tests Show (NY 1)
Janette Sadik-Khan Takes on Cars in the City (New York Magazine)
Stringer Drops Bid for Gillibrand's Senate Seat (Albany Times Union)
Now Renters Face the Threat of Foreclosure (City Limits)
Thompson Urges City Pension Funds to Adopt Code of Conduct (Wall Street Journal)
Civic Groups Call for Limits on Public Funding of Construction at Trade Center Site (Crain's)
Business Improvement District vs. Street Vendors in Sunset Park (The Indypendent)
May 19, 2009
Another Death Linked to Flu Symptoms
A 16-month old boy with flu-like symptoms died last night at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens. The New York City Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating, but will not be able to confirm the death as being related to the H1N1 strain for several days. A hospital spokesperson estimated that there were an additional 200 patients with flu-like symptoms in the emergency room. Fears of the Swine flu have also spread to the Upper East Side, where a small private school closed because of students staying home with similar ailments. Thus far, 17 Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan schools are now closed, and officials have warned that the virus will most likely keep spreading. Parents across the boroughs have taken kids out of school as a precaution. For more, see Health Links in the News.
Director of State Commission on Public Integrity Resigns (NY Times)
Parents and Teachers Union Join to Sue over School Closings (NY Times)
Michelle Obama Shows Support of Arts in New York (Daily News)
Yankee Stadium area's Heritage Park Still Unfinished (Daily News)
Crime Spikes Sharply in Downtown Neighborhoods (NY Post)
Democrats Spar over Smith's Version of Mayoral Control (NY Post)
Business Coalition Calls for State Restraint in Spending (Albany Times Union)
Plan to Bring Back Oysters in Sunset Park Unsuccessful (Brooklyn Papers)
Paterson Wants Calorie Listings Statewide (Elmira Star-Gazette)
The Mayor's Tax Plan (Gotham Gazette)
Finance Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
May 18, 2009
First Swine Flu Death in NY
An assistant principal from Queens died of complications caused from the swine flu on Sunday night. Mitchell Wiener's death was the first in New York State attributed to the H1N1 strain. Wiener was the fifth person do die of the strain nationally. Wiener's wife accused the city of not acting fast enough to close schools as the outbreak spread. Schools across the city have been closed as cases of the swine flu have grown, and the administration has shut a total of 11 schools since Thursday. Officials say that most cases of flu in the city have been mild, but they were not surprised by Wiener's death, as the most common strain of the flu claims many lives each year. For more, see Health Links in the News.
Israel Won't Primary Gillibrand at Obama's Request (NY Times)
Is Time Running Out for Same-Sex Marriage in NY This Year? (NY Times)
MTA Wants More Conductorless Trains (Daily News)
First Responders Stage Largest Drill Since 9/11 (Daily News)
30,000 Received Pay Raises During Gov's 'Freeze' (NY Post)
Subway Ridership Hurt by Economy (NY Post)
Swine Flu at Rikers Prompts Call for Closure (Newsday)
City May Soon Need New Area Code (Associated Press)
Staten Island Looks to Recast Health Care System (Staten Island Advance)
Tenant Groups Demand Action From Senate (Legislative Gazette)
May 15, 2009
Flu Prompts New School Closings
With an assistant principle in critical condition, the city has closed three public schools in Queens for a week. City officials have hinted that pre-existing health concerns could have exacerbated the assistant principle's flu, but the three shuttered schools, IS 238 in Jamaica, IS 5 in Elmhurst and PS 16 in Corona, all had high numbers of students out sick in recent days. City and state officials are encouraging calm, common sense (and hand washing) but will continue to monitor the situation. For more, see Health Links in the News.
City Health Commissioner to Head CDC (NY Times)
Bayside Marina Makes Room for Kayaks (Daily News)
Elite School Challenged on Lack of Diversity (Daily News)
Legislators Look to Lure Biotech (Daily News)
Cycling on the Upswing in New York City (NY Post)
Paterson Proposes Changes to Health Insurance Regulation (Newsday)
Paterson Rejects Fines for Open Meeting Violations (Albany Times Union)
Driver Shortage Slows MTA Busses (AM New York)
Hospitals Pledge to Reduce Carbon Emissions (WNYC)
The Case of the Missing Lieutenant Governor (Gotham Gazette)
Voting Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
May 14, 2009
State Ethics Panel Under Fire
The state inspector general has called for the firing of the ethics commission's director. Gov. David Paterson agreed and called for the entire panel's resignation as well. The moves are the result of a report by the inspector general's office which found that the ethics director, Herbert Teitelbaum, made unlawful contact with the Spitzer administration while he was investigating the former governor's aides. It found that Teitelbaum told the administration details about the investigation. The other panel members were criticized for ignoring the director's leaks. In related news, a separate study concluded that the panel has been less aggressive in policing the state's lobbying industry than previous agencies. For more, see Albany in the News.
Hispanic Population’s Growth Propelled City's Census Record (NY Times)
City's First Charter School to Open in Public Housing (Daily News)
City Eyes WiFi in Parks (NY Post)
Bloomberg and the Teachers' Union (Village Voice)
In Mayoral Control Debate, Bloomberg Tries Acting Like a Politician (NY Observer)
Wall Street Veteran To Head Housing Authority (NY 1)
The History and Challenges of the Public Advocate's Office (City Limits)
Use of Illegal Drugs Drops Again in State (Crain's)
Atlantic Yards Project Faces Fresh Hurdle (Crain's)
State Confirms a Dozen More Swine Flu Cases (WNYC)
Bloomberg Traded Backing of Ognibene for Queens GOP Support (City Hall)
EPA Head Says Superfund Can't Stop Flow of Sewage Into Gowanus (Brooklyn Papers)
Streetcars for Brooklyn: Transit Blogger Proposes a Revival (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
May 13, 2009
Assembly Approves Same-Sex Marriage
The New York State Assembly passed a bill legalizing gay marriage last night by a vote of 89 to 52.The bill passed by four more votes than it did when the Assembly last considered the bill. Five Republicans voted for the measure this time around. Debate lasted for almost four hours. Supporters of the legislation hope the increased margin of victory in the Assembly will encourage senators to vote for the bill. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith has said he personally supports gay marriage but will not bring it to a vote until he is sure it will pass. For more, check out State Government Links in the News.
Albany Moves to Enable Extended Jobless Benefits (NY Times)
NYPD On Pace to Make Record Number of Stops This Year (NY Times)
Bill Would Take Away Mayor's Control of Education Panel (Daily News)
Foreclosures Rise Slightly as Moratorium Ends (Daily News)
Top Pick for MTA Chief Derailed (NY Post)
Legislators Call for Long Island to Secede (Newsday)
Critics Question Taxi Surcharge (NY 1)
Businessman Pleads Guilty in Pension Probe (Associated Press)
Push on For Rent Regulation Bills in Senate (Crain's)
Gold from the Faucet (Gotham Gazette)
Community Development Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
May 12, 2009
MTA Approves Lower Fare Increases
Following the approval of a bailout by the state last week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority yesterday voted to increase fares by about 10 percent, saving riders from a previously planned increase of 23 percent. Beginning June 28, single fare bus and subway rides will increase 12.5 percent to $2.25 from $2; an unlimited monthly ride will rise 10 percent to $89 from $81; and weekly unlimited cards will jump 8 percent to $27 from $25. Bridge and tunnel tolls will rise 10 percent starting July 12. Around 600 booth clerks will still be laid off. MTA Chairman Dale Hemmerdinger said fares may need to increase again before the planned 2011 hike if the economy does not improve. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
After Two Years, a Meeting on Village Landmarks (NY Times)
Espada Has One Week to File All Campaign Finance Reports (Daily News)
Same-Sex Marriage to Come Before Assembly Again (Daily News)
City to Offer Free Financial Counseling (NY Post)
Feds Stall Another Navy Airplane's Flight Over Manhattan (Newsday)
State Senators Push for Elderly Health Care (Associated Press)
State Bracing for More Health Layoffs (Crain's)
Councilmembers Say Higher Sales Tax Would Cost Retail Jobs (WNYC)
Decades-Long Project to Repair BQE Begins Tomorrow (Brooklyn Papers)
Albany Gets Out Its Repair Kit (National Journal)
May 11, 2009
Homeless Contribute to Rent
The city will now require working homeless individuals contribute to the cost of their stay at city shelters. Under a state law, homeless individuals are required to pay a percentage of their income to shelter operators. Under the law, which was approved in 1997 but not enforced until last week, an individual would not have to pay more than 50 percent of their income on housing. The new policy will affect about 2,000 out of 9,000 homeless families in the city. For more, see City Hall News.
Dissenting Legislators Mix Up Albany (NY Times)
Trade Center Plan Could Shrink to Two Towers (Daily News)
New York City Recession-Style (New York Magazine)
May 08, 2009
MTA Head Resigns
Elliot Sander, the chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, resigned yesterday. His notice came hours after Gov. David Paterson promised a "widespread cleanup" of the agency following the legislature's approval of a bailout for the MTA. The bailout bill combined Sander's position with that of the chair, starting 30 days from now. The governor can then appoint a new chair or reappoint Dale Hemmerdinger, who currently holds the position. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
More City Students Meet State Standards in English (NY Times)
Gillibrand Gains a Defender: Schumer (NY Times)
Federal Budget Pulls Funding for Police Anti-Terror Program (Daily News)
Opinion Allows Earmarks for Council Relatives (NY Post)
Six Hundred Evictions Monthly Citywide (NY Post)
Cuomo Probes Debt Settlement Firms (Associated Press)
Housing Authority Bans Pit Bulls, Dobermans and Rottweillers (Downtown Express)
State Officials: Swine Flu Now Treated Like Regular Seasonal Flu (WNYC)
EPA Reveals Gowanus Cleanup Could Cost $300 to $400 Million (Brooklyn Downtown Star)
Recession Slows or Halts Projects Throughout Region (New York Construction)
Community Board Pushes for More Lower Manhattan Small Business Grants (Tribeca Trib)
Rating the Water Rate Increase (Queens Leader-Observer)
May 07, 2009
Lawmakers Approve MTA Bailout
State lawmakers yesterday approved expected legislation bailing out the financially stressed Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The bill was approved largely along party lines with no Republican support. The payroll tax and the taxi surcharge will start being collected later than expected. As such, the plan will bring in $1.1 billion this year and $1.9 billion annually thereafter. Critics worry that the plan only funds two years of the agency's five-year capital plan. Gov. David Paterson is expected to sign the legislation and the MTA board will vote on the lower fares Monday. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Schools Chief Bans Hiring of Teachers From Outside (NY Times)
New Fines Pit Carpenters Against Union Leaders (NY Times)
Police Keep Information on Innocent 'Stop and Frisks' (Daily News)
Judge Won't Release Video of Monserrate Dragging Girlfriend (Daily News)
Law's Creator Says Bloomberg Should Keep School Control (NY Post)
Bill Thompson Has His Own Pension Pals (Village Voice)
Trade Center Derailing Moynihan? (NY Observer)
Council Members Face Political Hitch Over Tow Proposal (NY 1)
Council Takes on Scratchiti (Gotham Gazette)
City Has Six More Cases of Swine Flu; Total is 80 (Associated Press)
Brodsky, Yankees Headed for Extra Innings (Albany Times Union)
New York: 'The Least Free State' (City Journal)
Graffiti Group Takes on Ads (Metro)
Schumer Bill Ties Distressed Financing to Rent (Real Deal)
May 06, 2009
Deal Reached on MTA Rescue
Gov. David Paterson last night unveiled the details of a Senate compromise on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority bailout that will generate $2.26 billion in its first year. Fares will jump an average of 10 percent -- to $2.25 per ride and $89 for a monthly unlimited card -- but massive service cuts and layoffs will be avoided. The plan hinges on a payroll tax, increases in fees on vehicle registration and drivers licenses, a rise in the tax on car rentals, and a $.50 taxi surcharge. Further fare increases will be enacted in 2011 and 2013. The Senate is scheduled to vote at 11 a.m. today. For more, see Transportation Links in the News
Proposal to Ease Kindergarten Crunch May Only Anger Parents (NY Times)
Rent Guidelines Board Approves Rent Increases for 2010 (Daily News)
Schumer Supports Lynch as US Attorney for Eastern District of New York (NY Post)
Wrongly Jailed NYC man Receives $1.5 Million (Newsday)
Paterson Phases out Bottled Water in State Agencies (Newsday)
Responding to Tourists' Fear of Swine Flu, City Bumps Up Ad Campaign (Associated Press)
What Will the State Senate Do About Rent Control? (City Limits)
DOT Plans More Bike Lanes in Williamsburg (AM New York)
New Law Aimed at Stopping Foreclosures Off to a Slow Start (WNYC)
May 05, 2009
Senate Dems Reach MTA Deal
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith met with Sen. Brian Foley and Craig Johnson last night and reached an agreement for the two holdouts to support a bailout for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The deal would ensure that pending fare hikes of up to 30 percent are reduced to 8 percent. Foley and Craig were assured that schools will be reimbursed for the cost of a proposed payroll tax that is included in the bailout. However, the two politicians warned they would need to see the plan in writing before they would guarantee their votes. Legislative leaders want to pass a rescue plan this week. For more see, Transportation Links In the News.
Middle-Class Renters Face Eviction (NY Times)
Legislators Set to Address Mayoral Control (Daily News)
St. Francis Prep Opens Again After Swine Flu Scare (Daily News)
Taxi Drivers to Face New Tests (NY Post)
Funeral For Gang Member Puts NYPD on High Alert (Newsday)
Battle Heating Up For Rent-Stabilized Tenants (NY 1)
Paterson Proposes Spending Cap (Associated Press)
Senate Housing Chair Lacks Strong Stance on Affordable Housing Issues (City Limits)
False Arrests Reviewed (Gotham Gazette)
Civil Rights Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
May 04, 2009
Bloomberg's Budget
Mayor Michael Bloomberg unveiled his 2010 executive budget Friday, calling for a hike in the sales tax, a reduction in the municipal workforce and cuts in city services to close a $4.8 billion gap. The budget does, however, avoid any layoffs of teachers or uniformed police officers. The budget immediately encountered objections from City Council members, many of whom oppose the hike in the sales tax. A number of the mayor's plans, including a five-cent tax on plastic bags, would require approval by the state government, which seems far from assured, or from city unions. For more see Bloomberg's Budget Revival and City Hall Links in the News
Pension Probe Widens
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo Friday said he was issuing more than 100 subpoenas to investment firms and intermediaries who brokered deals with New York's public pension funds. As Cuomo's investigation of the pension funds continues, he charged the intermediaries were not licensed as required by federal securities law. Cuomo also met by teleconference with 35 other attorneys general, who, he said, have agreed to create a multi-state task force on the pension issue. The New York inquiry began by focusing on millions of dollars associates of former state Comptroller Alan Hevesi allegedly made by selling access to the state's pension fund. Three people face charges in the case, although Hevesi has not been indicted. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Paterson's Order Will Boost Labor Organizing (NY Times)
Inmate Dies After Fight with Guards at Rikers (Newsday)
Profile of Anthony Weiner as He Doesn't Run for Mayor (New York Magazine)
City Says Swine Flu May Be No Worse Than the Usual Strains (Crain's)
May 01, 2009
Paterson's New MTA Plan Revealed
Gov. David Paterson's secret plan to bail out the MTA is to reimburse school districts with state money to make up for the increased payroll tax that would fund the authority. The proposal was meant to address the concern of suburban Senators opposed to the tax. Reimbursing the school districts in the 12 counties the tax would apply to would cost $60 million a year. Although one of four Senators opposed to the tax may be mollified, another remains opposed to the plan. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Mayor Said to Drop Plan to Ask City Workers to Pay for Health Coverage (NY Times)
Top Judge Plans a Task Force on Wrongful Convictions (NY Times)
City to Push for Swine Flu Vaccine (Daily News)
City Can Handle 1 Million Ill (NY Post)
Paterson Settles Discrimination Suit for $300,000 of Public Money (NY Post)
Bloomberg To Outline New Layoffs, Sales Tax Hike (NY 1)
Two Years Later, the Other 126 PlaNYC 2030 Initiatives (City Hall)
City’s Signage Restrictions Upheld by Federal Judge (Chelsea Now)
Water Rate Hike Criticized (Queens Chronicle)
April 30, 2009
More MTA Cuts and Hikes
A second fare hike and more service cuts in the near future are being considered by the MTA to deal with widening budget gaps. Eliot Sander, the agency's executive director, said yesterday that ending 24 hour subway service would be on the table. Meanwhile, Gov. David Paterson has announced a "new idea" to bail the MTA out, but has revealed no details about it. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Swine Flu Updates
The World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to phase 5, which means a global outbreak of swine flu is imminent. Meanwhile, three Catholic schools in Brooklyn closed yesterday due to flu-like symptoms, although health officials haven't confirmed any case of swine flu. There are 49 confirmed cases citywide, but all victims have recovered or are improving. For more, see Health Links in the News.
Developers Say Labor Pact Saves Less Than Claimed (NY Times)
Number of Students Leaving School Before Graduation Continues to Increase (NY Times)
Troubled Teachers Spending Longer in 'Rubber Rooms' (Daily News)
Bloomberg Proposes Higher Sales Tax Hike (NY Post)
Three Boroughs Share State's Highest Particle Pollution (NY 1)
Role Reversal: Contributions from Candidates (Gotham Gazette)
Gun Debate Shows Upstate-Downstate Rift (Associated Press)
Markowitz Comes Out in Favor of Bloomberg’s Coney Island Plan (Brooklyn Papers)
April 29, 2009
Leaders Will Take What They Can Get On the MTA
As negotiations for an MTA rescue plan wear on, everyone seems to be lowering their expectations, wondering if the Senate can pass even a weak, short-term plan. Gotham Gazette's David King reports from Albany.
Embattled Finance Commissioner Resigns
Faced with accusations of an improper affair with a subordinate, time sheets approved that never should have been and simple nepotism, city finance commissioner Martha Stark stepped down Tuesday, two weeks after Mayor Bloomberg asked city investigators to look into a variety allegations. Ms. Stark has maintained her innocence, and says that her relationship with a former subordinate did not begin until after that staffer left her office. Ms. Stark will be replaced temporarily by Deputy Commissioner Michael Hyman. For more, see City Hall Links in the News.
Students Band Together in Music Class (Daily News)
Queens Cooks Get Healthier Recipes (Daily News)
Religious Groups Roiled by "Guilt" Comment (NY Post)
MTA Sends Layoff Notices (NY Post)
Staten Island Residents Grapple With Mortgage Scams (NY 1)
Housing Authority Bans Specific Dog Breeds (NY 1)
State Budget Could Stay on Track (Albany Times Union)
Opera Strike in the Offing? (Bloomberg)
April 28, 2009
Bailout Stalls Again
Negotiations on bailing out the Metropolitan Transportation Authority stalled in Albany on Monday, as state leaders said they were willing to consider any plan that could pass the narrowly Democratic State Senate. The senate's Transportation Committee approved a plan yesterday that includes a taxi surcharge. Assembly leaders and Gov. David Paterson favor a plan with bridge tolls and fare hikes. Also yesterday the authority released new budget figures that estimate a deficit of $621 million, even after service cuts and fare increases. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Cluster in Queens
Countries around the world have tightened their borders as the number of swine flu cases increase, but all eyes here are focused on a Catholic school in Queens. There have been 28 confirmed cases at St. Francis Preparatory School, which is more than half of all of the cases nationwide. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said yesterday that so far the cluster is the only confirmed one in the city. Though he said more cases are likely to emerge from this particular cluster, the mayor urged residents not to panic, because these cases have not been as severe as those in Mexico. For more, see Health Links in the News.
Knife Killings Increase by 50 Percent (NY Times)
Flyover of Fake Air Force One Sparks Fear (NY Times)
Astor Son's Trial Starts (Daily News)
Officers Indicted on Sexual Assault (Daily News)
Senate Report Guts Mayoral Control (NY Post)
Hunter Gets Cash from Mystery Donor (Associated Press)
Personal Income Tax Revenues Plunge (Reuters)
The Fight for Good Conditions in Harlem Complex (City Limits)
Food Pantry Needs Grow on Staten Island (Staten Island Advance)
Tabloids See Drop in Circulation (Crain's)
Astoria Residents Temporarily Lose Power (AM New York)
April 27, 2009
Swine Flu Confirmed in Queens School
Eight cases of swine flu were confirmed in students who attend St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows. It is feared that over 150 students have been sickened with the same strain of swine flu that has killed dozens in Mexico. So far all the students seem to have mild symptoms of the illness. City officials reacted by closing St. Francis to clean the school. Mayor Bloomberg asked New Yorkers who think they have flu symptoms to avoid going to work or school. Meanwhile health officials declared a national public health emergency on Sunday as other cases of the flu were identified across the country. Officials said they expect more cases to be confirmed, but they said that it was not time to panic. For more, check out Health Links in the News.
