May 26, 2012 · www.gothamgazette.com

Gotham Gazette
Loading
Archive for October, 2009
Recent Posts
NYC Blogs
Click here for a list of NYC blogs
Newsfeeds
Search This Blog

Doom and Gloom
October 20th, 2009

Gov. David Paterson will meet with legislative leaders tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. in the Red Room. The Assembly will hold hearings on Paterson’s deficit reduction plan in Albany starting at 9:30 a.m.

Paterson has said he will call legislators into special session on Oct. 28 to deal with the budget and in advance of all of that budget director Robert Megna has issued a statement designed to get legislators in the mood to cut some spending.
Unless action is taken to address New Yorks current-year budget deficit, our State government is likely to face significant cash-flow difficulties beginning in December,” said Megna. “During that month, several substantial local assistance payments are scheduled to be made, including $2.5 billion in STAR and $1.6 billion in School Aid funding for school districts, $500 million in funding for city governments, and $500 million in funding for county governments, among others.” Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on October 20, 2009, 6:04 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


New Voices Against Monserrate
October 20th, 2009

Add Sen. Bill Perkins and Comptroller Bill Thompson to the list of politicians who think Sen. Hiram Monserrate should resign after being convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge.

Azi Payabarah of the Observer reported that Thompson told reporters today, “I think its becoming clearer, and clearer each and every day that in this case of domestic abuse is one that, in spite of the fact that he was only convicted of a misdemeanor, people feel that elected officials should be held to higher standards, and that senator Monserrate needs to step aside. Thompson was asked if he agreed with that sentiment and he indicated he did.

Perkins told WABC yesterday, “In my community domestic violence is a very, very big thing. Since that interview Perkins has released a statement condemning Monserrate.

Perkins is the first black senator to come out against Monserrate. Much has been made of the fact that the first series of senators to speak out against Monserrate were white. Senate leaders have done their best to play down the appearance of racial tension. Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on October 20, 2009, 5:05 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Sampson Announces Monserrate Panel
October 20th, 2009

Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson has announced the Democratic makeup of the panel that will decide how to appropriately punish Sen. Hiram Monserrate.

Sen. Eric Schneiderman will chair the committee and he will be joined by Sens. Andrea Stewart Cousins, Toby Ann Stavisky, Diane Savino and Ruth Hassell Thompson.

Monserrate, who was convicted on a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence, will be judged by at least four women.

Four yet-to-be-named Republican Senators will also serve on the panel.

Sampson said after announcing the panel that, “As a father” he is “not only angry but I’m pissed off,” by Monserrate’s actions. Sampson stressed that it was up to the Senate to follow proper procedure rather than acting on emotion.

Monserrate’s lawyer issued this statement: “In response to todays announcement of the formation of a State Senate Review Committee Senator Monserrate and his attorneys expect to cooperate fully. Senator Monserrate respects Conference Leader John Sampsons and the Democratic Conference decision to review the matter.” Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on October 20, 2009, 3:23 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Pressure Mounts on Monserrate
October 19th, 2009

The outcry for Sen. Hiram Monserrate to step down is becoming deafening, and the Senate leadership is poised to announce the formation of a committee to review the charges against him.

Liz Benjamin reports that Sen. Eric Schneiderman will probably chair the committee that is looking into reprimanding or possibly ousting Monserrate from the Senate following his conviction on a misdemeanor assault charge. Sen. John Sampson is expected to announce the committee at 3 p.m.

The full Senate would have to vote on whatever recommendations that bi-partisan committee makes.

A number of Senators who have already called for Monserrate to resign will not serve on the committee, and it is unlikely those who have voiced support for him will either.

On the Monserrate-must-go side are Sens. Liz Krueger, Neil Breslin, David Valesky, Darrel Aubertine, Brian Foley and Suzi Oppenheimer. Those supporting him include Sens. Pedro Espada, Eric Adams and Ruben Diaz. Diaz issued a statement last week attacking his colleagues for calling on Monserrate to resign.