Paterson Prepares for 2010 (NY Times)
Same-Sex Marriage Bill Stirs Debate (NY Times)
Paterson Lacks Support of Influential Working Families Party (Daily News)
House Explodes in Queens (Daily News)
Bronx Rocked by Weekend of Violence (Daily News)
MTA Rescue Negotiation Breaks Down (NY Post)
Unions Prepare Push Against Mayoral Control (NY Post)
Former State Senator John Marchi Dies (NY 1)
The Return of Government Reform to Albany? (Associated Press)
Transit Union Slams MTA's Planned Pay-Raise Cut (Crain's)
NY Ports Hurt by Recession (Crain's)
Paterson Dismisses Senate MTA Plan (Politicker)
Mysteries of the Property Tax (Gotham Gazette)
Finance Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
April 24, 2009
City Raids Offices of Prominent Developer
Investigators from the city yesterday raided the offices of the Atlantic Development Group, one of the city's largest housing developers. Atlantic has donated money to a number of politicians, including Adolfo Carrión Jr., the former Bronx borough president and current director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs. The company is building Boricua Village, a large mixed-use project in the Bronx. As borough president, Carrión backed construction of Boricua Village and hired the architect of that project to work on his home but has not paid him. Sources were quoted as saying the investigators were probing whether Atlantic illegally influenced politicians and the city Building Department to win approval and permits for its projects. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
On the Gowanus Canal, Fear of Superfund Stigma (NY Times)
Prosecution Gives Defense New Evidence in Fatal Fire at Deutsche Bank (NY Times)
Port Authority Backtracks on World Trade Center Transit Hub Again (Daily News)
Albany Restores $30 Million in Charter School Funding (NY Post)
Eighth Grade Scores Rise (NY Post)
Bloomberg Among Many Opposed To New MTA Bailout Plan (NY 1)
Jamaica Bay Grows for First Time in Decades (Queens Tribune)
First South Bronx Hotel in 40 Years Opens (Bronx Times)
April 23, 2009
Pension Fund Inquiry Impact Expands
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday that his pension fund investigation will be expanding into the city comptroller's office. William Thompson, the city comptroller, requested the investigation, but Cuomo said his probe would reach further than what was asked. Meanwhile, both the state and city comptroller's offices announced they would ban the use of intermediaries who steer investments from the funds. These middlemen have been the focus of much of Cuomo's investigation. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
In Debate Over Schools, Panel Is No Threat to the Mayor’s Grip (NY Times)
Bloomberg Policy Blamed for Families in Shelters (NY Times)
MTA Freeze on Hiring as Crisis Grows (Daily News)
Bailout Vote Due in Albany (NY Post)
Economy Derails Subway Ridership (NY Post)
Weingarten 'Pushes' for Tenure Bill (NY Post)
In Race for Mayor, Democrat Dearth May Mean Housing Idea Desert (NY Observer)
City Gears Up for Green Building (Gotham Gazette)
International Hackers Attacking Police Department Computers (Associated Press)
State Budget Director Resigns (Crain's)
Years Later, City Installs School-Bus Tracking System (AM New York)
City Could End up Chipping in for EPA Gowanus Clean-up (Brooklyn Papers)
Manhattan Sees Spike in Suits by Commercial Landlords Against Tenants (Real Deal)
Construction Leaders Balk at Bloomberg Cuts (New York Construction)
April 22, 2009
Diaz Easily Wins Bronx Borough Presidency
Democratic Assemblymember Rubén Díaz Jr. handily won yesterday's special election for Bronx borough president. Díaz won with 87 percent of the vote over his only opponent, Republican Anthony J. Ribustello, an actor best known for his role as a driver on "The Sopranos." Díaz is only 35 but was elected to the Assembly at 23, and is the son of State Sen. Ruben Díaz Sr. For more on the race, see The Bronx Family Feud and City Hall News.
MTA Plan Derailed Again, Now by Suburban Democrats
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith's latest Metropolitan Transportation Authority bailout plan will likely flounder, even though the compromise avoids controversial bridge tolls. As of yesterday, a group of suburban Democratic senators still opposed the new plan because of the regional payroll tax increases in neighboring counties outside of the city. Republicans have refused their support wholesale, saying that they were left out of the talks from the get-go. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Backdoor Path for Catholic-School-to-Charter-School Conversion (NY Times)
City Unrolls Energy Retrofit Laws for Older Buildings (NY Times)
Attorney General Cuomo Makes Deal with Prescription Drug Retailers for Multilingual Medical Labels (Daily News)
DA Hopefuls Support Medical Marijuana (Daily News)
Reform in Albany Still Slow Going, Say Watchdogs (Daily News)
Vito Fossella Finds New Job at Hedge fund (Staten Island Advance)
New York Shoppers Bargain-Hunting, According to Zagats (Crain's)
Taxi Industry Puzzled by Logistics of $1 MTA Taxi Surcharge (Crain's)
Manhattan Apartment Vacany Rate Declines Slightly in March (Crain's)
Tuning Up for Summer Concerts (Gotham Gazette)
Arts Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
April 21, 2009
A New MTA Plan
Senate Democrats have submitted another plan to rescue the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in an attempt to stave off fare hikes set to go into effect in May. Reports said bridge tolls would be eliminated and a payroll tax would be implemented in the city, but reduced in surrounding counties. Taxi riders could also end up paying a $1 fee per ride and others could see increases in motor vehicle registration fees. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Special Election in the Bronx
Today is the special election for Bronx borough president. The candidates are Assemblymember Ruben Diaz Jr., a Democrat, and first-time candidate, Anthony Ribustello, a Republican. For more on the race, see The Bronx Family Feud and City Hall News. Visit us later tonight for election results.
Take Our Reader Survey
We always strive to make Gotham Gazette better. To help us do that, please complete this short survey, and tell us what you like and and don't like about the site. Your answers will help shape the redesign of Gotham Gazette as we move into our second decade of covering key New York City issues.
Charter Schools Start to Organize (NY Times)
Suit Says Faulty Elevators Violate Tenants' Rights (NY Times)
Gay Marriage Gets Public Support, Poll Says (Daily News)
Panel Set to Release Government Reforms (Daily News)
State Pols Look to Legalize Medical Marijuana (NY Post)
Funding Goes to Green Jobs (City Limits)
Toxic Staten Island Site Targeted for Cleanup (Staten Island Advance)
The Ties to State's Pension Probe (Bloomberg)
Job Losses Slow Down (Crain's)
Commuters Feed Alert Service (AM New York)
Sharing Bikes (Gotham Gazette)
Transportation Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
April 20, 2009
Settlement in False Arrests
The city will pay a total of more than $250,000 to 16 young people who said that they were falsely arrested in Brooklyn while on their way to a wake in 2007. The 16 are among 32 people who were charged with unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct while going to a wake for a friend who police suspected had been slain in a gang related murder. At the time, police said the young people had blocked traffic and climbed on top of parked cars, but no evidence was produced to corroborate those claims. Reports of the settlement came from the group's lawyer, while the city said the settlement had not yet been finalized. For more, see Civil Rights Links in the News.
Waves at Coney
With the summer approaching, uncertainty still surrounds Coney Island's future, although some plans are taking shape. For one, the area will host the touring company of the Ringling Brothers circus this summer, the city has announced. City officials also are proposing that concrete -- artfully tinted concrete -- replace the area's iconic -- and crumbling -- boardwalk. And Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is pushing plans for a $64 million amphitheater in Asser Levy Park. Opponents, though, say the arena would ruin the park and could disrupt services at two nearby synagogues. Meanwhile, negotiations between the city and developer Thor Equities over the city's purchase of 10.5 acres of key Coney Island real estate seem to have come to a halt as Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city has made its final offer. The city has proposed paying $105 million; Thor wants $250 million. Thor's chief executive Joseph Sitt has been jousting with the city over plans for Coney Island with Sitt arguing that the city's plan, focused on amusements, is not economically viable. For more, see Waterfront Links in the News.
Queens Street Could Be Named for Sean Bell (NY Times)
Early Studies Show School Report Cards Improve Schools (NY Post)
Andrew Cuomo Rides the Wave of Populist Anger (New York Magazine)
Hyatt to Open Two More Manhattan Hotels (Crain's)
Breakdowns Plague Escalators at Herald Square Subway Station (AM New York)
Chinatown Looks for a Way to Survive and Thrive (Gotham Gazette)
Immigrants Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
April 17, 2009
Construction for 20 More Years at Ground Zero?
The World Trade Center site won't be finished and fully occupied until 2037, according to a report commissioned by the Port Authority. One tower won't be finished until 2014 or filled with tenants until 2025, while another would take until 2030 to finish and until 2037 to fill, the study projects. It was prepared by Cushman & Wakefield. For more, see Land Use Links in the News.
Paterson Introduces a Same-Sex Marriage Bill (NY Times)
Bloomberg Rebukes Wheelchair-Bound Reporter (Daily News)
City Struggling to Find Room for 3,000 Kindergarteners (Daily News)
Gotbaum: Tweak Mayoral School Control (NY Post)
A Better Bottle Bill is Only the Beginning (NY Observer)
Times Announces More Cuts To Staff, Content (NY 1)
The Politics of Same-Sex Marriage (Gotham Gazette)
Time Warner Cable Dumps Internet Meter Plan (Associated Press)
Few Parents Seek Seats on Education Councils (Norwood News)
City Jobless Rate Stands Fast at 8.1 Percent (Crain's)
A Plan to Reverse-Engineer Development Bubble (City Hall)
Stimulus Money Could Help Retrofit City Office Buildings (Real Deal)
Bridging the Cycling Gap Between Greenpoint and Queens (Greenpoint Star)
City Won't Compensate '07 Flood Victims in Queens (The Forum)
Beyond the Last Stop: Inside 'the Shop' at 240th Street (Riverdale Press)
April 16, 2009
Former Liberal Party Head Indicted
Raymond Harding, the former chair of the New York Liberal Party, was indicted yesterday on charges of taking $800,000 in kickbacks from aides of former state Comptroller Alan Hevesi in return for political favors. The indictment was announced by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Harding was also charged with helping vacate the state Assembly seat now held by Andrew Hevesi, the comptroller's son, so that he could run for it. Cuomo stressed there was no evidence that Andrew Hevesi knew anything of this. Sources have told the media that an anonymous official, named in the complaint as being involved in discussions of the Assembly seat, was Alan Hevesi himself. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Compromise Is Offered to Bridge Toll Opponents (NY Times)
Refinancing Deal May Save Low-Cost Housing in Brooklyn (NY Times)
Giuliani Should Run for Governor in 2010, Gingrich Says (Daily News)
Tolls Revived in MTA Rescue Bid (NY Post)
Suit: Yankee Stadium Ejection a Rights Violation (Newsday)
Developers: Gowanus to Build or Not? (NY Observer)
Staten Island's Sen. Lanza Draws Ire of Transit Advocates (Staten Island Advance)
Home Sales in Brooklyn, Queens Fall (Crain's)
Sanders Wades Back Into Mayoral Control (City Hall)
Big-Box Retailers Invading New York (Real Deal)
April 15, 2009
CUNY Enrollment, Aid Requests Surge
More City University of New York students are applying for federal financial aid this year, according to the New York Post, while the Daily News reports that enrollment in the low-cost schools has surged. CUNY could be on its way to its highest enrollment ever.
Tangled Web in the Finance Department
In a tangled tale dubbed a "preposterous City Hall soap opera" in the Daily News, city Finance Commissioner Martha Stark is under investigation after the Post reported that she had an affair with a subordinate whose salary has more than tripled since. Then news surfaced that a deputy's spouse had been filing funny timesheets with the same agency. This isn't Stark's first turn in the spotlight. For more, see City Hall Links in the News.
Prosecutions Lag Well Behind Foreclosure Fraud (NY Times)
Warnings Weren't Heard in Subway Incident (Daily News)
Teams, Not City Will Staff Stadiums (Daily News)
New Resources for Job Seekers (NY Post)
Pay-to-Play Accusations in Public Employee Pension Fund (NY Post)
NYPD Closes Doors to Reporters (Village Voice)
GOP Tries to Invalidate Gillibrand's Ballot (Albany Times Union)
Bipartison Support for Gay Marriage Legislation (Albany Times Union)
Economist Predicts Drop in Area Home Prices (Bloomberg)
Shortfalls at State Pension Fund (Crain's)
Silverstein Seeking Financing Support (Crain's)
Cleaning Up the Port (Gotham Gazette)
Environment Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
April 14, 2009
MTA Funding Shortfall May Mean More Service Cuts
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has revealed that the state is forecasting up to a $200 million shortfall in revenue this year thanks to a decline in tax revenues that go towards mass transit. The decline is double that of what MTA officials predicted in February. The $200 million shortfall would add to the MTA's $1.2 billion deficit. MTA officials say the funding shortfall could mean deeper service cuts or another fare increase. Meanwhile, Gov. David Paterson is said to be trying to win the support of Republican Senators for some sort of MTA rescue package. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Unions Go On Attack Over Paterson's Layoff Proposal (NY Times)
Pension Deals Focus of Inquiry (NY Times)
Fossella Pleads Guilty to DUI (Daily News)
Silverstein's Sweet Salary (Daily News)
CUNY Applications Way Up (Daily News)
Taxi Commission Considers Taxicard (NY Post)
New Archbiship Introduces Himself to the City (NY 1)
NY Transportation Head Resigns (Associated Press)
Advocates Push Senators to Preserve Rent-Stabilized Apartments (City Limits)
Disabled Mets Fans Decry Stadium Subway Stop (Staten Island Advance)
Transit Technology High Gets a New Car (AM New York)
The Legislature Takes on Election Reform (Gotham Gazette)
Voting Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
April 13, 2009
MTA Rescue Will Require Republicans and Roadways
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's latest rescue plan will require bipartisan Senate support, as Senate Democrats remain divided over payroll tax increases and bridge tolls. The split Democratic majority means that Republicans are offering to put their support behind a bill that includes financing statewide highway and bridge programs. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
NYPD Reaffirms New Yorkers' Right to Bear Cameras (NY Post)
Public Housing's Green Retrofitting Still Stalled (NY Post)
Top Albany Pols Shirk Campaign-Finance Violation Fines (NY Post)
Paterson and State Unions Continue Standoff (Newsday)
Jury Trial for Vito Fossella Begins Today (Staten Island Advance)
State Republicans Reject pork from Democrat (Staten Island Advance)
Yankees Open, But Not Parks (Gotham Gazette)
Parks Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
April 10, 2009
City Prepares to Sharply Increase Charter Space
The Department of Education could be preparing space to allow as many as 100,000 New York City students to attend charter schools by 2013, according to a Department of Education memo reported in the New York Post. The memo reportedly calls for the city to quadruple the space available for charter schools, which have struggled to find room in the city. School Chancellor Joel Klein, a strong proponent of charters, would not commit to the figure, although a spokesperson for the Department of Education told the Post that the city hoped to enroll at least 50,000 students in charters by 2012, with space for twice as many. A state limit on the number of charter schools could stymie plans for such rapid growth.
With More Rooms Empty, Hotels Seek to Cut Worker Pay (NY Times)
Bloomberg Sees Possibility for Avoiding Layoffs (Daily News)
Pensions Will Crush City, Bloomberg Warns (NY Post)
Bloomberg's Townhouse not So Green (Newsday)
New Bills: Tracking Stimulus and Unattended Idlers (Gotham Gazette)
Key Union Rejects Paterson's Plea (Associated Press)
Probe of Electricity Market Digs Deeper (Associated Press)
Staten Island Politician Wants Verrazano Toll Eliminated (Staten Island Advance)
Thanksgiving Parade to be Moved (Crain's)
Local Groups Have Concerns Over Gowanus Superfund Proposal (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
City, Activists Differ on Homeless Count (Queens Chronicle)
Empire State Building To Go Green (New York Construction)
The Foreign Language Gap (Gotham Gazette)
Education Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
April 09, 2009
Paterson to Introduce Gay Marriage Bill
Gov. David Paterson announced Wednesday that he would introduce a bill legalizing gay marriage, regardless of whether there are enough votes to pass. Albany is often criticized for not bringing bills to a vote if they are not expected to pass. The Assembly has already passed a gay marriage bill. No Republicans in the narrowly divided Senate have signaled support for gay marriage, and some Democratic Senators have been noncommittal. One Democrat, Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., is actively opposed to same sex marriages. Paterson's bill is expected to resemble a proposal from former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, which was introduced in 2007. For more, see Civil Rights Links in the News.
Health Official Calls for Tax on Drinks With Sugar (NY Times)
Housing Slump Hits Manhattan (NY Times)
Cut Deeper, Bloomberg Warns Unions (Daily News)
Council Members Who Got 'Queries' at Education Hearing Collected $26,000 (Daily News)
State Liquor Authority Raided by Prosecutors (NY Post)
City Agencies Trim Budgets, Layoffs Likely (Associated Press)
Web Site Allows Comparison of New York Taxes, Spending (Associated Press)
Unions Rail Against Paterson's Layoff Plan (Albany Times Union)
Sour Housing Market Fertile for First-Timers (Metro)
Manhattan Sublease Space Set to Explode (Crain's)
Second Hand Smoke Exposure High in New York (WNYC)
Gowanus Canal Proposed for Federal Superfund List (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Manhattan Retail Vacancy Rates Rise, New Projects Put on Hold (Real Deal)
City May Green Foreclosed Homes (Globest.com)
April 08, 2009
More Signs of Recession
Indications of the toll the economic crisis is taking on the city continue to mount. Sales of condominiums in most areas fell sharply in the first quarter of the year, with Manhattan recording a 63 percent decline and Brooklyn a 61 percent drop. As for commercial real estate, Manhattan office rents recorded their biggest quarterly decline in 25 years, falling by 6 percent this year. But so far the recession does not seem to be boosting crime rates as many had feared. Police officials told City Council that the overall crime rate for the first three months of this year fell by 15 percent from last year. For more, see links in the new for economy and crime.
Bloomberg Launches Multimillion Dollar Ad Campaign (NY Times)
MTA Details Schedule for Steeps Service Cuts (Daily News)
Governor Threatens 8,700 Layoffs (NY Post)
City Launches Push to Get All New Yorkers Counted in Census (Newsday)
Red Light Cameras Get Green Light from State (NY 1)
Legislators, But Not Paterson, Divide $170 Million in Pork (Associated Press)
Progressive Activist Defends Working for Bloomberg (Gay City News)
With Demand Strong, City Boosts Sale of Bonds (Bloomberg)
40 Years After Stonewall, City Seeks to Attract Gay Tourists (AM New York)
April 07, 2009
Poll Puts Paterson at New Low
Gov. David Paterson faces record low approval numbers, and a majority of voters who don't think he should run again. A new Quinnipiac University poll released on Monday shows that only 28 percent of New Yorkers support Paterson's job performance, while 60 percent disapprove.The statewide poll is the first taken following the unveiling of the state budget and it contains little good news for Paterson. More than half of those polled said they thought Paterson should announce he will not seek another term in office. Paterson attributed his low poll numbers to the state's financial trouble. For more, see Albany in the News.
City Zoos Face Buyouts and Layoffs (NY Times)
Assembly Republicans Elect New Leader (NY Times)
Manhattan DA Uncovers Iranian Nuke Plot (Daily News)
Smith Meets With Republicans on MTA (Daily News)
Lawmakers Want $1.5 Billion in Federal Earmarks (NY Post)
Gillibrand Raised $2.3 Million in Two Months (Newsday)
Details Emerge on MTA Service Cuts (NY 1)
City to Get More Traffic Cameras (Associated Press)
What Will it Take to Alter the Makeup of City's Top Schools? (City Limits)
April 06, 2009
Legislature Approves Budget
The State Legislature approved a $131 billion budget on Friday, three days after the state's deadline. The budget, the largest in the state's history, includes $170 million in member items. The budget increases spending by 8.7 percent and includes between $5.2 billion and $8 billion in new taxes and fees. Gov. David Paterson said this budget plan may not be the final draft. The state could reopen the budget later this year if revenues continue to decline. For more, see Albany in the News.
Law Capping Caseloads Tucked Into Budget (NY Times)
NYPD Puts Freeze on Promotions (NY Post)
Cardinal to get Pacemaker (Associated Press)
Rising Demand for Food Stamps (Gotham Gazette)
Social Services Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
April 03, 2009
Talks on Budget, but Not MTA, Continue
The State Senate unanimously agreed to allow an ill-stricken Democratic Senator to cast her votes ahead of debate, resulting in the passage of two additional budget bills. The three of nine passed so far fund education and family assistance, health and mental hygiene, and transportation and environmental conservation. But talks on a bailout for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority fell through, and Gov. David Paterson threatened to call a special legislative session devoted to the MTA's fiscal situation. For more, see Albany in the News.
New Rise in Rates for Water Is Expected (NY Times)
Embattled Chief Leaves Police Review Board (NY Times)
Bloomberg: Sharpton a 'Calming Influence on the City' (Daily News)
Council Approves West Side Yards Development (NY Post)
Council Moves to Protect Access to Clinics (Gotham Gazette)
State Budget Decimates Staten Island Mental Health Program (Staten Island Advance)
New Trains Roll Out on the F (AM New York)
de Blasio: Stimulus for City Needs Transparency (WNYC)
Center for Urban Environment Closes After 30 Years (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
New Study Will Examine Newtown Creek’s Impact on Health (Queens Chronicle)
Hynes Announces New Plan To Urge Reporting Of Abuse (The Jewish Week)
April 02, 2009
Budget Talks Continue Past Deadline
No additional budget bills have come up for a vote in the State Senate since one of nine was passed Tuesday night. A Democratic Senator that fell ill on Tuesday returned to the hospital yesterday, further sharpening her party's razor thin majority in the chamber. It leaves Democrats with only 31 votes, and Republicans forcing the continuation of the budget debate. The state constitution requires 32 votes to pass any bill. The deadline was Wednesday. The Assembly has passed all of the bills. The Paterson administration is already making contingency plans for the new budget because of the continuing drop in tax revenues. Meanwhile, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said the budget doesn't "respond to today's economic realities." And Gov. David Paterson reprimanded Democratic Senators who won't support a payroll tax increase help fund the MTA. For more, see Albany in the News.