This drama certainly does not help the Senate get things done. Senate Democrats are again breaking down along racial lines. Breslin said that while he was concerned with factionalism he thought it was best to speak out. “Everyone worries about that,” said Breslin, “but you can’t not speak out when its right.” Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on October 19, 2009, 5:04 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | 1 Comment »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


De Blasio Joins Monserrate Fray
October 19th, 2009

Democratic Public Advocate Nominee Bill de Blasio has joined the down-with Hiram Monserrate fray, which now includes a number of prominent Democratic state legislators and U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Here is a statement from de Blasio, who served with Monserrate in the City Council for seven years:

Despite the promise that many once saw in Senator Monserrate, the revelations of his recent trial are too severe to be ignored. This is
a sad moment but we cannot allow any form of domestic violence to go unanswered. Senator Monserrate should resign from office and if he fails to do so he should be removed by the Senate leadership.

By Courtney Gross on October 19, 2009, 4:29 pm
In category: City Hall, Gotham City | 2 Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Broadway Triangle, Kingsbridge Armory Approved (Updated)
October 19th, 2009

<i>The Broadway Triangle from HPD</i>

The Broadway Triangle from HPD

The City Planning Commission approved the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx and the development of the Broadway Triangle in Brooklyn today — both controversial applications that have seen significant community opposition.

Both of the projects will go to the City Council now, which has 50 days to approve or reject them.

Proposed by one of the city’s largest developers, Related Companies, the Kingsbridge Armory is now one step closer to transforming into a large shopping mall, dubbed the ‘The Shops at the Armory.” Estimated to cost $310 million, the project will host a large supermarket, local shops, a movie theater and recreational space. Community leaders and Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. oppose the plan and have lobbied Related and the city to require the provision of “living wage” jobs on site.

In response to the vote, Diaz said in a prepared statement, We are not asking for anything radical or extreme. We are simply asking that, in a borough that has the highest poverty rate in the nation and has consistently seen the highest unemployment numbers in New York State, Related and their future tenants provide living wage jobs with benefits that allow Bronxites a chance to provide for their families and to build a better life. I am hopeful that the developer will sit down with my office to negotiate this issue and others prior to the City Councils upcoming vote on the project, and I will continue to stand up and do what is right for the people of The Bronx.”

The project was approved by a vote of 8 to 4 with one abstention. Appointees from the Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn borough presidents as well as the public advocate’s office voted against the proposal.

The Bloomberg administration has been a vocal supporter of the project. In a prepared statement, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, “The project represents a tremendous vote of confidence and commitment from the private sector, with an investment of $310 million. It will provide significant benefits to the community, including specialty and local retail shops, a public plaza, dedicated community space, restaurants, a recreational facility and a seasonal farmers market, all while creating 1,200 permanent jobs and more than 1,000 construction jobs at a time when we need them most.”
Read the rest of this entry »

By Courtney Gross on October 19, 2009, 4:21 pm
In category: City Hall, Community Development, Gotham City, Governing, Land Use | 2 Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Citizens Union for Bloomberg
October 19th, 2009

Despite being a vocal critic of the mayor’s term limit extension, Citizens Union, the sister organization to Gotham Gazette’s publisher, has endorsed Mayor Michael Bloomberg for a third term.

The move could come as a surprise some, considering the good government group’s vocal stance on term limits. According to a statement from the group, Citizens Union could not make its decision solely on the mayor’s reversal on term limits, considering the other policies the mayor has voiced support for.

“We do not make this decision easily given the importance of the issues that lie ahead and how disappointed Citizens Union was by Mayor Bloomberg’s decision to reverse his position on the issue of term limits and seek a change to the city charter that overturned the twice voter-enacted law,” read a statement from Chair Peter Sherwin and Executive Director Dick Dadey. “Mayor Bloomberg, however, has enacted desired political reforms and strongly led the city, especially during this most recent difficult economic time.”

Later they added: “While Citizens Union preferred Comptroller Thompson during the Democratic primary election, he has not sufficiently articulated his priorities, policy proposals and governance style as strongly or in as much detail as Citizens Union expects from a mayoral candidate. He has not given us a clear enough idea of what he would do as the mayor of New York other than not to be Bloomberg — and for Citizens Union, that is not sufficient for the challenges our city faces.”

For a look at what those policy differences are, see Another Term Awaits and our breakdown of where these mayoral candidates stand on the city’s most important issues. Our monthlong series on the Bloomberg record is available here.

In another surprising move, Citizens Union also endorsed John Luisi for Staten Island borough president over two term incumbent James Molinaro.