New York's Workplace Injury System: Ill Will on All Sides (NY Times)
Governor's Emissions Change Plan Would Affect Few Power Plants (NY Times)
Council Awakens to Flood of Red Ink (Daily News)
Education Department's Cost Estimates Off by $700 Million (NY Post)
Bloomberg LP Discrimination Suit Grows Past 80 Plaintiffs (NY Post)
Lawyer Sues Yankees' Community Benefits Fund (Newsday)
City to Get $261 Million in Stimulus Funds for Infrastructure (Associated Press)
City Makes New Offer for Coney Island (Metro)
Manhattan Condo Sales Plummet (Crain's)
Odor Complaints Drop Nearly 30 Percent (AM New York)
Quinn: Eliminate Income Tax for Poor (WNYC)
South Williamsburg Reprieve from Film Shoots (Brooklyn Papers)
April 01, 2009
MTA Bailout Still too Close to Call
With East and Harlem River Bridge tolls off the table, a 50-cent taxi surcharge on the table and off again and lawmakers balking at the cost of a proposed payroll tax, plans to bail out the faltering MTA are wavering. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Still Working on that State Budget
After a day of tumult, the Senate got through debate only one of the nine budget bills filed Sunday. Republicans started the day insisting that the State Senate adhere to rules that require bills to be available for consideration for three days before a vote. Then a Bronx legislator fell ill, leaving her Democratic colleagues without the majority they'd need to pass the budget bills and the GOP decided that perhaps they were ready to debate after all. They're promising votes today, but we've heard that before.
For more, see Albany in the News or our report from Albany.
Builders and Unions Close on Deal to Cut Costs (NY Times)
State Aids a Hospital Overflowing With Patients (Daily News)
Albany Considers Taxi Surcharge (Daily News)
A Pitching Machine, Useless Without a Ball Field (Daily News)
Post Office Closures Planned (NY Post)
Foster Children tell their AIDS Drug Trial Stories (Village Voice)
The Raw Intensity of New York's Elite Youth Basketball (Village Voice)
Parents Cry Foul Over High School Assignments (NY 1)
Racial Bias Rampant in Restaurant Hiring (NY 1)
Albany Retires Manual News Clipping Service (Albany Times Union)
Bridge Tolls off the Table (WNYC)
March 31, 2009
State Budget Vote Set
State legislators are expected to vote on a budget full of surprise taxes and surcharges that were forged in secret.Included in the budget, besides a two-tiered income tax on the rich, are a 24 percent increase in the cost to register a vehicle, a 500 percent increase on state surcharges for utility companies, a 58 percent increase in the tax on wine and a 27 percent increase on the tax on beer. The budget also contains $170 million worth of member items that fund such things as the Utica Curling Club and the Waterbury Roller Hockey League. Critics say the increase in taxes and fees will hurt business and were proposed by legislators who refused to curtail state spending. For more, see our Issue of the Week, "In Albany, Budget Battles Behind Closed Doors," and Albany in the News.
Albany's Big Three Cut to One (NY Times)
Legislators Optimistic On MTA Deal (NY Times)
Worker's Compensation Board Remains Mired in Dysfunction (NY Times)
MTA Workers Face April Job Cuts (Daily News)
Bloomberg Receives Backing From US Education Secretary (NY Post)
Bloomberg:Teacher's Jobs Saved By Stimulus (Newsday)
Last Minute Deal For Governors Island (NY 1)
Cuomo:Chase Bank to Refund Customers (Associated Press)
Budget Deal Restores Environmental Funding (Associated Press)
Day Laborers go from Off-the-Books to Homeless (City Limits)
Budget Ax Falls Heavily on Health Care (Crain's)
March 30, 2009
Budget Deal Brings Tax Increase
State leaders have reached a $131.8 billion budget deal that includes temporarily raising taxes on the state's highest earners. The deal would create two new tax brackets, starting with those making more than $300,000. The highest bracket would have a tax rate of 8.97 percent. The State Legislature is expected to approve the deal, which Albany insiders say has been the most secretive in recent memory, before the state's budget deadline on April 1. For more, see our Issue of the Week, "In Albany, Budget Battles Behind Closed Doors," and Albany in the News.
Rent Regulations Stalled in Albany (Daily News)
City Tax Appeals Up (NY Post)
Making Streets Safer (Gotham Gazette)
Transportation Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
March 27, 2009
City Sees Record Jump in Unemployment
In February, the city saw the highest month-to-month rise in unemployment ever recorded, according to the State Labor Department. The city's jobless rate jumped to 8.1 percent in February from 6.9 percent a month earlier, placing it on par with the national rate. Last February, only 4.4 percent of city residents were unemployed. The state's unemployment rate rose to 7.7 percent in February from 7 percent a month earlier. The Labor Department numbers were adjusted to account for regularly occurring seasonal fluctuations. For more, see Economy Links in the News.
As New Lawyer, Gillibrand Defended Big Tobacco (NY Times)
Budget Talks: Higher Tax Brackets, No School Spending Increase (NY Times)
Over 1,000 MTA Workers May be Laid Off (Daily News)
MTA Bonds May be Downgraded (Daily News)
Klein: 2,000 Teachers Could be Laid Off (NY Post)
Freedom Tower Name Changed to One World Trade Center (Newsday)
Incentives Enacted for Hybrids in Cabs (Associated Press)
Newtown Creek May Become Bigger Hazard As Planet Warms (Greenpoint Star)
Offshore Wind Initiative Moves Forward (Queens Chronicle)
Residents to Fight Natural Gas Storage Island Plan (The Forum)
March 26, 2009
Deal on Drug Laws Reported
Gov. David Paterson and the state legislature have reached an agreement that would essentially dismantle the state's harsh Rockefeller drug laws, the Times is reporting this morning. According to the paper, the agreement would repeal many of the laws' mandatory minimum prison sentences for lower-level drug felons, give greater discretion in sentencing to judges, and expand treatment programs and drug courts. It is unclear how many people currently serving in prison would be able to apply to have their sentences commuted. The deal still must be approved by the full State Assembly and Senate. For more on the negotiations leading up to the agreement, see The Tough Battle to Repeal Drug Laws.
Holding Out Hope for an MTA Rescue
As expected, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted yesterday to enact a series of steep fare hikes and deep service cuts. Despite that, some officials say there is still time to work out a compromise plan to rescue the troubled agency before the changes start going into effect May 31. That, though, would require a change of heart by the State Senate, which did not take action on the bridge tolls and taxes that proponents say could have prevented some of the cuts. The Senate came in for widespread criticism yesterday, with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who supported a toll, charging that its failure to act could create "an unmitigated disaster for millions of New Yorkers." For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Tentative Deal Reported on State Healthcare Spending (NY Times)
Trade Center Development Gets First Commercial Tenant (NY Times)
Deaths of Children Under City's Watch Increased in 2008, Report Finds (Daily News)
The Shakedown Operation in Comptroller Hevesi's Office (Village Voice)
City Eases Rule on Listing Lesbian Couples as Parents (Associated Press)
March 25, 2009
Vote on MTA Fare Hike Today
The full board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will vote today on fare hikes and service cuts. Under the current proposal, base fares would be increased to $2.50 and the price of a monthly MetroCard would be $103. Fare hikes are expected to go into effect in late May. Subway lines and bus routes are also expected to be eliminated across the five boroughs. The MTA vote follows months of inaction by the state legislature to address the MTA's $1.2 billion budget gap. For more, see Transportation Links in the News
Paterson Orders Layoffs of 8,900 State Workers
Gov. David Paterson issued an order to lay off 8,900 state workers yesterday after unions refused to make concessions or agree to a savings plan. The measure would help trim the state's ballooning budget deficit. However, Paterson's office has made it clear that union officials are welcome to return to the bargaining table to avoid these layoffs. For more, see Albany Links in the News
New Allegations Added to Assemblyman's Indictment (NY Times)
Taxi Commission: Credit Cards Help Drivers (NY Times)
DEP Doles out Raises Amid Budget Crisis (Daily News)
State Budget Deficit Deepens by $2 Billion (NY Post)
Schumer Now Supports Gay Marriage (Newsday)
US Sues New York Over Voter Access (Associated Press)
State Tax Commissioner Corrupted Hiring (Crain's)
Second Avenue Subway Scaled Down (AM New York)
Homeless Advocates Criticize New DHS Rule (The Indypendent)
March 24, 2009
Bailout Unlikely
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is poised to raise fares and cut services Wednesday after Gov. David Paterson said that the authority's board should not hold up its vote in the hopes of a bailout from the state. An authority committee approved the fare increase and service cuts yesterday. If approved by the full board tomorrow, the subway fare increase would take effect in late May. The hike would increase a base fare to $2.50, slash several subway lines and increase a monthly MetroCard to $103. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Cuomo Gets Bonuses Back
State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo has convinced nine out of the top ten recipients of bonuses from American International Group, A.I.G., to give back the money. Cuomo said that would amount to $50 million out of the total $165 million given to A.I.G. executives this month. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Monserrate Indicted
State Senator Hiram Monserrate of Queens was indicted yesterday on several counts of felony assault. Monserrate is charged with stabbing his girlfriend with a drinking glass in December when he was still a member of the City Council. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
State Democrats Fear the Loss of Seats (NY Times)
Crowded Classrooms Could Keep Kids Out of Neighborhood Schools (NY Times)
Cigarette Fee Hike Draws Ire (Daily News)
Hiring Freeze Doesn't Halt Albany Big Hires (NY Post)
Schumer Switches Gay Marriage Position (Newsday)
Pension Reform Could Worsen Nurse Shortage (City Limits)
Multi-Family Housing Sales Plummet (Crain's)
Transit Attacks Rats (AM New York)
A Mutilating Practice (Gotham Gazette)
Immigrants Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
March 23, 2009
Ground Zero Bailout?
The Port Authority and Larry Silverstein, developer of the World Trade Center site, are reportedly conducting negotiations over a possible bailout for the developer. Silverstein wants the agency's help with two of the three towers he is building in Lower Manhattan. The authority, eager to avoid further delays, is reportedly willing to provide help for at least one of the buildings, even though the agency faces its own budget constraints. Silverstein has been hit hard by the credit crunch and has had difficulty leasing space in the buildings. For more see Land Use Links in the News.
Paterson Would Back Change in Pension Fund
Following the arrest of two top aides to former State Comptroller Alan Hevesi, Gov. David Paterson said Friday he would support changes in the oversight of the state's $120 billion pension fund. In New York, the comptroller serves as the sole trustee for the fund, while most states have a board of trustees. Hevesi aides Hank Morris and David Loglisci have been charged with taking tens of millions of dollars in kickbacks to steer pension fund investments to firms that anted up. Paterson said, "With a board there would be a greater set of eyes on the transactions." State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, whose investigation led to the indictment, said the current system helps create a "situation that just breeds ... the opportunity for corruption." For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Investigation of Carrion Widens (Daily News)
Paterson, Democrats Reported to Have Reached Budget Deal (NY Post)
MTA Set to Raise Fares (WNYC)
How to Plug the Growing Budget Gap (Gotham Gazette)
Finance Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
March 20, 2009
M.T.A. Plan Tied Down
The State Senate's alternative plan to temporarily secure the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's finances is being criticized for having faulty math. The governor's office estimates that the Senate plan anticipates generating $700 million more over the next two years than it actually would. Gov. David Paterson said Democrats in the Senate are trying to avoid making tough choices. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith is ready to focus on the budget, which he says is a higher priority. Advocates, agency officials and lawmakers blame the M.T.A.'s precarious spot on decisions made in 2000. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Hevesi Aides Indicted in Kickback Scheme (NY Times)
New York Democrats Got $100,000 from A.I.G. (Daily News)
$1 Billion Cut from Javits Expansion Plan (NY Post)
9/11 Responders Fight City Hall (NY Post)
New York Head of MS-13 Gang Charged with Murder (Newsday)
State Leaders Talk Budget as Deadline Nears (Associated Press)
State Legislative Conference Committees History? (Albany Times Union)
Silver Puts Mayor’s Governors Island Idea on Hold (Downtown Express)
City Hospitals Tighten Their Budget by $105 Million (Crain's)
More Millions for 7 Train Extension (AM New York)
Parks Department Gets Public Input on Ridgewood Reservoir's Future (The Forum)
Pressure for a Plea (Gotham Gazette)
Law Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
March 19, 2009
Population Growth in New York
The state's population grew 0.3 percent last year to 19.5 million and the metro area grew 0.4 percent to 19 million, according to new census estimates. Richmond County was tied for the highest growth statewide with a 0.9 percent rise in population. Over the past eight years, New York City has grown 4.4 percent. With 8,363,710 residents, the city makes up 43 percent of the state's population. Meanwhile, over 72,000 people have applied for the 4,000 census jobs available in the metro region. For more, see Demographic Links in the News.
Taxes Not Seen as Making the Rich Flee New York (NY Times)
M.T.A. Doomsday Budget Details: Single ride $2.50, Unlimited $103 (Daily News)
Republicans Fundraising for Cuomo (NY Post)
Bailing Out Governor’s Island (NY Observer)
Lack Of Parks Surround New Stadium, For Now (NY 1)
Crunch Time for Bottle Deposit Bill (Associated Press)
Luxury Stores Keep Opening in Manhattan (Metro)
Brooklyn Stores Hit Hardest by Retail Slump (Crain's)
Should the Mayor Control the City's Schools? (WNYC)
Judge Reopens Brooklyn Jail's Doors (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
421-a Certificates Add to Developers' Woes (Real Deal)
March 18, 2009
Feds OK Term-Limits Extension
The Justice Department ruled Tuesday that the law passed by City Council last year extending term limits in New York City would not hurt minority voters or candidates. The ruling clears the way for Mayor Michael Bloomberg to run for his third term this fall. Opponents of the term-limits extension bill plan to appeal, but experts say it is unlikely such an appeal would be successful. Legislation is still pending in the state legislature that would require the extension of term limits to be approved by voters in a referendum. For more check out City Hall News.
Paterson Rejects Senate MTA Plan (NY Times)
Libraries Face Layoffs, Service Cuts (Daily News)
More City Schools Removed From Watch List (Daily News)
Transit Chief on Way Out (NY Post)
State Senate Staffers Recieve Salary Bump (NY 1)
Council Looks to Keep Housing Affordable (Gotham Gazette)
Money Not Scarce for Politicians (Associated Press)
More Family-Owned Businesses Close (Metro)
Staten Island Might Lose Postmark (Staten Island Advance)
Comptroller:Motorcycle Group Fleeced State (Crain's)
Plan for Red Hook Waterfront Takes Shape (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
March 17, 2009
Senate To Release Own Transit Plan
The State Senate is expected to roll out its own toll-free Metropolitan Transportation Authority bailout today. The plan would raise fares by 4 percent and include a 25-cent tax on every $100 of payroll for the 12 counties served by the authority, according to the New York Times. The State Senate plan contradicts a proposal from the Ravitch Commission, which had suggested an 8 percent fare increase and a 34-cent payroll tax. Reports allege that the State Senate is stalled on tolling the East River crossings, which the Ravitch Commission proposed. The Senate plan is meant to be a temporary solution. For more, see Albany in the News.
Cuomo to Subpoena AIG (NY Times)
State Candidates get Contributions from Charities (NY Times)
Woman Shot by Arrow (Daily News)
City to Investigate Cab Companies (NY Post)
State Revises Plan for Failing Schools (NY Post)
Paterson Looks for Better Outlook (Albany Times Union)
Study Shows Flooding Danger (Reuters)
Child Support Payments Increase Again (City Limits)
Light Rail Detailed on Staten Island (Staten Island Advance)
Station Opening Comes With Water Main Break (Bloomberg)
Who Won on Rent Regulation Order? (Crain's)
March 16, 2009
Tax on Rich Gains Support
The State Senate is moving toward a slim consensus on implementing an increase in the income tax for some wealthy New Yorkers, although Gov. David Paterson has still not said he would support such a plan. Different proposals for the hike, as well as a proposal to raise the sales tax by a quarter of a percent, are under discussion. Assembly Democrats have generally supported increasing the tax on affluent New Yorkers to close the state's huge budget deficit. For more, see Albany Links in the News
Rent Refund Possible, Landlords Skirmish
The Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court has granted a stay on a March 5 ruling charging Tishman-Speyer, the owners of Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village, with illegally deregulating rent stabilized apartments while receiving tax breaks from the city. Tishman-Speyer may have to refund millions in back rent, and the ruling could affect over 80,000 other apartments in the city. Real estate companies believe the result could be devastating for an already fragile housing sector. For more, see Housing Links in the News
Corrections Department Knew About Extortion Ring, Investigators Say (NY Times)
New Strategies for Tenants (Gotham Gazette)
Housing Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
March 13, 2009
M.T.A. Rescue Plan Deadline Nears
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it will need to raise fares again next year, in addition to the hikes included in its current austerity plan, if the state fails to act by March 25. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith referred to the deadline as "holding the the public hostage." But Richard Ravitch, who spearheaded the plan to deal with the authority's financial crisis, said that doing nothing this year will be "disastrous to the economy and the people of the M.T.A. region." He also said that the authority should hold on to any one-shot funds that state approves in lieu of a long-term plan and raise fares anyway. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Value of Suing Over 9/11 Deaths Is Still Unsettled (NY Times)
Bloomberg Seeks Full Control of Governors Island (Daily News)
Monserrate Yanks Support for Tolls (NY Post)
Bloomberg Denies His Wealth Intimidates Challengers (Associated Press)
City Paid Out $568 Million for Lawsuits Last Year (Metro)
Companies Sue to Stop City’s Willets Point Remake (Crain's)
After Special Election Win, Ulrich Hopes To Avoid Como Curse (City Hall)
Willets Point Workers Ask for Relocation, Not Training (Queens Ledger)
Quinn's Condo Buyout Plan Building Up Support with Developers (The Villager)
Brooklyn Leading Outer Boroughs in Farm-Food Groups (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Foreclosures Surge in Manhattan (Real Deal)
Author of Mayoral Control Law says it Needs Revision (Queens Chronicle)
Eight Percent of Upper East Side Storefronts Empty (Our Town)
March 12, 2009
Weiner Waffles on Mayoral Run
Rep. Anthony Weiner emailed supporters yesterday, saying he would wait until summer to decide if he would enter the mayoral race. He has already raised $6.6 million dollars for the race. But he says nationwide problems are more important than a run for mayor. "So you won’t see me holding campaign rallies. You won’t see me knocking on doors asking for votes," he wrote. Although Mayor Michael Bloomberg's campaign has suggested it would spend $20 million just to knock him out of the race, Weiner says that is not a factor in his decision. For more, see Voting Links in the News.
Religious Leaders Fight Bill to Open Abuse Cases (NY Times)
Prosecutors Looking Into Carrión's Failure to Pay Contractor (Daily News)
Drastic M.T.A. Hikes Fair Game Again (Daily News)
East New York Has Longest Commute in City (NY Post)
Obama To Tap Former New York Health Official (Newsday)
Pro-Term-Limits Advocate Received Money from Bloomberg (Village Voice)
Council Takes a Bite Out of Bed Bugs (Gotham Gazette)
G.O.P. Senators Claim They're Blocked from Budget (Associated Press)
Kingsbridge Armory Tax Breaks Could Lead To Community Benefits (Norwood News)
Former 'It' Neighborhoods See Swift Decline in Prices (Metro)
Package of Bills Designed to Curb City Council's Abuses of Power (Staten Island Advance)
Midtown Crane Collapse Exposes Gap in City Rules (Crain's)
Bloomberg Richest Person in City Again (AM New York)
With Carrión Out, a Possible Electoral Problem for Thompson (City Hall)
Toll Brothers’ Gowanus Project Sails Through Council (Brooklyn Papers)
March 11, 2009
Transit Rescue Plan Stalls
Efforts to bail out the Metropolitan Transportation Authority stalled in the State Senate yesterday, and the outlook for passage of any plan remained in doubt. Both Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Gov. David Paterson have said the legislature needs to approve bridge tolls or other means of providing revenue to the troubled agency by March 25, when the MTA is scheduled to meet to enact service cuts and fare hikes. But yesterday a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith called the deadline "artificial." The rescue plan includes a payroll tax on employers in the metropolitan area and taxes on East River and Harlem River bridges. So far, the bill does not have enough votes in the Senate to pass, according to most observers, with at least three Democrats opposing the tolls. For more see Transportation Links in the News and, for where various legislators stand, Bridge Tolls Encounter Roadblocks.
More City Schools Try Single-Sex Classes (NY Times)
Carrión Admits Not Paying Architect (Daily News)
Bloomberg to Name Projects that Will Get Stimulus Money (NY Post)
How Blagojevich's Deputy Came to Run Bloomberg's Campaign (Village Voice)
Senate Committee Passes Bill Requiring Term Limits Referendum (NY 1)
Report Calls for More Disclosure by State Pension Fund (Associated Press)
St. Vincent's Hospital Plan Clears Major Hurdle (Crain's)
Severe Leaks Plague New Subway Station (AM New York)
Immigrants Seek Stimulus Money for Language Education (WNYC)
Community Board Backs Coney Island Plan -- with Changes (Brooklyn Papers)
March 10, 2009
Court Opts Out of Gun Suit
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to consider a case in which New York City accused national gun manufacturers of flooding illegal markets, putting an end to the nine-year lawsuit. The denial follows an April dismissal from the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The city accused gun manufacturers of failing to monitor the sale of their merchandise, allowing it to end up in criminals' hands illegally. A federal law prohibits suits against gun makers, except under very rare circumstances. For more, see Law Links in the News.
City Hospitals Fail to Report Mistakes (NY Times)
Life Proves Difficult for Homeless Youth, Study Shows (NY Times)
Conflict of Interest for Carrión? (Daily News)
Paterson Aide Rehired Day After Being Let Go (NY Post)
Governor's Train Is Not A Speedy Project (NY Post)
New York Times Sells Off Office (Associated Press)
Thousands Call for Budget Solutions (City Limits)
New Station Prone to Leaks (AM New York)
March 09, 2009
Budget Hearings Kick Off Today
City Council budget hearings start today at 10 a.m. and will continue the rest of the month. Our Searchlight on City Hall will bring you full coverage as the hearings progress.
Race to Succeed Morganthau Heats Up
With Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morganthau's retirement plans official, the race to replace him is heating up. The veteran prosecutor has held the post since 1974, but confirmed last week that he will not seek re-election this year. Former Manhattan judge Leslie Crocker Snyder and former deputies Richard Aborn and Cyrus Vance, Jr. are stumping in earnest for the vacant spot. Appearing on television over the weekend, the prospective candidates talked about community courts, aligning trial bureaus with community borders and gun control concerns. For more, see law links in the news.
City Wouldn't Be First to Absorb Catholic Schools as Charters (NY Times)
Shoddy Repairs to Collapsed Crane (NY Post)
East River Bridge Tolls Won't Be a Slam Dunk (NY Post)
Tenants Applaud Stuy Town Decision (NY 1)
Clean-Up Money (Gotham Gazette)
Environment Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
March 06, 2009
Court Rules Against Landlord's Deregulation
A state appeals court yesterday ruled that Tishman Speyer improperly raised rents on thousands of apartments at Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village because the company receives a tax break meant only for rent-stabilized buildings. In its decision, the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court in Manhattan ruled that buildings must stay rent regulated as long as the owners receive the tax breaks. The ruling, a huge victory for tenants at the two complexes, could affect properties throughout the city and could cost Tishman $200 million by one estimate. The decision represents a further setback for Tishman, which bought the complexes for $5.4 billion but has encountered problems converting the apartments to market rates. For more, see Housing Links in the News.
Economic Indicators
New figures leave no doubt that the recession gripping much of the nation has hit New York in full force. The state's unemployment rate reached 7 percent in January, up from the year-ago level of 4.7 percent. At the same time, the city's unemployment rate in January was 6.9 percent, up from 4.8 percent in January 2008. Meanwhile, 10.2 percent of homeowners in the state are behind in their mortgages or are in foreclosure, according to a survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association. The number of homeowners more than 90 days late on mortgage payments was 2.5 percent. That represents a 35 percent increase over the last quarter, the highest rise in the nation. For more, see Economy Links in the News.
Paterson Shifts on Emissions, Drawing Fire (NY Times)
Taking Sides on New York’s School Chancellor (NY Times)
Debt Collectors Top Consumer Complaint List (Daily News)
Bloomberg Rejects Discretionary Grants (NY Post)
DiBrienza's Own Council Grants Keep His Office Open (NY Post)
Albany's 'Gang Of Three' Oppose Ravitch Plan (NY 1)
Assembly: Re-Regulate State Electricity Market (Associated Press)
Silverstein Expects 26,000 New Jobs at Ground Zero (Associated Press)
Low-End Apartment Market Seeing More Activity (Real Deal)
Filling Vacant Offices (Gotham Gazette)
Voting Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
March 05, 2009
Assembly Passes Drug Law Reform
The state Assembly yesterday passed a bill overhauling the Rockefeller drug laws with a vote of 96-46, mainly along party lines. The bill would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for mid-level drug felonies and restore judicial discretion for alternatives to incarceration. Current inmates would be eligible to request new sentencing hearings. The bill was also introduced yesterday in the Senate. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Amid State’s Budget Crisis, a Scramble to Spend Billions (NY Times)
Brooklyn G.O.P. Gives Bloomberg Nod (Daily News)
City Officials say Paterson's E.M.S. Plan Will Slow Response (Daily News)
Bloomberg Says Stimulus Funds Getting Lost in Albany (NY Post)
Bloomberg's Golden Republican (Village Voice)
State to Developers: Mind Climate Change (NY Observer)
City Says Homelessness Down but Advocates Balk (Associated Press)
Transit Audit Finds Unclaimed Savings (AM New York)
Coney’s Future Collides With Current Realities at Hearing (Brooklyn Papers)
March 04, 2009
Paterson's Approval Hits Record Low
Gov. David Paterson's approval rating has dropped to 26 percent, according to poll numbers released yesterday, prompting many to question whether he can turn things around in time for his election campaign next year. The new Marist College poll found Paterson with the lowest rating of any governor in the survey's 27-year history -- worse than his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, received the day after he was linked to a call-girl ring. The poll also showed Paterson would lose to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo in a Democratic primary and to former mayor Rudolph Giuliani in another hypothetical match up. For more, see Albany links in the news.
Latest City Plan for Homeless Worries the Neighbors (NY Times)
As DA Race Heats Up, Morgenthau's Deputy Quits (Daily News)
Paterson Pension Plan Could Save Billions (NY Post)
College President Looks Back on 20 Years at Medgar Evers (NY 1)
Protecting New Yorkers from Collection Agencies (City Limits)
Two Tech Start-Ups Get City Seed Funds (Crain's)
City's Shopping Malls Expect to Survive Downturn (AM New York)
Unions, Community Groups Oppose Coney Island Plan (Politicker)
Crafting a City Food Policy (Gotham Gazette)
Health Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
March 03, 2009
Senate Holds Up East River Tolls
An audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's finances could hold up any bailout, as Senate Democrats question the credibility of the authority's books. Majority Leader Malcolm Smith suggested the state audit the MTA before the State Senate approves any plan to save it from an operating deficit. A compromise on a bailout plan for the authority looked more likely last week, when Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver gave his support for $2 East River tolls. For more, see Albany in the News.
BP Election Date Set
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has scheduled a special election in the Bronx for borough president on April 21. The election will be held to fill the remainder of Adolfo Carrión’s term. Carrión resigned on Sunday to take a position with the Obama administration. The leader of the Bronx Democratic party is backing Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. Councilmember Joel Rivera is expected to be his chief rival. For more, see City Hall News and our election tool: Who’s Running for What.
Foreclosures May Help Tenants (NY Times)
Film Industry Hopes for Breaks not Cuts (NY Times)
DiNapoli Defends Pension System (Daily News)
Schools Make the Grade (NY Post)
Bloomberg Defends School Closures (NY Post)
Tourists Banned From Woolworth Building (Newsday)
City Gets Slammed by Snow (Associated Press)
Is the Governor Up for the Job? (New York Magazine)
Madoff Papers Come Ashore in Queens (New Yorker)
Bruno In Car Crash (Capitol Confidential)
Big Budget Cuts for Open Space (Gotham Gazette)
Parks Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
March 02, 2009
Manhattan District Attorney Race Takes Shape
The race to replace Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau has quickly taken shape following his announcement Friday that he will not seek reelection. The leading candidates to replace Morgenthau include former judge Leslie Crocker Snyder, who ran against Morgenthau four years ago. Snyder is known for advocating tough sentencing and had been a supporter of the death penalty until recently changing her stance. Cyrus R. Vance Jr., a trial lawyer and the son of former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, and Richard Aborn, a gun control advocate who once worked in Morgenthau's office, also are runnning. Daniel Castleman, who currently serves as Morgenthau's second-in-command, is expected to leave that spot to enter the race. For more on Morgenthau's decision, check out City Hall Links in the News.
Snow Socks City
Heavy snow has blanketed the Northeast and in a rare occurrence closed New York City schools. Flights are canceled, and major bus companies like Greyhound have canceled trips for the day. The Metropolitan Transit Authority reports that some city buses are running on a delay. More snow is expected to fall throughout the day.
Drug Law Reform on Fast Track (NY Times)
Opposition To Silver Toll Plan Mounts (Daily News)
NYC Property May Be Seized For New Penn Station Tunnel (NY Post)
Senate Repubs Face Donation for Lease Scandal (NY Post)
Two Queens Hospitals Prepare to Close (NY 1)
Make or Break Month for NY and Gov. Paterson (Albany Times Union)
Credit Crisis Hits Staten Island's Biggest Builder (Staten Island Advance)
Flagging Financial Service Industry Hurts Recovery in Lower Manhattan (Crain's)
Upholding an 'Inadequate' Allowance (Gotham Gazette)
Law Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
February 27, 2009
Bridge Tolls Gain Support
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's proposal for putting tolls on the city's free bridges is gaining momentum within the chamber, according to lawmakers. His vocal support increases the likelihood of passage in the Senate, some say. "If he's out there, I imagine there's some agreement with the Senate Democrats to move this bill," Brooklyn Sen. Martin Golden posited. The proposed tolls for crossing the Harlem and East River bridges both ways would be pegged to the cost of a subway ride. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Paterson Adviser Has Private Clients and Public Ties (NY Times)
Thompson Calling for Amnesty for Tax Scofflaws (Daily News)
Cuomo Probing Political Links to State Pension Business (Daily News)
Big Business Gangs Up on Millionaires Tax (NY Post)
Stated Meeting: Clerk Battle and Food Allergies (Gotham Gazette)
Atlantic Yards Developer Wins Key Legal Victory (Crain's)
Weekend Subway Tie-Ups Nearly Double in a Year (AM New York)
Citywide Campaigns Log on to Web 2.0 (City Hall)
Recession Keeps Chokehold On Construction (New York Construction)
Initial Contract for Ridgewood Reservoir Approved (The Forum)
N.Y. Water Taxi to Build a Beach on Governors Island (Tribeca Trib)
Manhattan on Sale (Barron's)
Fading of the Wall Street Dream (Gotham Gazette)
Immigrants Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
February 26, 2009
Plan to Close Broadway to Traffic
The Bloomberg administration plans to ban vehicle traffic on Broadway in Times Square and Herald Square. The strips will be converted into pedestrian malls. A lane will be added to Seventh Avenue to compensate for the redirected traffic. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Bloomberg and the GOP Line
Mayor Michael Bloomberg met with GOP county leaders yesterday in an attempt to get the Republican line in this year's mayoral election. Bloomberg, who left the party last year and is now unaffiliated, risks having no major party ballot line in his reelection bid. The leaders remained non-committal. Bloomberg did not apologize for leaving the Republican Party and was not asked to switch back. The group plans to meet with two other potential GOP. candidates, John Catsimatidis and Tom Ognibene. For more, see Voting Links in the News.
Union Crane-Safety Teacher Admitted to Oversight Lapses (NY Times)
A Stir Over Plan to Grade City’s Restaurants (NY Times)
Sidewalk Fixes Tripping Up City (Daily News)
Utilities Amp Up Service Shutoffs (Daily News)
Cross Bronx Expressway Worst in Nation (NY Post)
Mom of Man Killed After Taser Stun Sues Police for $10 Million (Newsday)
Mobster's Old Cronies Vie to Keep Control of School Bus Union (Village Voice)
Why Low-Income Housing Can’t Afford the Recession (NY Observer)
Arrest in Brooklyn Killing of Ecuadorean Immigrant (NY 1)
New York Leaders Detail Stimulus Spending (Associated Press)
City Tries Get Handle on Resurgent Bed Bugs (AM New York)
Advocates, Developers Size Up New Housing Chief (City Hall)
Lawsuit Asks How Much Ratner Will Profit from Atlantic Yards (Brooklyn Papers)
Hatching New Enterprises (Gotham Gazette)
Community Development Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
February 25, 2009
City Council's Three New Members
Yesterday's special election ushered in new representation for three Queens and Staten Island City Council districts. Julissa Ferreras won the race for the seat formerly held by Hiram Monserrate in Queens' 21st district. Republican Eric Ulrich won the election for Joe Addabbo's old seat in Queens' 32nd district. In Staten Island's 49th district, previously represented by Mike McMahon, Ken Mitchell clamed victory with a 241-vote lead, but Debi Rose said she would not yet concede. Read more in City Hall Links in the News.
Paterson in Crisis
Only 19 percent of New Yorkers would vote for Gov. David Paterson next year, according to a recent Siena College poll, and 57 percent would prefer "someone else" as governor. Amid this grim news, Paterson has announced a review of his top staff beginning in early March. This comes on the heels of the loss of his political consultants –- Global Strategy Group -- who have worked with Paterson since he took office last March. Read more in Albany Links in the News.
State's Poor Face Obstacles to Renewing Health Insurance (NY Times)
Automated L Train Tests the Tracks (Daily News)
NYC Gun Buy-Back (NY Post)
New York and the 2010 Census (Gotham Gazette)
Growing Support to Tax NY's Rich (Associated Press)
Stock Exchange Considers Changes in $1 Rule (Crain's)
2009-2010 State Budget Deficit at $14 Billion (Daily Politics)
New York and the 2010 Census (Gotham Gazette)
Demographics Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
February 24, 2009
MTA Revenues Plummet
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's budget woes continue to deepen. Falling tax and fare revenues could add $650 million to the agency's deficit, bringing the shortfall for this year to almost $2 billion, the MTA revealed yesterday. A decrease in ridership in January -- the first significant such drop since 2003 -- contributed to the financial problems, along with a sharp fall in anticipated revenues from real estate taxes. The authority has already proposed a steep increase in fares and deep service cuts, but the latest news could mean more cutbacks -- even if the agency gets a bailout from the state. For more see Transportation Links in the News.
Special Election Day
Elections will be held today to fill three City Council vacancies. Only residents of the districts may vote in the elections, which are open to all registered voters in those areas, regardless of party affiliation. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. To see if you live in one of the districts, go to the Board of Election's district finder. For more on the races see Gotham Gazette's stories on District 21, District 32 and District 49.
Citing Misconduct, Panel Calls for Removal of Bronx Judge (NY Times)
Departing Cardinal Egan Kept a Low Profile (NY Times)
Education Department's Administrative Staff Grows Despite Budget Cuts (Daily News)
Profile of Timothy Dolan, New York's New Cardinal (NY Post)
Murdoch Apologizes for the 'Chimp' Cartoon (NY Post)
Despite Recession, Number on Welfare Remains Low (City Limits)
New York Financier Selected as Top Adviser on Auto Bailout (Bloomberg)
February 23, 2009
Milwaukee Archbishop to Lead New York
Pope Benedict XVI has chosen Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, the leader of the Milwaukee Archdiocese for the last seven years, to succeed Cardinal Edward M. Egan as the Roman Catholic archbishop of New York. Dolan is orthodox, but is seen as affable and less confrontational than others rumored to be under consideration for the post. New York's archdiocese is thought of as one of the most powerful pulpits in the country, if not the world. Egan's tenure is marked by closing a large budget gap by fundraising and school closures. For more, see Community Development Links in the News.
Paterson Will Try to Gain Trust (NY Times)
Partitioned Apartments Common and Dangerous (NY Times)
Sharpton Calls for Investigation into Post (Daily News)
Younger Cops Retire With Pensions (NY Post)
Is Klein Nearing his End? (New York Magazine)
February 20, 2009
Section 8 Discrimination Law Upheld
A Manhattan Supreme Court justice upheld a city law making it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants using federal rent subsidies called Section 8 vouchers. Landlords argued the law only applied to prospective tenants, not current ones. Justice Emily Jane Goodman called that interpretation "strained." For more, see Housing Links in the News
MTA Plan for Revenue Draws Host of Critics (NY Times)
Judge Approves Release of Spitzer Details (Daily News)
Federal Innovation Bonus Eyed for City Schools (NY Post)
Brooklyn Man Sues Police Over Subway Bag Searches (Newsday)
Does a New York Foie Gras Farm, the Nation's Largest, Torture Ducks? (Village Voice)
Mayor: Hudson River Park’s Money Should Go to Governors Island (Downtown Express)
Battling the Tree-Killing Beetles (Staten Island Advance)
City Gets Ready to Drill for Subway Expansion (Bloomberg)
Protest Outside NY Post Over Cartoon (Crain's)
City Agrees to Change Taxi Policy (AM New York)
February 19, 2009
Plan to Spur Wall Street's Growth
Mayor Michael Bloomberg yesterday announced a $45 million dollar plan to spur growth in the city's financial industry. The plan would provide retraining for those who lost Wall Street jobs, offer seed funds and affordable office space for start up companies, and attempt to woo banks and financial firms from other countries. $15 million in city funds will be spent on the program in addition to $30 million in federal funds. For more see Economy Links in the News.
In Reversal, Mayor Now Woos Political Parties (NY Times)
NYC Transit Payouts to Litigants up 40 Percent Since '04 (Daily News)
Quinn Expects 'Scathing' Slush Find Report; No Indictments (NY Post)
The New Voting Machines (Village Voice)
Economy Spurs Unions and Contractors to Cut Labor Costs (NY Observer)
New Yorkers Support Tax On The Wealthy, Poll Shows (NY 1)
State Officials Try to Sort Out Stimulus Projects (Associated Press)
Prison Panel Calls for Revoking Parole (City Limits)
Reactions Vary as Carrión Eyes White House Post (Norwood News)
Napolitano Holds City in High Regard (Metro)
Council Bill Would Return All Taxes to Poorest Families (Staten Island Advance)
Temporary Halt to Foreclosures Urged (Crain's)
More Funding Problems at Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn Papers)
February 18, 2009
Changing Climate Will Strain Infrastructure
A report from the New York City Panel on Climate Change, formed by the mayor to study the potential impact of global warming on New York City, describes significant risks that climate change will pose for the city in the coming decades, from sea levels a few inches higher in ten years to as much as two feet by the end of the century. Rising tides are only part of the picture: climate change is also expected to bring changes in weather patterns, with severe storms more likely and heat waves both more frequent and severe. These changes could mean much heavier demands electric utilities and sewer lines.
The mayor's office will use the report's findings to develop plans to protect critical infrastructure, by moving critical equipment above sea level and retrofitting waste water treatment facilities to protect them from flooding. For more, see environment links in the news and recent Gotham Gazette coverage of coastal flooding concerns and threats to Willets Point.
Food Stamp Rules Relaxing, But Not for New Yorkers (NY Times)
Starrett City Off the Market (NY Times)
Paterson Defensive Over Raises (NY Post)
Letter from Rikers: Intimidation is Nothing New (Village Voice)
Campaign Funds Come From Just a Few Donors (Albany Times Union)
Mets Fans Bid Shea Farewell (Queens Courier)
ACORN Takes Predatory Lending Campaign to Foreclosures (Queens Courier)
February 17, 2009
New York's Share of the Stimulus
New York stands to receive $24.6 billion over the next two years from the $787 billion stimulus plan President Barack Obama will sign today, according to calculations by the Paterson administration. This is more than $3 billion higher than the original estimate. The money will go to transportation and Medicaid, among other things, and, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said, could save the jobs of 14,000 teachers and 1,000 police officers he had planned to cut. Observers said the state had done well in getting the money partly because a number of New Yorkers hold key congressional posts, including Sen. Charles Schumer, the third-ranking Democrat in the Senate, and Rep. Charles Rangel, chair of the House Ways and Mean Committee. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
February 13, 2009
Billions in Stimulus Funds for Area
New York is expecting to receive at least $21 billion over two years in federal stimulus funds, officials announced yesterday. About $12.6 billion of that would be Medicaid assistance for the city, state and counties. New York would also receive $1.3 billion in transit and $1 billion for highways. Legislators estimate the spending would save or create 215,000 jobs. State cuts to education funding of $700 million would likely be restored as a result of the funding. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Quinn's State of the City
Council Speaker Christine Quinn delivered her State of the City address yesterday and she unveiled a plan to buy vacant apartments and use them as affordable housing. Mayor Michael Bloomberg supports the idea. Quinn also proposed generating millions of dollars by selling .nyc domain rights. As was expected, the speaker called for an income tax hike for the city's higher earners. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Resistance Is Building to Payroll Tax in Rescue Plan for MTA (NY Times)
Hard Times Boost Stock of Libraries (Daily News)
Monserrate Fined $30,000 (NY Post)
Hundreds of Same-Sex Couple Attempt to Marry (Newsday)
TV Shows Look to Leave City (Crain's)
Bloomberg to Name Rafael Cestero New Housing Chief (City Hall)
Planting a Flag for Clubland in the Garment District? (Chelsea Now)
February 12, 2009
Stimulus Could Ease Budget Crunch
The federal stimulus package Congress is expected to pass this week could help the city avoid, or at least reduce, some proposed budget cuts, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said last night. The assistance could help the city sidestep a plan to eliminate 14,000 teaching jobs and to cancel a 2010 Police Academy class. Meanwhile efforts to trim the budget continue. Bloomberg yesterday said city employees will need to start contributing 10 percent of their health insurance costs or face more layoffs, as the Independent Budget Office set out a number of cost-cutting options, including a four-day workweek for some city employees. In her State of the City speech today, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is expected to call for an increase in the income tax on the richest New Yorkers to avoid the hike in the sales tax that Bloomberg has proposed. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Uncovering the Perks of Albany's Fallen GOP (NY Times)
Banks Got $550 Million in Tax Breaks to Create Unproven Jobs (Daily News)
Assembly: State Budget Gap Grew Another Billion (Daily News)
Smith: Income Tax Hike Could Force Wealthy to Leave (NY Post)
Housing Prices Have Skyrocketed -- but Now’s Your Chance (NY Observer)
Residency Redux and Inspecting Water Tanks (Gotham Gazette)
Public High Schools Partner with Army (Associated Press)
Success and Controversy Follow Espada (Norwood News)
Local Video Game Makers Still Playing to Win (Crain's)
Council Speaker Proposes Tax Increase for Top Earners (AM New York)
Toro, Bike Lane Advocate, Back as Community Board Committee Chair (Brooklyn Papers)
In Brooklyn, Controversial Orthodox Jewish Patrols Combat Crime (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
February 11, 2009
Police Department Faces Cuts
Budget cuts will force the police department to cut 1,000 officers in the coming fiscal year and cancel its January police class, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told the City Council yesterday. The city's fiscal situation -- along with delays in construction at Ground Zero -- will also delay plans to deploy 800 officers to protect lower Manhattan from a possible terrorist attack, Kelly said. The reduction in the police force will bring the department's headcount to 34,771 - down from its 2001 peak of 40,800. Some members of the City Council criticized the reductions, saying the department should not face further cuts. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Green to Seek Old Job
Mark Green, who served as public advocate for eight years and then narrowly lost the 2001 mayoral election to Michael Bloomberg, wants another stint as public advocate. Three City Council members -- Eric Gioia, John Liu and Bill de Blasio -- Assemblymember Adam Clayton Powell IV and civil rights lawyer Norman Siegel had already announced their plans to run for the position, although Powell yesterday indicated he probably would drop out. After losing the race for state attorney general to Andrew Cuomo in 2006, Green announced he would leave politics. Yesterday he said the fiscal crisis prompted him to rethink that. The current public advocate, Betsy Gotbaum, has said she will not run for re-election. For more, see City Hall News.