The release is in full after the jump.
Read the rest of this entry »

By Courtney Gross on October 19, 2009, 1:39 pm
In category: City Hall, Gotham City | 5 Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Weekly Web Wrap
October 17th, 2009

  • Thompson: Battery Park City is a Model for Mega-Development
    (The Real Estate)
  • Analysis of the State Transportation Department’s Capital Plan
    (Tri-State Transportation Campaign)
  • Creating a ‘Recovery High School’
    (Huffington Post)
  • The Trouble With Finding Open Wi-Fi Networks
    (NYCwireless)
  • Action on the Job Front
    (DMI Blog)
  • Did the MTA Create Blight at the Atlantic Yards?
    (Atlantic Yards Report)
  • The Importance of the Atlantic Yards Case
    (NY Fiscal Watch)
  • Historic Bed-Stuy
    (Brownstoner)
  • Charters, Bloomberg, and a Two-Tier System for Schools
    (New York Teacher)
  • Preservationists Should Take Accessibility Into Account
    (Metropolis)
  • Increasing Immigrant Involvement in Parks
    (Urban Omnibus)
  • de Blasio’s Campaign, Politics, and Interracial Marriage
    (Politico via The American Prospect)
  • By Mike Muller on October 17, 2009, 9:44 am
    In category: Gotham City | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    Krueger Demands Monserrate's Resignation
    October 16th, 2009

    Sen. Liz Krueger is demanding that Sen. Hiram Monserrate resign from the Senate.

    “I believe Hiram Monserrate should not remain in the Senate, and for the sake of his constituents, the institution of the Senate and the Democratic party he should resign immediately based on the seriousness of his violent crime,” read a statement from Krueger.

    It is no secret that a number of Senate Democrats were hoping that Monserrate would be convicted of a felony and thereby lose his Senate seat. Now convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge, there are still a number of Democrats who want Monserrate gone, one way or the other. Krueger wants Monserrate to oust himself. Some Democrats have said that Monserrate will face further discipline. Read the rest of this entry »

    By David King on October 16, 2009, 12:34 pm
    In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    Many New Yorkers Go Without Paid Sick Leave [Updated]
    October 15th, 2009

    If New Yorkers show symptoms of H1N1, or swine flu, they are first advised to avoid contact with others. Next, they are told to stay home from work. But a growing chorus of elected officials and activists are trying to make sure people don’t need to decide between paying rent and spreading the virus. And according to a new report, quite a few might have to make that choice.

    Nearly half of New Yorkers have no paid sick leave at their job, a new study by the Community Service Society and A Better Balance finds. And the number has been rising: 48 percent did not have the leave this year compared to 42 percent last year. Latino workers are most likely to go without, 72 percent of whom lack the leave. [Read the study here.]

    Last year, another study found that 52 percent of low-income working mothers had no sick leave.

    Councilmember Gale Brewer, lead sponsor of a bill to mandate paid sick leave, said. “This report shows that by making paid sick days a basic workplace standard, all employees – regardless of their income level – can care for themselves and their families when they get sick, instead of putting public health at risk.”

    Read the rest of this entry »

    By Mike Muller on October 15, 2009, 6:01 pm
    In category: Albany, Health | 2 Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    A Misdemeanor for Monserrate
    October 15th, 2009

    Sen. Hiram Monserrate was acquitted by a judge today of two felony assault charges. He was found guilty on one misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment. Monserrate will be sentenced on Dec. 4. He could face up to a year in jail.

    Last December Monserrate’s then girlfriend Karla Giraldo was slashed across the face by a broken glass in Monserrate’s apartment.

    Prosecutors charged that Monserrate intentionally slashed Giraldo across the face in a jealous rage. Monserrate claimed that it was a simple accident. An emergency room doctor testified that Giraldo told him that Monserrate had attacked her but Giraldo denied that.

    Prosecutors showed surveillance video of Monserrate pulling the clearly distressed Giraldo out of his apartment and down a flight of stairs on the way to the emergency room.

    Monserrate would have lost his Senate seat had he been convicted of a felony. Jimmy Vielkind points out that Monserrate still could be removed, if his colleagues so wished.