Police Stops Rose Sharply Last Year (NY Times)
Profile of Chief Judge Nominee Jonathan Lippman (NY Times)
Proposal Would Phase Out Stores' Solid Gates (Daily News)
City Housing Stock Increases (NY Post)
The Push to Tighten State Ethics Rules (Gotham Gazette)
City Get $175 Million Collected in Financial Misconduct Cases (Associated Press)
Who's Harder Hit -- London or New York? (Crain's)
Plan to Convert Catholic Schools to Charters Could Face Obstacles (WNYC)
February 10, 2009
Rich Tax Gains Momentum
A group of Senate Democrats plan to introduce legislation in Albany today that would increase the personal income tax on New York's wealthiest residents. The proposal would up the income tax to 10.3 percent, a boost of 3.45 percentage points, on those making more than $1 million annually. The bill could also up taxes on households earning more than $250,000 a year. Supporters say it can bring in more than $6 billion in revenue. For more, see Albany Links in the News.
Live Chat Today
Join us today for an online chat live at 2 p.m. with the director of the Independent Budget Office, Ronnie Lowenstein, who will be taking your questions on the mayor's most recent budget proposal. Find out what is in and out of this year's fiscal plan and what might have potential to close our yawning budget gap. Come back here this afternoon to join to the conversation.
Gillibrand Wants to Fight Gun Violence (NY Times)
MTA Misspells Stop (Daily News)
Fire Department to Take on Overtime (NY Post)
Prosecutors Take on Tenants in Bronx Fire Trial (Newsday)
Solving New York's Traffic Woes (Gotham Gazette)
SUNY to Get Female Chancellor (Associated Press)
Retailers Reel From Recession (New York Magazine)
Cuomo Pushes for Reducing Redundancies in Local Governments (Albany Times Union)
Federalizing Bloomberg's Approach to Poverty (City Limits)
Students Turn to Local Colleges (Staten Island Advance)
February 09, 2009
School Debate Heats Up
As the debate over how New York City schools should be run heats up, Mayor Michael Bloomberg Friday predicted "riots in the streets" if lawmakers in Albany don't renew mayoral control of the schools. The mayor's comment came as the State Assembly held a hearing in Manhattan on the issue. Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, who opposes any significant changes in the current system, came under attack from Assembly members who said the Department of Education under Klein is unresponsive to parents and public officials. City Comptroller William Thompson Jr., who is running for mayor, testified in favor of some changes in the law saying, that, in its current guise, mayoral control has become "a green light for unchecked executive power." The law on mayoral control expires in June unless the legislature votes to extend it. For more, see Education Links in the News..
Budget Talk
Have questions about the city’s proposed budget? Ask Ronnie Lowenstein, director of the Independent Budget Office. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, we will host a live on-line chat with Lowenstein. Come to Gotham Gazette for the chat or send us your questions now by going here.
Mayor Unveils Plan for Closed Catholic Schools (NY Times)
Lawyers Focus on Exonerating Prisoners in Cases Without DNA Evidence (NY Times)
Memos: Raids on Immigrants Were for Quota, Not a Solution (Daily News)
Governor's Budget to Cut Health Care Reform Program (NY Post)
Wall Street Anxious for Passage of Stimulus (Newsday)
Smith: Gay Marriage Not Likely to Pass This Year (NY 1)
Gillibrand Becomes Team Player in Senate (Albany Times Union)
Parents Question Bloomberg's Claims on Education (Crain's)
Road Wars (Gotham Gazette)
Transportation Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
February 06, 2009
Pattern of Abuse at Troubled Hospital
A yearlong federal investigation into Kings County Hospital, where a woman in its waiting room died last summer as staff looked on, revealed a pattern of abuse and assault at its psychiatric unit, the New York Times reports. The federal report found the unit's conditions were "highly dangerous and require immediate attention." It documented fights among patients resulting in surgery, sexual attacks, patients being punished with restraints, suicides that could have been avoided and more.
Proposed Rent Rules Stir an Owner Outcry (NY Times)
State Expects More Federal Housing Aid to Help Fix Elevators (NY Times)
Workers Sever Standpipe at Deutsche Building Again (Daily News)
Report: City Unemployment Could Reach 10.5 Percent (NY Post)
Manhattan Rents Falling, and Fast (NY Observer)
Mysterious Maple Syrup Scent Comes From New Jersey Factory (NY 1)
Plan Would Let Governors Island Buildings Burn for 30 Minutes (Downtown Express)
City’s Middle-Class Exodus Seen Accelerating (Crain's)
Coney Island Hopes Rezoning Will Give Economy a Jolt (AM New York)
Latino Small Business Owners Protest Excessive Rent Increases (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
New Yorkers Replace Out-of-Towners as New Renters (Real Deal)
Queens Unemployment Jumps 1 Percent in One Month (Queens Chronicle)
February 05, 2009
9/11 Responders' Lung Problems
Many 9/11 responders had lung problems five years later, according to a new report by Mount Sinai Medical Center, which tracks those who worked at ground zero immediately after the attacks. Nearly 25 percent of patients studied had abnormal lung function between 2004 and 2007, the study found. The report's authors note that since the participants in the study asked to be a part of the program, it is likely they did so because they were suffering symptoms, which could mean a higher percentage had problems than those who did not participate. For more, see Health Links in the News.
Report: Rangel's Financial Disclosures Omitted Data Over 30 Years (NY Times)
Millionaires Leaving New York (Daily News)
Lifeguard Jobs May be Recession Lifesavers (NY Post)
MTA Eyes Bus Arrival Screens (NY Post)
Staten Island Front-Runner Defends Petition Challenges (NY Observer)
Ten Years Later, Diallo Shooting Still Shaping Police Department (NY 1)
Luxury Affordability Marks Green Renewal in the Bronx (City Limits)
Television Production Stalls Out in City (Crain's)
Stimulus Bill Brings Windfall to a Troubled Transit Project (WNYC)
Keeping Up the Pressure On Greenpoint Oil Spill (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
February 04, 2009
State Closes This Year's Deficit
With a $13 billion budget deficit looming for next year, Gov. David Paterson and leaders of the legislature yesterday agreed on a plan to close this year's $1.6 billion budget gap. The agreement leans heavily on using money from various government accounts rather than on any major cuts or tax hikes, although it reportedly does raise tuition at the State University of New York, put new fees on the health insurance industry and cut $50 million from the state's Environmental Protection Fund. The governor and Democrats crafted the package behind closed doors. Once details became available, some Republicans and budget watchdogs faulted the plan for doing little to address the state's fiscal problems. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Brandeis High School to Close; Three Small Schools to Open (NY Times)
Lawsuits Charge Rikers Guards Ignore, Even Encourage, Abuses (NY Times)
Theater Executives Protest Proposed Ticket Tax (Daily News)
Buildings Department Issues New Rules for Cranes (NY Post)
Fashion Week Shows to Move to Lincoln Center (Newsday)
Economy, Lawsuit May Doom Plans to Remake Stuyvesant Town (New York Magazine)
Housing Projects Fight Community Opposition (City Limits)
To Spur Construction, City Plans to Streamline Approval Process (Crain's)
Boxed in by TV's Big Switch (Gotham Gazette)
Tech Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
February 03, 2009
Showdown on Healthcare
The Paterson administration is trying to respond to a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign paid for by the health care industry that attacks the governor's proposed cuts to hospitals. Ads featuring a blind man in a wheelchair have rankled the administration. During a press conference Monday Paterson's Health Commissioner Richard Danes said, "There's a passage in Jeremiah that says something like, 'Foolish people who even having eyes do not see.' I think we're really concerned about people who have the eyes to see the problem and aren't choosing to see them." The advertising campaign funded by the Service Employees International Union 1199 and the Greater New York Hospital Association comes at a time when Paterson is reeling in the polls and the state faces a multibillion-dollar budget gap. For more, see Health Links in the News.
Assembly Passes Rent-Regulation Revisions Opposed by Landlords (NY Times)
Political Lessons Taken on the Fly by Gillibrand (NY Times)
Teachers Union Would Put Limits on Mayor's Control of Schools (Daily News)
Federal Cash May Save Teachers (Daily News)
More Riders Upset at MTA Over Proposed Rate Hikes (Daily News)
NY Charter School Advocates Want Building Money (NY Post)
Online Database of Construction Plans to be Launched (Newsday)
February 02, 2009
Gillibrand Shifts on Immigration
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand met with city and state elected officials over the weekend to discuss immigration. The meeting came after the City Council's Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus threatened to oppose her reelection due to the former congress member's record on the issue. Gillibrand committed to supporting a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants who attended high school here and are attending college to apply for legal status. The newly appointed Senator also said she would no longer advocate for a crackdown on "sanctuary cities" that do not enforce immigration rules. But she was more wary of changing her stance on other issues such as her position on English as the official language. For more, see Immigrants Links in the News.
Paterson Taking Heat for Health Care Proposal (NY Times)
To Close a School: A Decision Rooted in Data, but Colored by Nuance (NY Times)
State Overtime Dips, but Still High (Daily News)
New Brooklyn Condo a Bird Killer (NY Post)
Bloomberg Donated $1.2 Million to Independence Party (Newsday)
Mayor's Budget Would Shrink Capital Plan by 30 Percent (NY Observer)
Assembly Sees Chance for More Rent Control (Associated Press)
Talks to Continue on Hudson Yards Contract (Associated Press)
Advocates Hope Downturn Means No Regulated Rent Hikes (Metro)
Paterson Restores School Attendance Policy (Staten Island Advance)
Picture Darkens for City's Museums (Crain's)
Costs Soar at Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn Papers)
Brooklyn Leaders Urge MTA to Sell Empty Building (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Outrage over Arrests (Gotham Gazette)
Civil Rights Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
January 30, 2009
Bloomberg's Budget Address Due
Mayor Bloomberg is expected to deliver his budget address at noon today, and his administration has warned that he'll include 23,000 city job cuts in that budget if aid from state and federal governments is not forthcoming. The mayor is also expected to seek an increase in city sales tax, which, at 8.375% is already one of the highest in the nation. Between falling tax revenues and cuts to the state budget, the Bloomberg administration is predicting a budget shortfall of $4 billion. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Philippine Government Will Pay Back Taxes (NY Times)
New York's Slice of the Stimulus Pie Could Pack a Punch (Daily News)
MTA Bus Tracking Will Have to Wait (NY 1)
New Yorkers Want Special Elections for Federal Vacancies (Albany Times Union)
Queens Politicians Look For Hospital Bailout (Crain's)
Date Set for World Trade Center Memorial Opening (Crain's)
With No Clear Successor, Wide Net is Cast to Replace Housing Chief (City Hall)
January 29, 2009
Chancellor Warns of Education Layoffs
Schools Chancellor Joel Klein said yesterday that state budget cuts to education aid for the city could result in as much as 15,000 jobs being lost, many of them teachers. The announcement was made at a hearing with the state legislature. Klein also requested more flexibility in how the city can spend state funds that were the result of a lawsuit. Some of those funds are currently dedicated to reducing class sizes and other such programs. Meanwhile, a new poll shows strong support for continuing mayoral control of the schools. But a private group connected to Bloomberg, which is lobbying for its extension, has fallen significantly short of its fundraising goals. For more, see Education Links in the News.
Wall Street Bonuses Decline Sharply
Wall Street bonuses declined 44 percent last year, dropping from $33 billion in '07 to $18.4 billion in '08, according to a report by the state comptroller, the largest decline in 30 years. As a result, the state will lose almost $1 billion in revenue and the city $275 million. Despite the drop, the bonuses still were high -- the sixth largest total on record. The payment prompteds watchdogs to call for an investigation into whether taxpayer money used to bail out some of the financial institutions may have paid for bonuses averaging $112,000. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Skepticism About Plan to Shutter Power Plant (NY Times)
Coney’s Astroland Rocket Donated To City (Daily News)
MTA Board Fairs Badly At Hearing (NY Post)
Local Stimulus Fund Candidates (NY Observer)
Stated Meeting: Shutting Engines At Schools (Gotham Gazette)
Report to Detail, Address Coastal Pollution in State (Associated Press)
A Retrospective of the City's Public Housing (City Limits)
Trouble With Reporting Crime in the Bronx (Norwood News)
Pricey Stadium Stations (Metro)
Engineers Sue to Remove Buildings Commissioner (Crain's)
Store Owners Squeezed Out of Flatbush Avenue (AM New York)
Counting the Homeless (WNYC)
Buildings (and Parks Department Legacy) Deteriorating, Advocates Say (City Hall)
IBO Deputy Director Says Atlantic Yards Plan Needs Retooling (Brooklyn Papers)
Two Queens Hospitals in Danger of Closing (The Forum)
Stringer's Plan for Saving Small Businesses (Our Town)
Elections Made Simple (Gotham Gazette)
Voting Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
January 28, 2009
Cost Increase at Yankee Stadium Parks
The costs of recreational facilities associated with the construction of Yankee Stadium have increased by 67 percent, totaling $195 million, according to an analysis by the Independent Budget Office. The $78.6 million increase could be attributed to revised designs and the addition of new projects, construction inflation and the unanticipated clean up of environmentally hazardous materials, among other factors. A fifth of the increase could not be explained, because the city is withholding some figures until the construction contracts are finalized. The facilities were part of the deal to construct the new Yankee Stadium since a number of parks were displaced by the project. For more, see Parks Links in the News.
City Sees Benefits From Movie Breaks (NY Times)
New Senator's Immigration Stance Criticized (NY Times)
Platform Gap Delays Station Opening (Daily News)
Upkeep Price Tag For Brooklyn Bridge Park Soars (NY Post)
Is the Governor's Senate Pick Machine Material? (Village Voice)
Concrete Testers Sue City Over Licenses (Associated Press)
Reflecting Pool Taking Shape at Ground Zero (Associated Press)
Tedisco To Run for Congress in Albany (Albany Times Union)
January 27, 2009
Former Health Chief Accused of Abusing Power
The state inspector general has accused former state health commissioner Antonia Novello of abusing her position by making her employees do her personal errands. The inspector general has forwarded the case to Albany District Attorney David Soares, who will now have to decide whether to pursue criminal charges. Novello, who also served as U.S. surgeon general, is accused of ordering her staff to take her on shopping trips, do work in her home and buy her groceries. The report alleges that these chores accounted for up to 2,500 hours of overtime by state employees, costing the state $48,000. The charges leveled at Novello are similar to those made against former Comptroller Alan Hevesi, who had to resign after he was found to have had state employees chauffeur his wife. For more, see Albany links in the news.
Street-Level Groups Enlisted to Report Labor Violations (NY Times)
Senate Confirms Geithner for Treasury (NY Times)
City Accused of Race Bias in Ban on Hiring Former Convicts (Daily News)
Paterson Cancels Trip to Davos (Daily News)
McCarthy Gave Money to Gillibrand Campaigns (Newsday)
Will Gillibrand Shift on Guns? (Albany Times Union)
Trauma Treatment For Foster Kids Gets Reprieve (City Limits)
Brooklyn Businesses Hit Hard by Recession (Crain's)
Rent Control Goes to the Senate (Gotham Gazette)
Housing Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
January 26, 2009
Gillibrand in the City
After being appointed to the Senate Friday, Kirsten Gillibrand spent much of the weekend in New York City. On Sunday she reportedly had lunch at the Waldorf=Astoria with Hillary Clinton, who she is replacing, along with Gov. David Paterson and Sen. Charles Schumer. The four discussed foreign policy, the Obama stimulus plan and a potential high-speed rail linking Buffalo to lower New York State. On Saturday, she went to Al Sharpton's National Action Network in Harlem and met with Queens leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, in Jamaica. The 42-year old former congresswoman from upstate pledged, "You will see me everywhere in the state. You will see me wherever you want to see me."
Bruno Indicted for Corruption
Former state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno was indicted Friday for using his position to enrich himself by taking over $3.2 million dollars in payments from lobbyists, local businessmen and union contracts. The arrest capped almost three years of FBI investigations. Bruno has denied any wrongdoing. For more, see Albany links in the news.
Free Parking Perk Still Applies for Borough Presidents (Daily News)
Comptroller's Audit Finds over $2 Million in Unpaid Building Violations (Daily News)
Obama plans $3.4 Billion for New York (NY Post)
January 23, 2009
Gillibrand Said to be Senate Choice
People who have spoken with Gov. David Paterson say he has selected Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to fill New York’s empty U.S. Senate seat, according to newspaper accounts this morning. The governor is scheduled to formally announce his choice today. Gillibrand, who is starting her second term in the House, represents a usually Republican district that includes Albany and parts of the Hudson Valley. She is widely viewed as a centrist, and some Democrats and others have already criticized some of her positions, particularly her opposition to gun control. For more, see Albany in the News.
State Jobless Rate Soars (NY Times)
Albany Leader Malcolm Smith in Campaign Cash Flap (Daily News)
Albany Rolling Toward MTA Bailout Tax (Daily News)
Guards Indicted in Rikers Death (NY Post)
New Bills: From Parking to Playgrounds (Gotham Gazette)
Bloomberg: State's Budget Unfair to NYC (Crain's)
Protection for Abuse Victims (Gotham Gazette)
Law Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
January 22, 2009
Unemployment Fund Out of Money
The state's unemployment insurance system ran out of money at the beginning of the year and is borrowing money from the federal government to pay out claims, according to the New York Times. The unemployment fund already has a deficit of $212 million and expects that to grow to more than $2.5 billion by the end of the year. Borrowing at a rate of about $90 million a week, the state could wind up incurring over $100 million in interest. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Kennedy Withdraws
Shortly after midnight, Caroline Kennedy withdrew from consideration for New York's vacant Senate seat, citing unspecified "personal reasons." With Gov. David Paterson set to announce the replacement for Hillary Clinton by Saturday, Kennedy had been widely viewed as the frontrunner. Her sudden move in the middle of the night prompted speculation about her motives for withdrawing and about who Paterson might name to the Senate, with Rep Kirsten Gillebrand and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo high on the list. For updates, see the Wonkster.
Proposed Budget Shuts Out Zoos, Aquariums and Gardens (NY Times)
No Jail for Officers in Harassing of Staten Island Youth (NY Times)
Upcoming Troopergate Report Called 'Laughable' (Daily News)
Atlantic Yards Looks to Slash Transit Upgrade (NY Post)
A Helping Hand For Schools Facing Closure (Village Voice)
Deal or No Deal Time on West Side Yards (NY Observer)
Monserrate Coy on Campaign Cash (NY Observer)
Caroline Kennedy Withdraws from Senate Bid (NY 1)
Clinton Confirmed as Secretary of State (Associated Press)
Staten Island Community Board Approves City Waterfront Plans (Staten Island Advance)
MTA Chief Makes Case for More Funds (Crain's)
Interactive Visitor Center Unveiled (AM New York)
What Ever Happened to Atlantic Yards? (WNYC)
Monserrate Stays Under Restraining Order (Queens Courier)
City Begins Review for Protection of 257 Blocks In Flushing (Queens Gazette)
The Obama Stimulus: An $825 Billion First Step (Gotham Gazette)
Economy Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
January 21, 2009
Tax on Wealthy Increasingly Likely
With Democrats in control of state government, the chances of an increase in income taxes on New York's wealthiest residents has become more likely, according to the New York Times. Both the governor and the speaker of the Assembly have indicated there is support for the hike in order to close the state's budget gap, leaving the Senate to play a deciding role. Sen. Eric Schneiderman plans to introduce a bill raising taxes on the wealthy. Malcolm Smith, the Senate majority leader, questioned the timing of an increase, but encouraged debate in his chamber on the subject. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Wondering if a New School in Brooklyn Is Worth Blocking the View (NY Times)
Weiner Campaign Kept Toussie Contributions (Daily News)
City Not Plowing Bridges' Bike Lanes (NY Post)
Police Department Browses Recruits' Private Online Profiles (NY Post)
From All Corners of the City, New Yorkers Watch Inauguration (Newsday)
The Post-Victory Landscape of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (Village Voice)
Temporary Walls Turn Apartments Into Firetraps (Associated Press)
Building a Better Model for Construction Wages (City Limits)
Queens Housing Market Hit Hard (Crain's)
January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day
As Barack Obama prepares to take the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States, New Yorkers plan to mark the occasion in various ways. Many traveled to Washington, D.C. Those who remain here can watch the events on jumbo television screens at locations around the city including West 47th and West 43rd streets, the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building and the Columbia University campus. Public school students will see the event on television, as teachers planned lessons and special activities to mark the inauguration of the nation's first African American president. For more on what faces him after today's festivities, see How Obama Can Help New York.
Latest Plan for Coney Island
Virtual reality rides and IMAX theaters would join the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone under the city's latest plan to revitalize Coney Island, announced yesterday. The plan, which must go through a lengthy approval process, includes a 27-acre amusement district, 4,500 new apartments -- 900 of them "affordable" -- 800 hotel rooms, a 12-acre park and posher stores for now somewhat seedy Surf Avenue. Under the proposal for the famed Brooklyn beach, a "Wonder Wheel Way" will connect the Ferris wheel, parachute jump and Cyclone rollercoaster. The $2.5 billion plan will almost certainly attract some opposition, with some Coney Island residents already saying it has too much housing and not enough space for amusements. For more, see Land Use Links in the News.
No Decision Yet on Senate Choice, Paterson Says (NY Post)
US Airways Jet Had Previous Engine Problems (Newsday)
Senate Democrats Change the Rules -- a Little (Gotham Gazette)
Brooklyn Academy of Music Plans Major Expansion (Crain's)
A New Generation of Asian Leaders (Gotham Gazette)
Immigrants Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
January 16, 2009
State of the City Address
Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave his eighth State of the City address yesterday in which he said the city was "shaken," but not "broken." He outlined a nine-point plan to create 400,000 jobs over six years. To help freelancers and small businesses, the mayor called for a reduction or elimination of the unincorporated business tax, loans for those businesses that are struggling, the creation of work space for artists and "entrepreneur boot camps." Bloomberg also proposed a new law requiring existing private buildings to improve their energy efficiency. New plans for repeat quality of life offenders, such as turnstile jumpers and vandals, were revealed as well. For more, see Gotham Gazette's "A Recovery Package From Bloomberg" or City Hall News.
All 155 Escape Jet's Plunge Into Hudson (NY Times)
State Wireless Network for Emergency Workers Is Canceled (NY Times)
Blacks, Latinos Make Up 80 Percent of Police Stop and Questions (Daily News)
Birds Are Constant Threat at City's Airports (NY Post)
Property Taxes to Rise Even Though Values Dropped (NY Post)
Poll: New Yorkers Oppose 'Fat Tax' 2-to-1 (NY 1)
Paterson, Cuomo Cite Privilege to Duck Senate Scrutiny (Associated Press)
Recession Could Change World Trade Center Timeline (Downtown Express)
Aqueduct Plans Revealed (Queens Courier)
Growth is Theme of Queens State of the Borough Address (Queens Chronicle)
January 15, 2009
City to Buy 115 Foreclosed Homes
The city has received $24 million in funds from the federal government to buy 115 foreclosed homes, renovate them and resell them as affordable housing. The properties are located in 13 distressed neighborhoods around the city. They will be purchased at no more than 85 percent of their appraised value. The city will avoid actually taking ownership, and will subsidize a nonprofit to run the program. The state received an additional $54 million for similar programs. For more, see Housing Links in the News.
Second Hudson Rail Tunnel Clears Key Federal Hurdle (NY Times)
Riders Rail Against MTA (NY Post)
Bloomberg to Talk Job Creation in State of City (Newsday)
Ray Kelly: Banks Need More Protection (Newsday)
Report: Jails Could Have Prevented Inmate Death (Village Voice)
Paterson Hints At Timeline Over Senate Decision (NY 1)
Donovan Lauded for New York Housing Programs (Associated Press)
Amazon.com Loses Tax Fight in Court with State (Metro)
Manhattan Office-Property Sales Sank in 2008 (Crain's)
Brownstones in Brooklyn Defy Real Estate Bust (AM New York)
The Bad News Gets Worse (Gotham Gazette)
Finance Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
January 14, 2009
Subpoenas in Yankee Stadium Inquiry
A state Assembly committee investigating the public funding for the new Yankee Stadium has subpoenaed both Yankees president Randy Levine and Industrial Development Agency Chair Seth Pinsky, ordering them to appear at a hearing in lower Manhattan today. Though both the team and the city have provided documents to the committee, Assembly Member Richard Brodsky, who is chairing today's hearing, argued in a news release that both were stonewalling him. Bloomberg's office dismissed the subpoenas as "political theater." The move comes as the city's Industrial Development Agency prepares to vote Thursday on the Yankee's request for additional financing, money that would bring total city financing to over a billion dollars for the project. The team will repay the financing using money it would otherwise have paid in property taxes. For more, see land use links in the news.
City Signs Contract to Track Special Education Data (NY Times)
Queens Borough President Tries to Calm Financial Fears (Daily News)
Charter School Teachers Seek Union Membership (Daily News)
Brooklyn Borough President Wants a Cheaper Arena (NY Post)
Possible Second Meningitis Case (NY 1)
State Sales Tax Revenues Down (Albany Times Union)
January 13, 2009
Catholic Schools to Close
The Diocese of Brooklyn has proposed closing at least 11 elementary schools in Brooklyn and Queens at the end of the school year and merging nine others. If the plan goes into effect, the diocese, which covers Brooklyn and Queens, will have closed 40 percent of its elementary schools since 2002. Diocesan officials cited declining enrollments, due partly to demographic changes in the boroughs, and rising costs as the reasons for the closings. For more, see Education Links in the News.
Fire Deaths Drop
The number of deaths from fires in New York City declined by about 10 percent in 2008, dropping from 95 in 2007 to 86 last year. At the same time, fire fighters responded more quickly to reports of fires. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta attributed the 15-second decrease in response times to a change in dispatch procedures. For more, see Measuring Up.
Senate Democrats Change Legislative Rules (NY Times)
Under Investigation, State Ethics Chief Resigns (NY Times)
Gearing Up for Campaign, Weiner Takes on Bloomberg's Fiscal Management (Daily News)
Riders Give Subway Lines a 'C' (NY Post)
State Plans to Eliminate Program to Combat Evictions (City Limits)
Stimulus Package Could Give New York State $6 Billion for Schools (Crain's)
The Latest Effort to Map New York's Subways (New Yorker)
January 12, 2009
Another Five Minutes For Meters
City Council members have introduced legislation that would give New York City drivers a five-minute grace period for alternate side parking and expired meters. The proposal, sponsored by Councilmember Simcha Felder, hopes to do away with "gotcha" tickets. Under the Bloomberg administration, summonses have gone up by 42 percent – a move some members said is meant to raise city revenue. According to an analysis by the New York Times, 10 million parking summonses were issued in 2007 and at least 276,000 were given for alternate side violations within the five minute period. For more, see City Hall News.
Thousands to Lose Unemployment Benefits (NY Times)
Assemblyman: Four-day Work Week Will Save State Money (NY Times)
Group Calls for Total Cell Phone Ban While Driving (Daily News)
New York City Health by Neighborhood (NY Post)
January 09, 2009
More Dire Fiscal Estimates
The city faces an $11.3 billion deficit over the next 30 months, according to a new report by the Independent Budget Office. The estimate is $5 billion more than Mayor Michael Bloomberg's estimate and 40 percent higher than that of the state comptroller. The report also forecast a loss of 243,000 jobs in the city over the same period. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
City Employee Pay Is Outpacing Private Sector (NY Times)
Many Enraged About Monserrate's New Chairmanship (Daily News)
Storage for Bicycles Sought (NY Post)
Police Relaxing Quality-of-Life Enforcement (NY Post)
Port Authority To Release Inspection Records (NY 1)
Homeowners Warned of Impostor City Employees (Associated Press)
Displaced Tenants in Chinatown Get Little Help Due to Landlord Violations (Downtown Express)
Foreclosures Fall (Crain's)
March Memorializes Pedestrians Killed in Traffic (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Homicides Jump 35 Percent in South Brooklyn (Flatbush Life)
More Raids on Apparel Bootleggers (Tribeca Trib)
January 08, 2009
A Note of Appreciation
We thank our many online contributors and year-end supporters for generously helping us to exceed our goal and raise $28,871 during our December appeal. This will enable Gotham Gazette to hire a new reporter and establish an office in Albany so we can cover state issues more effectively and completely! If you haven't made a contribution and would still like to support us, please click here and help to sustain our new Albany coverage.
Paterson Delivers First State of the State
Gov. David Paterson delivered his first State of the State address yesterday. He proposed initiatives to fight obesity like banning junk food in schools and trans fats in restaurants, requiring chain restaurants to post calorie counts, an 18 percent tax on sugary sodas, and initiatives to help bring healthier food to low-income communities. On energy, Paterson called for turning upstate into a center for the manufacture of batteries for hybrid vehicles and established a goal of meeting 45 percent of electricity needs through conservation and renewable energy by 2015. The governor also called for more reforms to the Rockefeller Drug Laws, such as providing more treatment for addicts. For more, see Albany Links in the News.
Democrats Take Senate
State Sen. Malcolm Smith, a Queens Democrat, was elected as majority leader of the chamber yesterday. It marks the first time in 43 years that Democrats have controlled the Senate. The party now controls both houses of the Legislature and the executive branch as well. For more, see Albany Links in the News.
Deal for Wireless Access in City Parks Collapses (NY Times)
Animal Shelters Scramble After Strep Outbreak Kills Dogs (Daily News)
New Ferry to Connect Brooklyn to Governor's Island (NY Post)
City Aims to Compete with Vegas as Wedding Hot Spot (Newsday)
Who Gets to Build Something Out of the Harbor’s Bottom? (NY Observer)
Lawmaker Criticizes Yankees Over Stadium Funding (NY 1)
Council Approves Firearm Reporting (Gotham Gazette)
Arbitron Settles Suits Over Radio Ratings System (Associated Press)
Digital TV Transition Still Causing Confusion (AM New York)
Despite Assault Charges, Monserrate Will Be Seated (WNYC)
Community Board Committee Chair Booted Over Bikes? (Brooklyn Papers)
More Layoffs at Architecture Firms Likely as Projects Dry Up (Real Deal)
January 07, 2009
City Gives Up Stadium Boxes
After public outrage, the city has agreed to give up its free luxury suites at the new Yankees and Mets stadiums. The city had fervently sought the posh seats at Yankee Stadium, according to e-mails -- giving the team 250 additional parking spaces and three new billboards in return for a larger suite and free food. The promised suites at both stadiums will now be sold, with the profits going to the city. The city still faces criticism over public subsidies for the new fields. For more, see City Hall Links in the News.
Transit Strike Unlikely
Due in part to the recession and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's dire financial situation, a strike is unlikely in this year's contract negotiations between the Transport Workers Union and the MTA. The current contract will expire next week, and talks have reportedly stalled. Both sides, though, say they would go to arbitration this year rather than risk a repeat of the 2005 transit strike. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
State's Computerized Unemployment System Overwhelmed (NY Times)
Monserrate Caught on Video (Daily News)
High Bidders for the City's Hot-Dog Stand Permits (Daily News)
Democrats Finally Agree on Control of State Senate (NY Post)
MTA Strike Sidestepped (NY 1)
Council Candidate's Campaign Bus Strikes, Kills Child (NY 1)
More Cuts and Layoffs Expected in Today's State of State Address (Associated Press)
Paterson to Propose Expanding Healthcare to Young Adults (Albany Times Union)
Air Cleaner in Lower Manhattan in 2008, Report Says (Downtown Express)
Staten Island's New Member of Congress Sworn In (Staten Island Advance)
January 06, 2009
Manhattan Real Estate Slump Hits
Manhattan's real estate market has finally caught up to the rest of the nation and is beginning to feel effects from the current recession, according to a number of real estate reports released on Monday. Real estate prices, which had continued to increase up until the last quarter of 2008, came to a grinding halt, according to the reports. Prices remained flat or declined slightly, but the number of closed sales fell by 30 percent compared to the same time period in 2007. Analysts worry that this is only the beginning to the decline in market values. For more, see Economy Links in the News.
The Other Senate Candidates, Besides Kennedy (NY Times)
Housing Plan Delayed Due to Economy (NY Times)
Contractor Indicted in Crane Collapse (Daily News)
Senate Leaders Close to Deal in Albany (Daily News)
Binge Drinking Leads to HIV Risk, Report Says (NY Post)
Case Begins in Bronx Over Firefighters' Deaths (Newsday)
Support Program for Teens Could Be Cut (Staten Island Advance)
Governor Readies State of the State (WNYC)
City Starts 'Pothole Blitz' (City Room)
January 05, 2009
Paterson Joins Governors Seeking $1 Trillion
Gov. David Paterson has joined with governors of several other large states to ask the federal government to provide a total of $1 trillion of assistance to all 50 states over two years. The money would go to schools, public works projects and social services as well as tax cuts. The states are in such a serious state, Paterson said, that even $1 trillion will not prevent cuts “Our situation is so dire that even the greatest assistance from the federal government ... will still not alleviate us from the responsibility of some rather severe action,” he said. On Thursday, President-elect Barack Obama is expected to deliver a speech on his proposed economic program. For more see Economy Links in the News.
City Settles Suit Against Commissioner
The city government will pay $225,000 to settle a lawsuit charging the former commissioner of the Department for the Aging with sexual harassment and discrimination, the city’s Law Department said Wednesday. The commissioner, Edwin Méndez-Santiago, had abruptly resigned on Dec. 12. Auritela Santos, who left her job as a secretary at the department in 2007, alleged she had been subjected to sexual remarks and said Méndez-Santiago had sex with subordinates in his office and sent her violent and threatening e-mails when she refused his advances. Neither the city nor Méndez-Santiago admitted any wrongdoing. During Méndez-Santiago's tenure, the administration pushed for a major reorganization of aging programs that many advocacy groups opposed. After Méndez-Santiago resigned, the administration dropped the plans. For more, see City Hall News.
Many Thanks!
... to all of you who contributed to Gotham Gazette's recent fundraising drive and helped put us on the road to Albany. Owing to your generosity and those of other funders, we soon will be providing enhanced coverage of the state capital and how the decisions made there affect all of us here. For those of you who still want to pitch in, please go here to make a tax-deductible contribution. And thank you so much for your support -- particularly in these difficult times.
Manslaughter Charges Expected for Rigger of Crane in Deadly Collapse (NY Times)
Contractor Charged at Deutsche Bank Continues to Get Public Money (Daily News)
Hospitals Accused of Medicaid Scam (NY Post)
Laid off in New York: Seven Stories (New York Magazine)
Elections to Fill Council Vacancies Set for Feb. 24 (AM New York)
December 31, 2008
The Final Day
Celebrate the end of 2008 and the end of Gotham Gazette's special fundraising appeal by making a tax-deductible contribution today. The beginning of the new year marks the start of a legislative session, certain to involve heated debate over state aid to New York City, taxing the rich and the sugary, control of city schools and the fate of the subway system. We need your help so we can be on the scene with a full-time reporter covering how it all affects you. So, before you go out tonight, give what you can to help us reach the $25,000 mark. And Happy New Year!
State Budget to Cost City $1 Billion
A preliminary analysis by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli of Gov. David Paterson's proposed budget found that the city would lose $1 billion in aid over the next 15 months. His report said that Paterson's plan would cut $669 million in education funds for the city and another $328 million in municipal aid. DiNapoli also found that the state will still spend more than it will gain in revenue. Although he was generally supportive of the budget and called it "a step in the right direction," he deemed the plan "risky" because it depends on taxes and fees that may be difficult to enact. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
City Nears Deadline to Raise Day Care Pay or Lose Subsidy (NY Times)
Advocates and Officials Seek MTA Bailout from Albany (Daily News)
Area Home Prices Drop 7.5 Percent (NY Post)
New Class Brings in 1,1129 New Police Graduates (NY Post)
New Yorkers Not Doing Enough to Treat Diabetes Issues (NY 1)
State Could Get Up to $18 Billion More in Federal Aid (Associated Press)
Hoy Nueva York Suddenly Folded (Associated Press)
Downtown Projects Stuck in the Station (Downtown Express)
Foreclosure Suit Filed Against Developers (Crain's)
A Look Back at Paterson's First Nine Months in Office (WNYC)
December 29, 2008
Time Is Running Out!
You have only three days left to help put Gotham Gazette on the road to Albany. We need to raise $25,000 by midnight Wednesday so we can have a full-time Gotham Gazette reporter in the capital. Please go here to make your tax-deductible contribution before the ball drops in Times Square. And if you donate $100 or more, we'll send you our environmentally friendly Gotham Gazette tote.
Federal Stimulus to Help State
New York state could receive up to $5 billion in federal Medicaid assistance as part of the stimulus package being drafted by Congress and President-elect Barack Obama. The state faces a $15.4 billion deficit over the next 15 months when the next fiscal year ends. The stimulus package could also provide about $4 billion for mass transit projects, which could result in an extra 7 train station on the West side, upgraded subway stations and 1,500 new hybrid buses. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Obscure Fee Pays for Efficient-Energy Projects (NY Times)
New Web Site Tracks Health by Zip Code (Daily News)
Closing Schools Swimming in Cash (NY Post)
Silver Voices Support for Mayoral Control of Schools (NY Post)
City Charities Suffer During Meltdown (New York Magazine)
As Priests Vanish, Parishes Struggle (Staten Island Advance)
December 24, 2008
A Week to Go
We have seven more days to raise the $25,000 to help us set up a full-time bureau in Albany. Thanks to all of you who have taken us over the halfway mark. For the rest of you, there's still time to make a tax-deductible contribution (click here) -- so our reporter can be on the scene during the budget and legislative debates of 2009. Anyone who donates $100 or more receives our Gotham Gazette tote as an extra thank you.
Year-End Break
Gotham Gazette will be on holiday schedule for the next week and a half. The next Eye-opener will go out Monday, Dec. 29. Happy holidays to all our readers.
Murders Up 5 Percent
The city's murder rate rose 5 percent this year, increasing to 501 homicides as of Sunday from 476 during the same period last year, according to Police Department statistics released yesterday. Robberies rose 2 percent. But major felony crimes overall dropped 4 percent, including serious assaults, which fell 8 percent. Major felony crimes have fallen 28 percent since 2001. Murders have declined 21 percent since 2001. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Starbucks Loses Round in Battle Over Union (NY Times)
MTA Took $500 Million Hit in Wall St. Meltdown (Daily News)
Mayor Backs Fire Commissioner in Deutsche Case (Daily News)
City Leaders Face Grilling Over Deutsche Blaze (NY Post)
Class Sizes Bigger Than Ever, Say Advocacy Groups (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
December 23, 2008
Send Gotham Gazette to Albany
Put Gotham Gazette on the scene in the state capital to keep you informed about the fight for the Senate, education aid and all those new taxes. We need to raise $25,000 by year's end to help open a bureau in Albany. We know times are hard but please give what you can. And we'll continue, as always, to give you the best coverage of New York City issues that we can -- even if we have to travel 150 miles to do it. Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution.
MTA Details Possible Fare Hikes
The basic subway and bus fare could rise to $3, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority revealed yesterday. The financially strapped agency announced a number of fare hike options it is considering to boost its revenues by 23 percent, increases that could become reality unless Albany takes steps to rescue the transit system. Passengers buying a single ride could pay $3 under the proposal, while those purchasing multiple trips would pay $2.50 a ride, and the cost of a weekly MetroCard could go from $25 to $32. Tolls and express bus fares would also rise. For a list of proposed fare hikes and service cuts (in pdf) go here. Public hearings on the MTA 's plan will begin Jan. 14. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
More Families in Homeless Shelters
The number of families with children entering New York City's shelters rose by 40 percent from a year ago, reaching a record high, according to figures released by the city. The Department of Homeless Services said 1,343 families had been accepted into the system in November. Overall, according to the Coalition for the Homeless, 9,720 families lived in the city's shelter system in November, the highest number since the city began keeping such records 25 years ago. The city and the coalition attributed the increase to the recession, although homelessness has stubbornly resisted the administration's efforts to reduce it in both good times and bad. For more, see Housing Links in the News.
State Commission Recommends Suspension of Newly Elected Judge (NY Times)
Contractor Greed, City Incompetence Caused Deutsche Bank Fire, DA Says (Daily News)
Three Supervisors Charged with Manslaughter in Deutsche Bank Fire (NY Post)
New System to Alert Police of Mentally Ill Suspects (Newsday)
Kennedy Won't Reveal Finances Unless She's Picked for Senate (NY 1)
Can Workfare Meet Harsh New Economic Realities? (City Limits)
Retailers Hope for Last Minute Shopping Surge (Metro)
City Could Face $8 Billion Budget Gap, State Comptroller Says (Bloomberg)
Landlords, Tenants Cooperate to Keep Stores Open (AM New York)
Brooklyn Guns (Gotham Gazette)
Law Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
December 22, 2008
Many Thanks!
To those of you who have generously donated almost $12,000 to help send Gotham Gazette to Albany. In the next 10 days, though, we still must raise another $13,000 so we can have a full-time reporter in the capital covering the budget battle, the fight over school control, the tax tangles -- and other key issues. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution today.
Aging Proposal Revoked
A controversial proposal to restructure senior programs at the city's Department for the Aging has been revoked by the Bloomberg administration. The City Council and the administration had fought over the plan for months. The administration planned to consolidate financing and services at the city's senior centers. Officials now say they are reevaluating the overhaul. For more, see Social Services Links in the News.
Charges Expected on Deutsche Bank
Manhattan's district attorney is expected to announce today manslaughter charges against a subcontractor and several construction supervisors in connection with the Deutsche Bank fire in 2007 that killed two firefighters. The city and the project's construction manager, Bovis Lend Lease, will not be charged. The building was being taken down at the time of the fire and was damaged severely during the September 11th attacks. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Pension Proposal Comes from the Past (NY Times)
Police Use Cars to Boost Presence (NY Post)
Governor and Representatives Visit Iraq (Newsday)
Economy Brings Too Many Drivers, Not Enough Cabs (Associated Press)
Eviction Holiday Starts Today (Associated Press)
A Federal Stimulus for City Parks (Gotham Gazette)
Parks Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
December 19, 2008
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Unlike those sodas the governor wants to tax, Gotham Gazette offers mental nourishment -- and it's free. But we need your help so we can send a reporter to Albany and cover all those tax hikes and budget cuts. We must raise $25,000 during December to help us send a correspondent to Albany. Make your tax-deductible contribution today -- so we can be in Albany to greet the legislators and lobbyists on Jan. 5. Thank you!