    By David King on October 15, 2009, 3:14 pm
    In category: Albany, Crime & Safety, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    The Plan
    October 15th, 2009

    Here is the press release from Gov. David Paterson’s office detailing his deficit reduction plan: Read the rest of this entry »

    By David King on October 15, 2009, 2:23 pm
    In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    Deficit Reduction Reaction
    October 15th, 2009

    Gov. David Paterson has released a deficit reduction plan that would cut $ 5 billion from the state budget over the course of two years. Education and health care are hit the hardest by the cuts. Paterson said he expects “harsh criticism” for his proposal and it has arrived.

    Education and health care advocates are angry. The Alliance for Quality Education and Campaign for Fiscal Equity released a joint statement blasting the $686 million in cuts to education as “damaging” and “short-sighted.” Read the rest of this entry »

    By David King on October 15, 2009, 2:19 pm
    In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    Dueling on the Deficit
    October 15th, 2009

    Gov. David Paterson has yet to officially unveil his plan to reduce the state’s growing budget deficit but legislators are already attacking it.

    Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver told the New York Post that Paterson’s proposal is a “worse case scenario” and Sen. Carl Kruger told the Daily News that Paterson might be trying to “create a doomsday atmosphere.” Both men said that there are signs that the economy is improving.

    Kruger also promised to have the Senate Finance staff take the next two weeks to dissect Paterson’s proposal.

    Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced yesterday that he expects the budget gap to actually increase to around $4.1 billion by the end of the year.

    Paterson is set to unveil $2.5 billion in budget cuts that is said to include large cuts in school and health care funding

    By David King on October 15, 2009, 12:24 pm
    In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    Thompson's Tax Explanation
    October 15th, 2009

    There were some empty chairs and muted applause. But attendees at a Crain’s breakfast this morning witnessed the grilling of Comptroller William Thompson and his plans for New York City.

    As part of that discussion, he offered up an explanation for his so-called flip-flop on the millionaire’s tax (the subject of an anti-Thompson web site and Bloomberg campaign commercials).

    “I talked about across [the] board taxes. As we look at the financial situation, as we look at a recession that continues to deepen, continues to expand… over 100,000 people lose their jobs in New York City. The focus has definitely shifted,” Thompson said of his tax policy.

    “Those who have broader shoulders during these tough times need to do more,” he added.

    Thompson wants to increase taxes by .6 percent for those making more than $500,000 and by 1 percent for those making more than $1 million. He says that will generate $1 billion in new revenue. Thompson also suggested this morning that the tax should sunset after three or four years.

    “During these tough times, I don’t think it’s too much to ask,” he summed up.

    Thompson’s tax proposal would follow the approval of a state millionaire’s tax, which has brought in less revenue than anticipated.

    By Courtney Gross on October 15, 2009, 10:05 am
    In category: City Hall, Economy, Gotham City, Governing, Public Finance, nextNY | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    Counting Vacant Property
    October 14th, 2009

    City Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito has introduced a bill that would require the city take a census to count vacant property every year. The measure also calls for the city to publish information, online and in print, identifying owners of vacant property as well as when the property became vacant.

    However, the legislation, Intro 1089, stops short of provisions that housing and homeless advocates have been agitating for, namely creating affordable housing apartments in so-called warehoused properties that would be guaranteed to homeless and low-income New Yorkers.

    (Check out this Gotham Gazette article on warehoused property for more information on this issue.)

    “I see the vacant building census legislation as an important first step to address the myriad problems that result from vacant properties,” Mark-Viverito, who represents East Harlem, Manhattan Valley and parts of Mott Haven in the Bronx, said. “The collection and publication of this data by the city will lay the groundwork for further action on this issue.”
    Read the rest of this entry »

    By Alex Kane on October 14, 2009, 9:30 pm
    In category: Gotham City, Housing | 1 Comment »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    Man With the Plan
    October 14th, 2009

    Gov. David Paterson will unveil his plan to reduce the state’s growing budget deficit tomorrow at 1 p.m. Whether he and the legislature will be able to come to terms on the plan remains to be seen. But Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is encouraging both sides to hurry up and make some cuts.

    DiNapoli announced today that thanks to a projected decline in tax revenue the deficit could reach $4.1 billion if nothing is done. The Division of Budget projects a $3 billion deficit in the current budget. But based on current trends, the end-of-year gap could be more than $4 billion if no action is taken. The spending promises made in the spring are not sustainable in the face of falling revenue. The tough decisions that should have been made in April will be much harder now that half the fiscal year has passed, and we cant just push the problem off until next year.