Council Revokes Property Tax Cut
The City Council yesterday voted 33-to-18 yesterday in favor of revoking a 7 percent property tax cut that began two years ago. The tax cut was originally set to expire in June, but will now end Jan. 1. It will generate $1.8 billion in additional revenue through 2010. The move was originally proposed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Property taxes have increased 18.5 percent under his tenure. An increase in the hotel tax was also approved in a 46-to-5 vote, bringing it from 5 percent to 5.875 percent per room. That tax is expected to generate about $80 million over the next year and would raise the rate of a room by about $3. Bloomberg agreed to send out the $400 rebate checks to homeowners by the end of the year. The council agreed to $500 million in spending cuts. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Gas Drilling Upstate Raises Concerns About Water Supply (NY Times)
Upper East Side Crane Evidence Potentially Damaged (Daily News)
Paterson Plan Would Tax 'Lifestyle Drugs' (Daily News)
DiNapoli: Public College Students Should Buy Online Textbooks (NY Post)
City Considers Partitions For Bus Drivers (NY 1)
The Council Passes Budget Cuts (Gotham Gazette)
State Approves Columbia University Expansion (Associated Press)
City Says Broadway Bus Bulbs Seem to Work (Downtown Express)
Students Occupy New School (Metro)
State Could Lose 150,000 Jobs if Big Three Fail (Crain's)
Budget Leaves City Worker Benefits Vulnerable (AM New York)
Twenty-Year Deal May Prevent Recycling Cuts (WNYC)
Race Heats Up for Monserrate’s Seat (City Hall)
Pawn Shops Thrive in Poor Economy (Queens Courier)
Economic Downturn Results In Less Rail Freight in Area (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Queens Asked to Join in Newtown Creek Study (Greenpoint Star)
Paterson Signs Plastic Bag Law (Queens Gazette)
December 18, 2008
Two Weeks to Go
There's just two weeks left to help Gotham Gazette go to Albany. We want to give state government the trademark fair, nonpartisan issue-oriented coverage we've been known for in New York City since 1999. We need you and your fellow readers to help us raise $25,000 so we can have a full-time reporter on the scene in the capital telling you what you need to know at this key time in New York. Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution and find out how you can receive our attractive reusable nylon bag.
MTA Approves 'Draconian' Budget
The board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority yesterday approved an austerity budget in a 13-to-1 vote, setting in motion plans for deep service cuts and high fare hikes. But the state is working on a bailout plan for the agency, which has taken its most visible form in the report by a commission lead by former M.T.A. Chair Richard Ravitch. The board has asked the state to come up with additional sources of revenue for the faltering agency by March in order to avoid drastic measures. A spokesperson for the governor says his office plans to introduce to the legislature a bill including the Ravitch plan's recommendations early next month. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Council Set to Approve Higher Hotel and Property Taxes (NY Times)
Set to Go Forward, Schools May Instead Go Two Steps Back (NY Times)
Paterson's Plan Would Release Chronically Ill Violent Inmates (Daily News)
Child-Welfare Agency Funding Threatened (NY Post)
At Magazines, It's 2.0 Steps Forward, 1.0 Step Back (NY Observer)
Fees, Taxes, Would Make New York Tough on Young (Associated Press)
Hundreds of Properties in Danger of Failure (Crain's)
Manhattan Home Sales Plunge (AM New York)
'Bike Clowns' Rally for Williamsburg Bike Lanes (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Rating Government Spending (Gotham Gazette)
Finance Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
December 17, 2008
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Paterson Offers Budget Plan
In an effort to plug a projected $15 billion gap for the next 15 months, Gov. David Paterson yesterday proposed a budget with 137 new or increased taxes and fees, including charges on sugary soft drinks and downloaded music. He also called for an array of spending cuts, reducing aid to New York City schools by more than $200 million, eliminating the state's general aid for New York City and closing 13 prisons and detention camps. He would scale back pension benefits for public employees, requiring, for example, that police and firefighters work 25 years to qualify for a full pension -- up from the current 20 years of service. Coming with such proposals, the $121 billion spending plan, which must be approved by the legislature, is sure to be hotly debated, with advocates for schools, state workers and others quickly weighing in to denounce cutbacks in their areas. For more see State Government Links in the News.
146-Year-Old Brooklyn Convent to Close (NY Times)
Critics Attack Plan to Move High School as Racist (Daily News)
Many Subway Deaths Linked to Drinking, Study Finds (NY Post)
Train to Link New York and Atlantic City (Newsday)
Council Holds Hearing on Plan to Finance Subways (NY 1)
Where the Rats Are (Time Magazine)
Audit Finds Public Housing Construction Plagued by Overruns, Management Woes (City Limits)
Consumer Prices in Area Show Record Decline (Crain's)
Bracing for Tough Times (Gotham Gazette)
Arts Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
December 16, 2008
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Kennedy Wants Clinton's Seat
After much speculation, Caroline Kennedy confirmed yesterday she would seek to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton as New York State's junior senator. Gov. David Paterson, who will choose a successor to Clinton, reiterated that he would not be making a decision on who would fill the seat until at least January when Clinton is confirmed as Secretary of State. While some questioned whether Kennedy was qualified to take the position, others said she is the clear frontrunner. Kennedy has remained intensely private during her life, despite being the daughter of a political dynasty. For more, see State Government Links in the News.
City Looks to Shelter Homeless Vets (NY Times)
Bankruptcy Rate Outpaces Nation (NY Times)
Cop Charged With Assault After Shoving Biker (Daily News)
Express Busses to Get the Same Fare Hike (NY Post)
Why Love New York? (New York Magazine)
What is Left Behind for New York City Housing Policy (City Limits)
Feds To Increase Train Service (AM New York)
December 15, 2008
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Carrión to Head the White House Office of Urban Policy
The Washington Post and New York Post report that Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión Jr. will be tapped to serve President Obama as director of urban affairs. The Bronx BP, who had been planning to run for Comptroller, will instead head up a new White House Office of Urban Policy. Rumors that Carrion was expecting to be offered a new job have been swirling for the last week, since he told a group of Yale students he was under consideration for a cabinet post.
City Housing Commissioner Will Lead HUD
President-elect Obama announced over the weekend that New York City's Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development, Shaun Donovan, will head the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Donovan will face a spiraling nationwide housing crisis when he gets to Washington, and will be looking for ways to stem the flood of foreclosures at the foundation of the country's economic meltdown. Mayor Bloomberg credited many of the programs underlying the administration's New Housing Marketplace plan to Donovan's leadership, saying "Shaun Donovan's record of service has left an imprint on our city that will last and that many others will be able to continue to build on." For more, see housing links in the news.
NY Among States Where Jobless Funds Drying Up (NY Times)
Governor Paterson Will Propose $4 Billion in Taxes and Fees (NY Times)
One in Four Special Education Students Shortchanged (Daily News)
NYC Eyes End to Adult Day Care (Albany Times Union)
Statewide Poll: Raise Personal Income Tax (Albany Times Union)
Paterson Will Only Talk to Reporters Who Promise Not to Talk (Daily Politics)
December 12, 2008
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Will the subway fare hit $2.50 next year? The state government holds the key. Help us raise $25,000 to hire an Albany reporter who will keep you up to date on the fate of the payroll tax, bridge tolls -- and the $2 fare. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution of any size. As our special thanks to anyone who gives $100 or more, we'll mail you Gotham Gazette's environmentally friendly stuffable nylon tote.
Higher Job-Loss Estimates
City Comptroller William Thompson yesterday raised his projection for job-losses through 2010 from 165,000 to 170,000. He also estimated the unemployment rate would reach 7.4 percent. Meanwhile, the Fiscal Policy Institute released their own projections, estimating 120,000 people will lose their jobs over the next year alone. They also predicted that unemployment could reach 8.5 percent by the end of 2009. For more, see Economy Links in the News.
Reading the Recession for Signs of the Future (NY Times)
Democrats Plot Overthrow of Smith (Daily News)
Bloomberg Gives Council Budget Ultimatum (NY Post)
State Cutting Down on Contracts (NY Observer)
Port Authority Plans No Cuts in Tough Economy (Associated Press)
Tenants Pressure State on Unfair Rent Increases (Norwood News)
Fare Hikes? How About Free Buses, Plan Asks (Downtown Express)
Windsor Terrace Seeks Downzoning (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Partnership to Take Over Van Cortlandt Park (Riverdale Press)
Chinatown Raid Shutters 17 Knock-Off Shops (Tribeca Trib)
December 11, 2008
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Leadership Deal Unravels
Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith yesterday announced the unraveling of a leadership deal made last week with three dissident Democratic senators for control of the chamber and suspended negotiations with them. "To do otherwise would reduce our moral standing and the long-term Senate Democratic commitment to reform and to change,” Smith said. He also said he changed his mind about the agreement not to vote on same-sex marraige. Smith further accused one of the dissidents, Bronx Sen.-elect Pedro Espada, of pushing for a stipend for his agreed upon position as number two in the chamber. But Sen. Ruben Diaz, one of the three, accused Smith of attempting to weaken that position. And Sen. Carl Kruger, also part of the faction, said the agreement began to break down on Tuesday because they feared Smith would not hold up his end of the deal. For more, see Voting Links in the News.
Ground Zero Lawsuits to Begin in 2010 (NY Times)
Plans For More Medicaid Cuts Worry Hospital Officials (NY Times)
Deceased Firefighters' Families Offered $1 Million in Deutsche Case (Daily News)
Surrogate Judge-Elect Faces Felony Charges (NY Post)
Next Fire Class Delayed Amid More Cuts (Associated Press)
Forest City Puts New Developments on Hold (Crain's)
Politicians Back Hasids in Bike Lane Fight (Brooklyn Papers)
A Quiet Start for the Tenant Protection Act (Mount Hope Monitor)
December 10, 2008
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The battle over the state budget promises to be high stakes and hard fought. Gotham Gazette needs your help so we can be there -- providing our trademark in-depth, issue-oriented coverage. We need your help to raise $25,000 by Dec. 31 to open a state capital bureau with a full-time reporter. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution and send Gotham Gazette to Albany. If you contribute $100 or more, we'll give you the environmentally friendly Gotham Gazette stuffable nylon tote.
Deutsche Bank Investigation Nears End
As the Manhattan district attorney's office concludes its investigation into the August 2007 fire at the Deutsche Bank building, the Daily News reports that prosecutors will not seek charges against city or state officials. Instead, they will ask a grand jury to indict the subcontractor, John Galt Corp., and individuals involved in the demolition. Two firefighters died in the fire at the building at Ground Zero. District Attorney Robert Morgenthau is reportedly negotiating with the city on some admission of guilt and on possible establishment of an agency to monitor projects involving multiple government agencies. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Mayor Calls for More Cuts
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is ordering all city agencies to cut their budgets by an additional 7 percent for next year. The latest call for suggested reductions comes on top of a 2.5 percent cut this year and a 5 percent reduction previously ordered for next. Meanwhile the mayor and the City Council remain divided over whether to issue a $400 property tax rebate and repeal the 7 percent property tax break. The mayor said the tax hikes are essential to avoid major layoffs, but City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said yesterday "there is not a snowball's chance in hell" that the council will pass a bill allowing the property tax rebate to be withheld. Some City Council members are proposing an increase in the hotel tax to help plug the city's financial gap. For more see City Government Links in the News and Tax Bills on the Floor.
Police Department Defends Handling of Subway Station Assault (NY Times)
Newark Tries to Lure Hunts Point Market (Daily News)
Top Spitzer Aide to Leave Paterson Administration (NY Post)
Three Officers Indicted in Sodomy Case (Newsday)
New Surrogate Judge May Face Criminal Charges (Village Voice)
City Council Gets Two Tax Proposals (Gotham Gazette)
Pharmacies Don't Translate Drug Information, Survey Finds (AM New York)
Senate Leadership Deal Seen as on Brink of Collapse (Politicker)
December 09, 2008
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Three Officers to Be Indicted in Subway Assault
Three officers who were accused of assaulting a suspect during an arrest in October will face charges. Officer Richard Kern will be charged with assault while two other officers face lesser charges in the notorious case. For more, see crime links in the news.
Brooklyn Hate Crime Denounced (NY Times)
Census Report Shows an Evermore Diverse City (NY Times)
Bronx Businesses Bemoan Express Bus (Daily News)
Teachers Union President Bids for Clinton Seat (Daily News)
Will Ravitch Plan Ravage the City? (NY Post)
Attorney General Cuomo Objects to Merrill Lynch Bonuses (NY 1)
State Budget Cuts Medical Spending (Albany Times Union)
Subway Sodomy Officers Faces Charges (Reuters)
Public Assistance Could Be More Helpful (City Limits)
Senior Center Restructuring Plan Flounders (City Limits)
Rep. Fossella Sentenced to Five Days (Washington Post)
City Building a Biotech Center on the East River (WNYC)
Private Methods in Public Projects (Gotham Gazette)
Housing Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
December 08, 2008
Keep an Eye on Albany
With newspapers closing their Albany bureaus, Gotham Gazette needs your help to watch state government. We have to raise $25,000 by the end of the year so we can set up an Albany bureau with a full-time reporter. After all, these folks managed to kill the commuter tax, hoping no one in the city would notice. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution of any amount and send Gotham Gazette to Albany. If you contribute $100 or more, we'll mail you the handy Gotham Gazette stuffable nylon tote.
Candidates Come to Fill Senate Seat
The battle over the state's soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate seat is heating up, with both Caroline Kennedy and state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo appearing as prospective candidates. Speculation over whether Kennedy would want to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton when she vacates the position in January is varied. Other reports mention Cuomo as the early favorite and also refer to the possibility of several congressional candidates. Gov. David Paterson says he will not name a replacement until the seat is officially vacant in January. For more, see State Government Links in the News.
Could Gases Be Leaking Into Greenpoint? (NY Times)
Queens Election Workers Raise Cash For Patrons (Daily News)
Justice to Go (Gotham Gazette)
Immigrants Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
December 05, 2008
Put Gotham Gazette in 'The Room'
Help Gotham Gazette keep an eye on state government and how it affects you. We need to raise $25,000 by the end of the year so we can set up an Albany bureau with a full-time reporter. For nine years, Gotham Gazette has kept an eye on the City Council. Now help us cover the three men in the room and Albany's other denizens. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution and send Gotham Gazette to Albany. To express our appreciation, anyone who contributes $100 or more will receive Gotham Gazette's original stuffable nylon tote.
Democrats Reach Leadership Deal
After a month-long dispute, the dissident faction of three Senate Democrats have agreed to back Queens Democrat Malcolm Smith as leader of the chamber in exchange for powerful positions and other promises. Bronx Sen.-elect Pedro Espada will be given the number two position in the Senate and Brooklyn Sen. Carl Kruger is expected to receive the chairmanship of the Finance Committee. Bronx Sen. Ruben Diaz was reportedly assured by Smith that the Senate would not take up the issue of legalizing gay marriage, which Diaz opposes. Other agreements brokered in the deal are said to include: reorganizing the seating on the Senate floor by alphabet, rather than party; more staff and funds for the minority party, who will have an easier time bringing bills to vote; and the creation of a Latino caucus. Smith campaigned on a number of these issues during his election this year. The Democrats will now control the chamber for the first time in more than 40 years. For more, see Voting Links in the News.
Mixed Reviews on Transit Plan (NY Times)
Politician Rips Banks Over Holiday Foreclosures (Daily News)
Three School Closures Announced, More Planned (NY Post)
German Bank Rents Top Three Floors at 7 World Trade (Crain's)
Suitors Line Up For Seminerio's Seat in Queens (Queens Tribune)
New Chemical Plume Discovered Underneath Greenpoint (Greenpoint Star)
Port Authority Presents Green Policies (Queens Chronicle)
Golfer's Parking Lot on Croton Filtration Site Stirs Opposition (Riverdale Press)
Rangel Son Got Campaign Cash (Politico)
Kelly Gives Details on Downtown Security (Tribeca Trib)
December 04, 2008
Gotham Gazette needs your help to provide even better coverage of New York City -– by going to Albany. We have to raise $25,000 by the end of the year so we can open a state capital bureau with a full-time reporter. With your donations, we can be on the scene to tell you what's going on with the state budget, the debate over city schools and proposals to fund mass transit. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution and send Gotham Gazette to Albany. And if you contribute $100 or more, we'll give you the environmentally friendly Gotham Gazette nylon tote bag.
Governor Supports Transit Recommendations
Gov. David Paterson signaled support yesterday for the major elements of a new plan to deal with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's budget gaps. The proposals, recommended by a commission headed by former M.T.A. Chair Richard Ravitch, would put tolls on the Harlem and East River bridges, enact a payroll tax on businesses and raise fares by 8 percent. The commission, which will reveal its report officially today, also calls for improved bus service. In comparison, the M.T.A.'s austerity plan, which was proposed last month, would have raised fares by 25 percent and drastically cut back bus and train service. Leaders of both legislative chambers are also showing support for raising taxes to support mass transit. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Paterson Criticizes Panel for Its Judicial Selections (NY Times)
Prosecutors Call for Changes to Property Transaction Recording (Daily News)
Governor's Aide, Eyed in Cipriani Push, Resigns (NY Post)
Doctor in Burress Case Could Face Charges (Newsday)
Toy Safety Report Released For Holiday Season (NY 1)
Seats in New School Plan Inadequate, Advocates Charge (Norwood News)
Yankees Stadium Opponents Try to Keep Carrion Out of HUD (Metro)
Port Authority Gets No Bids on Bond Offering (Bloomberg)
Shakeups Hit Random House, Other Publishers (Crain's)
Advocates Scale Back Car-Free Prospect Park Push (Brooklyn Papers)
Downtown Brooklyn 'Green Collar' Job Program Launched (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Creative Use of White Space (Gotham Gazette)
Tech Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
December 03, 2008
Help Gotham Gazette Take a Broader View
Who will decide who runs New York City schools? The state legislature. That’s just one reason Gotham Gazette needs to be in the state capital covering the issues that matter to New York City. To do that, we need to raise $25,000 by the end of the year to set up an Albany bureau. Make your tax-deductible contribution here and send Gotham Gazette to Albany.
Killing of Bus Driver Raises Concerns
A 20-year-old parolee confessed to Monday's killing of Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus driver Edwin Thomas, 46. Horace Moore was recently paroled after serving nine months for attempted murder and possession of a knife on the subway. Bus drivers have little recourse against fare evasions and violent passengers. According to City Room, drivers cannot physically remove riders from the bus and do not have direct contact with the police. Thomas was the first city bus driver to be killed while on duty in almost 30 years. For more, see Crime links in the News.
Feud Between City Agencies Delays Moderate-Cost Housing (NY Times)
Students Subpoenaed to Verify Voting Addresses (NY Times)
Rangel Say He Will Keep Chairmanship (NY Post)
NY Hotels Step Up Security after Mumbai Attacks (Associated Press)
Broadway Tickets Still Strong this Season (Crain's)
Education Department OK's New Middle School in DUMBO (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
December 02, 2008
Put Gotham Gazette in the Capital
Where did congestion pricing go to die? Albany. The state government holds a lot of power over the five boroughs, so after nine years, Gotham Gazette wants to improve our coverage of New York City by going upstate. We need to raise $25,000 by the end of the year to help us set up an Albany bureau with a full-time reporter. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution and send Gotham Gazette to Albany.
Elevator Report Faults Authority
An accident report from an August elevator accident that killed a 5-year-old Brooklyn boy reveals the elevator's malfunction could have been caused by the New York City Housing Authority's failure to do proper maintenance. The report is the latest development that has raised questions on how the authority maintains, inspects and ensures safety on all of its elevators. Experts who examined the report, which was obtained by the New York Times, said the elevator's electrical failure was routine and should have been noticed. For more, see Housing Links in the News.
MTA Driver Killed
After fighting with a passenger who refused to pay his fare, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bus Driver Edwin Thomas, 46, was stabbed to death. The assailant is still at large. The homicide was the city's 476th this year, an increase from the same time last year. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Bruno Preaches Sunlight and Accountability (NY Times)
Balancing Preservation and Development (NY Times)
Hillary Replacements Keep Coming (NY Times)
State Agencies Fail to Meet Governor's Cuts (Daily News)
MTA To Continue Rolling Out New Cars (NY Post)
Panel Releases Top Court Nominees (Associated Press)
HIV Testing Increases in City (Associated Press)
Brooklyn Residents Wonder What's In the Armory (City Limits)
Condo Sales Slump With Economy (AM New York)
Off-Duty Cop Charged with Road Rage (AM New York)
The Skyline in Recession (New Yorker)
December 01, 2008
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Panel Will Propose Taxes, Tolls to Help MTA
With the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in increasingly dire straits, a commission appointed by Gov. David Paterson is expected to propose a new tax on corporate payrolls and tolls on the East River and Harlem River bridges to help fix the agency's finances. The plan differs dramatically from one presented by the MTA last month, which called for higher fares and service cuts. The commission, headed by former MTA chairman Richard Ravitch, will probably suggest smaller fare hikes and virtually no reductions in service. Many aspects of the panel's plan, which is scheduled to be released by Friday, require approval by the legislature. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Replacing Clinton
Later this morning, President-elect Barack Obama is expected to confirm what has been rumored for days and name New York Sen. Hillary Clinton as his choice for secretary of state. Along with its international and national significance, the appointment has major local ramifications. Clinton's nomination will open the way for Gov. David Paterson to name a successor to New York's junior senator -- and the jockeying and speculation have already begun in full force. For more see State Government in the News.
City Forced to Refund $800 Million in Corporate Taxes (NY Times)
The Changing Climate on Global Warming (Gotham Gazette)
Cost of Water Filtration Plant Doubles (Associated Press)
The Risky Lives of Undocumented Immigrants in New York (New York Magazine)
Obama, Climate Change and New York (Gotham Gazette)
Environment Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
November 26, 2008
Inquiry Into Spitzer Investigation's Origins
A congressional committee is looking into what sparked the investigation into former Gov. Eliot Spitzer's finances that lead to the revelation he patronized a prostitution ring. One Republican and two Democratic members of the House Financial Services Committee have sent a letter to the Treasury Department seeking details on it's origins. Hearings on the matter are tentatively planned for next year. Although there is no evidence suggesting political motives in the investigation's origin, committee members are concerned provisions in the Patriot Act that require banks to disclose certain information may have been misused. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Republicans Seek Inquiry on Rangel and Tax Bill (NY Times)
Paterson: No Education Cuts Now Means Worse Cuts Next Year (Daily News)
Possible Reintroduction of ROTC at Columbia (NY Post)
MTA Implements Text Message Alerts (Newsday)
More New Yorkers In Need of Food Stamps (NY 1)
Efforts to Increase Digital Media Access for All (City Limits)
Hasids to Block Traffic to Protest Bike Lanes (Brooklyn Papers)
November 25, 2008
Rangel Under Spotlight Again
Rep. Charles B. Rangel worked to secure a tax break for an oil company, whose chief executive pledged to donate $1 million for a school named in honor of the congressman. The move saved the company, Nabors Industries, tens of millions of dollars annually. Rangel and the company's head deny it was a quid pro quo. Rangel's ability to keep his fundraising activities separate from his political ones has been called into question lately. He is currently under investigation by a House ethics committee. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Hospitals and Universities Keep Hold on Jobs (NY Times)
Committee Plan Hopes to Woo Wavering State Senate Democrats (NY Times)
New York Airports Get Low Grades (Daily News)
MTA Could Close Cash Lanes (NY Post)
Ethnicity Cannot Cause Questioning, Court Rules (Newsday)
The Public Speaks on Budget Cuts (Gotham Gazette)
How Trash Becomes Green Space (New York Magazine)
City Shelter Shakeup Leaves Advocates Scrambling (City Limits)
November 24, 2008
Higher Car Fees Could Aid MTA
In an effort to close the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s budget deficit, City Comptroller William Thompson yesterday proposed increasing automobile registration fees in 12 counties served by the authority’s trains and buses. Under his plan, those drivers would pay an annual fee of $100 along with an additional fee if their vehicle weighed more than 2,300 pounds. Thompson said the charges could generate about $1 billion a year and would go directly to the authority. The fees, which would have to be approved by the state legislature, also would give drivers an incentive to choose more efficient vehicles. The comptroller called for a revival of the commuter tax as well. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Students Who Live in Public Housing Don't Do as Well in School, Study Finds (NY Times)
Blacks. Latinos Stuck in Worse City Schools (Daily News)
LIRR Derailed Yesterday at Jamaica Station (Newsday)
Street Life (Gotham Gazette)
Parks Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
November 21, 2008
Plans for MTA Hikes and Cuts Official
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority unveiled a "gloom-and-doom" budget for 2009 yesterday, and it included the drastic cuts and fare hikes expected. Bus and subway fares would rise 23 percent by June, resulting in a base fare of at least $2.50. The cost of Monthly MetroCards could go up by 5 percent to 10 percent. Riders would then shoulder 83 percent of the subway system's operating costs, up from 69 percent this year. The W and Z trains would be eliminated, and G and M trains shortened. Intervals between all trains would be ten minutes longer between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Twelve bus lines would stop running. Access-a-Ride fares would double from $2 to $4. Over 2,500 M.T.A. jobs would be cut. The plan also calls for an additional fare increase of 5 percent in 2011, with increases indexed to inflation every other year after. The proposal will be voted on in December. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Bloomberg Softens Tone in Rebate Check Dispute (NY Times)
Politician Spends $35,000 in Campaign Cash to Fight Charges (Daily News)
Rebate Money is There: Comptroller (NY Post)
United Nations Stonewalling Police Department on Security (NY Post)
Associated Press to Cut 10 Percent of Work Force (Associated Press)
Council Approves Sanitation Garage Tower for Hudson Square (Downtown Express)
More New Yorkers Join Ranks of Unemployed (Crain's)
Greenpoint Development Seeks to Exceed Height Limits (Brooklyn Papers)
Brooklyn Detention Center Expansion Halted by Lawsuit (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
City and State Open New Traffic Monitoring Center (The Forum)
A Push to Rid Ground Zero of Illegal Vendors (Tribeca Trib)
November 20, 2008
New York, U.S. Feud Over Surveillance
The U.S. Justice Department is resisting the New York City Police Department's efforts to get broader permission to eavesdrop on some possible terrorism suspects. The Justice Department reportedly denied requests from the city for warrants to conduct surveillance of the suspects. In an exchange of letters with Attorney General MIchael Mukasey, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said any delay in the wiretapping would stymie progress on two key cases. For its part, the Justice Department reportedly thinks the police have not provided adequate justification for its requests. A final determination on the matter might well fall to the Obama administration, which many believe will be less likely to approve wiretaps than the current administration. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Mayor Balks at Rebate Checks
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said yesterday that he has no plans to send out the $400 property-tax rebate checks that many city homeowners expected to receive in October. By his administration's own admission, Bloomberg does not have the power to cancel the rebate without City Council's consent -- something he is unlikely to get. But yesterday Bloomberg said he would not issue the checks because the city can no longer afford the rebate. Several City Council members have already filed suit to force Bloomberg to release the checks. For more, see City Hall News.
MTA's Biggest Headache: Its 5-Year Capital Plan (NY Times)
MTA to Eliminate M8 Crosstown Bus (Daily News)
Brooklyn and Queens Buses Slashed (NY Post)
Levy, Skelos: City Should Not Reimpose Commuter Tax (Newsday)
New York Tech Community Reorganizes (NY Observer)
Education Council Votes To Redraw District Lines (NY 1)
Trendy, Endangered Neighborhood Rezoned (Gotham Gazette)
Administration for Children's Services Struggles With Cuts (City Limits)
Study Finds Cyclists Often Ignore Safety Laws (Metro)
Metro Area Price Index Plunges on Lower Energy (Crain's)
Quality-of-Life Crimes a Harbinger of Things to Come? (AM New York)
November 19, 2008
Budget Negotiations Fall Apart
After an emergency session in Albany in response to the state's fiscal crisis, state leaders left without a solution to a $1.5 billion budget gap. The negotiations revolved around Gov. David Paterson's proposed cuts, which decreased funding for schools and increased tuition at state universities. The negotiations, which were tense, will be put on hold until the governor releases a fiscal plan sometime next month. Paterson criticized Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for not proposing any of his own cuts. The negotiations turned political – a possible result of the State Senate's flip from a Republican to Democratic majority. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
MTA Fare Hike
In addition to the elimination of two subway lines, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority plans to increase fare and toll revenues by 23 percent. A base subway and bus fare could increase to $2.50, officials said. The authority will make a budget presentation today detailing additional service cuts in order to address a $1.2 bullion budget gap. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
South Street Seaport Plan Criticized By Landmarks Board (NY Times)
Wall Street Workers Turn to Teaching During Tough Times (Daily News)
Commission Supports Protecting University Towers (NY Post)
Murder Renews Questions at Rikers (Village Voice)
Manhattan Institute Sees Opportunity in GOP Defeat (NY Observer)
Ring of Steel Center Opens (Associated Press)
Could The City See a 1970s Rerun? (AM New York)
New York After the Meltdown (Gotham Gazette)
Economy Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
November 18, 2008
Extensive Service Cuts Likely for MTA
Facing a budget shortfall of $1.2 billion next year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority may eliminate the W and Z train lines, cut train frequency and station agents, and increase times between trains -- all leading to crowded trains and longer waits, the Daily News reports. Late night bus service on many routes may also be cut, and over 350 administrative posts eliminated when the MTA reveals a new budget on Thursday. Barring a bailout from the state legislature, New Yorkers will also face a fare hike.
Eliminating Tax Rebate Requires Council Approval (NY Times)
Plastic Bag Surcharge Causes Controversy (NY Times)
Legal Confusion Surrounds 'Toxic' School Site (Daily News)
Paterson Faces a Stand Off over Budget Cuts (NY Post)
Coney Island All Year Round? (Associated Press)
Greater Public Review of NYCHA Housing Deals Needed, Critics Say (City Limits)
Clinton's Seat Will be Hard to Fill (Crain's)
Commuter Tax Gets Yet Another Hearing (Newsweek)
Senator Clinton is Obama's First Choice (Politico)
November 17, 2008
New Push for Cleaner Cabs
Following a federal ruling that blocked the city's effort to place environmentally friendly taxis on the streets, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is taking another approach. On Friday, he announced incentives to encourage owners of taxi fleets to purchase hybrid cars. The plan would change the amounts fleet owners can charge drivers for using cabs, upping the fees for hybrid vehicles and so making the cleaner cars more profitable for the owners. For more, see Transportation Links in the News.
Paterson, Legislative Leaders Fail to Agree on Budget Cuts (NY Times)
Council Approves Plans to Reshape Queens (Gotham Gazette)
Gas Drilling Could Endanger City's Water Supply, Critics Say (Associated Press)
State's Budget Crunch Will Have Wide Effects (Wall Street Journal)
Giuliani Would Consider Run for Governor (AM New York)
High-Stakes Test (Gotham Gazette)
Education Links In The News (Gotham Gazette)
November 14, 2008
School Accountability Spending
School accountability efforts, such as student data systems and school report cards, cost the Education Department over $130 million this year, and are expected to cost $105 million next year, according to a new report by the Independent Budget Office. Many of the measures were originally funded by private donors, but are increasingly funded by the city. The report was requested by Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has asked the department to cut $181 million from its budget this year. For more, see Education Links in the News or The Wonkster.
Plan to Centralize Choice of Kindergarten Is Ended (NY Times)
Silver Puts it All on the Table for Budget Cuts (Daily News)
CIty Plans to Continue Shrinking Streets (NY Post)
Council Approves Willets Point Eminent Domain Plan (Newsday)
Midlevel Court Rejects Judges' Lawsuit for Raise (Associated Press)
Report: Cable's Cash Sways Government (Crain's)
MTA Workers Doing Their Job? (WABC)
Upstate Gas Drilling Attracts Foreign Investors (WNYC)
For First-Time Candidates, Term-Limits Present Challenges, Opportunities (City Hall)
State Says Concrete Company Polluted Newtown Creek (Queens Courier)
Locals Want BQE Covered Over (Brooklyn Papers)
Cash-Strapped City Cancels Leaf Collection Program (Flatbush Life)
A Brighter Future for University Woods Park? (Mount Hope Monitor)
November 13, 2008
$2 Billion in Spending Cuts Proposed
Gov. David Paterson yesterday proposed $2 billion in spending cuts for this year, and $3.2 billion next year. This year, aid to schools would be cut by $585 million, and health care spending would be cut by $572 million. Tuition for public colleges would rise $300. The plan called for doubling most of those cuts and hikes next year. The city would lose $41 million, or 17 percent, in municipal aid this year, but all other cities would be spared. Paterson would ask unions to forgo a 3 percent pay raise next year. State retirees would also begin paying as much as half of their health insurance premiums, up from 10 percent. He did not propose a gas tax increase, but instead called for a 5 cent deposit on bottled water. Paterson has called a special session for the state legislature next week to vote on the plan. But Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos said the plan "lacked creativity," and he would not act on the plan until Paterson offered more details on next year's budget. The state faces a $1.5 billion deficit this year, and $12.5 deficit next year. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Most City High Schools Improved This Year (NY Times)
Hikind Refuses Subpoena for Sexual Abuse Complaints (NY Times)
Shrinking Demand for MTA Bridges and Tunnels (Daily News)
MTA Three Years Behind on Anti-Terror Projects (NY Post)
Half of City Licensed Employment Agencies Swindled Job Seekers (Newsday)
City and State Vie for Federal Stimulus Money (NY Observer)
Deal Struck on Willets Point (Crain's)
City Dumps Red Hook Pier Plan (Brooklyn Papers)
November 12, 2008
State Budget Cuts Expected
With Gov. David Paterson scheduled to announce proposed spending cuts today, speculation continues about how deep the cuts will be and where they will fall. The governor, who has said he would not back an increase in the income tax, reportedly will call for $2 billion in immediate cuts, including reductions in school aid and health care programs and increases in tuition at public colleges. At a forum yesterday, he indicated that no program would be spared. In another sign of the area's fiscal crisis, experts see transit fares rising sharply, perhaps to as high as $3 next year. Drivers could face a hike in the state gas tax. For more see, Finance Links in the News.
Fight for State Senate Set to Continue Until January (NY Times)
Brooklyn Lab Could Boost City as Bio-Tech Center (NY Times)
City Lawyers Seek to Settle Fire Department Bias Suit (Daily News)
Times Square Ball Won't Be Just for New Year's Anymore (Associated Press)
New Education Department Rules Threaten Small Publishers (City Limits)
On-line Job Listings in New York Fall Sharply (Crain's)
Intrepid Air and Space Museum Reopens (USA Today)
November 11, 2008
Service Reductions and Fare Increase Likely
Fare increases and potentially "draconian" service reductions are increasingly likely next year as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority looks for ways to close a budget gap that has grown substantially since the authority released their preliminary budget this summer. The MTA depends on real estate taxes and taxes on corporate profits for revenue, and both have plummeted in the wake of the financial crisis. A state commission is scheduled to release a full report in December that will recommend solutions to the MTA's chronic money problems. For more, see finance and transportation links in the news.
Lines Growing at Food Pantries, (NY Times)
Transit Workers Union Collecting Dues Again (NY Post)
City Proposes Bike Parking Rules for New Buildings (Associated Press)
SUNY Trustees ask for Tuition Increase (Albany Times Union)
Union Leaders Won't Reopen State Contracts (Albany Times Union)
Dissident Albany Democrat Won't Quit Party (Albany Times Union)
Saving Jamaica Bay's Disappearing Marshes (City Limits)
Immigrant Voting on the Rise (City Limits)
November 10, 2008
Paterson Identifies Cuts
Gov. David Paterson said the state could see cuts in the billions to Medicaid and education in response to the state's financial crisis. Such cuts could resemble measures the state took in the 1970s and are sure to be controversial. Already Republican Senate leaders are vowing to block cuts to education. Paterson also said he would look to reopen labor contracts to avoid or decrease layoffs. The state Legislature will hold a special session next week to address a $1.5 billion budget shortfall for this fiscal year. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Senator Says Goodbye To Politics (NY Times)
State Republicans Scramble for Relevance (NY Times)
Attorney May Leave for Private Practice (NY Times)
City Sited for Unsafe Conditions at School (NY Times)
The Intrepid's Million Dollar Makeover (Daily News)
Dogs Sniff Out Tobacco (NY Post)
Commission Calls For Tolls on Bridges (NY Post)
Transit Leader Swears Off Strikes (Newsday)
What Obama Could Mean For the Big Apple (Crain's)
November 07, 2008
Spitzer Won't Face Charges
Federal prosecutors announced yesterday that former Gov. Eliot Spitzer would not face charges for his dealings with a prostitution ring. U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia of Manhattan said they found no evidence that Spitzer had used public money or campaign funds to pay for prostitutes. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
Officer Testifies in Sodomy Case
A transit cop who witnessed part of the arrest of Michael Mineo, who is accusing the arresting officers of sodomizing him, gave his testimony of the incident to a grand jury yesterday. The testifying officer, Kevin Maloney, saw one of the officers, Richard Kern, place a baton on Mineo's buttocks while he called out that he was being sodomized. Mineo's pants were falling down from the arrest and his underwear was exposed. For more, see Crime Links in the News.
State to Cut Drug Abuse Programs for Ex-Convicts (NY Times)
City Reaches Agreement With State on Sewage (NY Times)
Council Looks to Thwart Bloomberg's Tax Plan (Daily News)
Back Up Plan for 911 Takes Major Hit (NY Post)
City Could Receive More Homeland Security Funds (NY 1)
News Corp. Shares Plunge on Outlook (Associated Press)
State Public Asset Sale Hearings Off to a Slow Start (Metro)
New Bike Share Program Coming to New York University (AM New York)
Only Modest Gain in Voter Turnout (WNYC)
Residents Get First Look at Proposed North Brooklyn Rezoning (Greenpoint Star)
Co-ops Locked-In to High Heating Oil Prices (Riverdale Press)
November 06, 2008
Tax Hikes and Budget Cuts
Mayor Michael Bloomberg yesterday announced plans to bridge widening budget gaps. He called for an immediate halt to the $400 property tax rebate, raising the personal income tax by as much as to 15 percent, and ending the 7 percent property tax break. He also outlined $1.5 billion in budget cuts. The city will scale back school construction as well, and plans to build only 42 new schools with 17,000 new seats over five years, according to a plan released yesterday with no press release. Four years ago, 76 new buildings with 66,000 seats were planned. Bloomberg has the authority to cancel the rebate checks, but the City Council needs to approve of the property and income tax rises. The state legislature also needs to approve the income tax rise. For more, see Finance Links in the News.
Director Accuses Police Complaint Board of Bias (NY Times)
Officer in Sodomy Case Has History of Excessive Force (Daily News)
Democrats Try to Elect Their Own to Senate Leadership (NY Post)
City Looks To Bolster Media Industry (NY Observer)
Dozens of Legislative Incumbents Faced No Challenger (City Limits)
Change in Senate Control Could Hurt Landlords (Crain's)
Street Redesign Competition Announces Winners (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Wall Street Meltdown's Effect on Real Estate (Real Deal)
November 05, 2008
Victory for Obama and State Democrats
On an Election Day many New Yorkers will remember for the rest of their lives, Barack Obama was elected president of the United States. New Yorkers waited in long lines to cast their ballots for the Democrat, who captured 62 percent of the vote in the state.
Democrats wracked up local victories too, as unofficial results showed the party winning 32 of New York's 62 State Senate seats. Some Democratic senators still might cross party lines to support Republican Dean Skelos as Senate majority leader, but if the Democrats do assume the leadership, they will control both houses of the legislature and the governor's office for the first time in more than half a century. In the city, Democratic City Councilmember Joe Addabbo ousted longtime GOP State Sen. Serphin Maltese, and another Queens race -- between Frank Padavan and James Gennaro -- remained too close to call. The city's other incumbents in the legislature won re-election.
In another win for Democrats, Michael McMahon won the race in the 13th Congressional District, now represented by Vito Fossella. This means Democrats now hold all the city's seats in the U.S. Congress. And in Queens, Liz Crowley defeated Republican City Councilmember Anthony Como. Republicans now hold just two of 51 council seats.
For results of local races, go to Gotham Gazette's Election Results page.
Democrats Set to Control State Senate -- and Albany (NY Times)
Long Lines and Some Breakdowns at Polling Places (NY Times)
New York Cheers Obama Victory (NY Times)
Bloomberg Plans to Cut 3,000 City Jobs (Daily News)
City to Cut Police Class (NY Post)
New Yorkers Wait, Vote, Worry -- and Celebrate (NY Observer)
Crane Rules Too Unwieldy, Construction Industry Says (Associated Press)
Democrat McMahon Takes City's Last GOP House Seat (Staten Island Advance)
Foreclosures in City Rise Sharply (Crain's)
November 04, 2008
Obama Wins N.Y. -- and the Nation!
On an Election Day many New Yorkers will remember for the rest of their lives, the state's voters contributed their 31 electoral votes to Barack Obama's historic election as president of the United States. The city's Democratic members of Congress all won re-election easily, and Democrat Michael McMahon defeated Republican Robert Straniere for the seat now held by Vito Fosella, meaning the Democrats will hold all the city's House seats.
Most of the city's incumbent members of the State Senate and Assembly easily won re-election, although it remained unclear whether the Republicans will be able to hold on to their control of the State Senate. In the closely watched race in Queens' 15 district, the Democratic challenger, City Councilmember Joe Addabbo, held a substantial lead over long-time incumbent Republican Serphin Maltese, possibly putting that seat in the Democratic column.
For results of local races, go to Gotham Gazette's Election Results page.
Term-Limits Extension Signed
New York City residents filed into the mayor's side of City Hall -- a rare space for such a public spectacle -- for the city's final hearing on term limits Monday morning. Despite the relentless opposition and at times piercing criticism, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as expected, signed a term-limits extension into law just before 2 p.m., effectively allowing dozens of term-limited officials, including himself, to seek another four years in office. Visit Searchlight for full coverage.
Surveillence Cameras Help Solve Crimes, But Do They Prevent? (NY Times)
Tots Taught to Eat Healthy (Daily News)
Son of Queens Crash Victim Wants Safer Streets (Daily News)
Department Reassigns Four Police in Alleged Sodomy Case (NY Post)
Planning for Record Turnout (NY 1)
Term Limits Extension Signed Into Law (Gotham Gazette)
Italian Immigrants Stick to Mother Tongue (City Limits)
ACORN Warned of Mortgage Crisis Early (City Limits)
Democrats Look for a Majority in State Senate (AM New York)
November 03, 2008
Green Taxis Blocked By Court
A federal judge blocked a rule on Friday that would have required a vast majority of the city's taxi fleet be hybrid by 2012. The judge ruled that only the federal government can set fuel eff