    DiNapoli also scolded the governor and legislators for not making better spending choices earlier in the year.

    I said in April that this was a buy time budget, and now time is up, DiNapoli said. This budget simply has not held together. Most New Yorkers understand they cannot spend more than they make. The state needs to adopt that kind of common sense. If we stay on the current path, New York will run out of cash. This situation must be addressed.

    By David King on October 14, 2009, 7:50 pm
    In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    School Stat Soup
    October 14th, 2009

    The barrage of education statistics continues, ramped up by the mayoral election campaign.

    Earlier this week — and the day before the mayoral candidates’ debate — Schools Chancellor Joel Klein held a glitzy presentation comparing the city’s record with those of other schools districts in the state. Klein declared that city students had advanced more than other New York kids — an effort to rebut arguments that students may be doing better largely because the state’s tests are getting easier.

    Seconding that in an editorial, the Daily News cited the numbers and said, “These numbers offer indisputable evidence that (Bloomberg) and Chancellor Joel Klein have worked a sea change in the nation’s largest school system.

    Another day, another set of statistics. This time the state’s scores on the math test given under the National Assessment of Educational Proficiency, a national report card popularly know as NAEP. According to Ed Notes on Line, the scores showed “no significant change since 2007 for NY State in either fourth or eighth grade math. Since NYC is such a large part of NY State, this means it is very likely the same for NYC - i.e. no significant improvements since 2007.” Read the rest of this entry »

    By Gail Robinson on October 14, 2009, 6:18 pm
    In category: Albany, Education, Electoral Politics, Measuring UP | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    Quinn's Lightening Round
    October 14th, 2009

    Sparked by last night’s lightening round, Council Speaker Christine Quinn was asked this afternoon whether she thinks President Barack Obama has done enough for the LGBT community in his first months in office.

    In a nutshell, the council’s first openly gay speaker said, “No.”

    “Obviously I think the LGBT community is in much better hands with President Obama,” she said. “That said, I do not think President Obama has done enough for the LGBT community in his first nine or so months in office.”

    “I remain hopeful,” she added.

    That question sparked her own lightening round of sorts. When asked whether she would give a general reaction to the first Bloomberg-Thompson face off, Quinn reacted in typical lightening round fashion. She was brief.

    “No, but thank you for asking,” she quipped.

    What about an endorsement?

    “No. I’m staying in a lightening road mode. Is my hair naturally this color?” she asked laughing. “No.”

    What about an announcement before election day?

    “Yes,” she said.

    And like last night, reporters couldn’t help but wonder whether Quinn too had had a manicure recently.

    “Sadly no, but I wish I had,” she said lifting up her hands to show the room. “I enjoy them. I think they’re economic development.”

    By Courtney Gross on October 14, 2009, 1:24 pm
    In category: City Hall, Gotham City | 1 Comment »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed


    The Candidates Debate
    October 13th, 2009

    Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Democratic opponent William Thompson Jr. clashed in their first debate tonight, a fast-moving contest characterized more by each man’s criticisms of the other than by any forward looking policy prescriptions.

    Most objective observers (i.e. not the spin doctors made available by both sides in the Museo del Barrio after the debate) would be hard pressed to detect any huge gaffes, or any “knockout punches,” from either side.

    Thompson challenged Bloomberg on his the extension of term limits and castigated him for policies that, Thompson said, have squeezed working and middle-income New Yorkers out of the city. Bloomberg took aim at Thompson’s record as former president of the now defunct Board of Education and for accepting money from money managers who do business with the comptroller’s office.

    Bloomberg stressed his record, particularly on education, and his confidence in the future, while Thompson said repeatedly he would work for the more moderate income New Yorkers who feel threatened by luxury developments and rising costs.

    Immediately seizing on term limits in his opening statement, Thompson asked, Can the richest man in New York play by his own set of rules?” Bloomberg, according to Thompson, “has spent an obscene amount of money to distort my record and rewrite history.”

    For his part, Bloomberg used his first question to go after Thompson’s record on education. “When he ran the Board of Education, schools were much more violent. …. There were always groups that tested poorly and no one did anything about it,” Bloomberg said.

    Thompson responded that unlike, Bloomberg who exercises almost total control over schools, “I didn’t run the school system.” If he did, Thompson said, “I would do a better job. Simple as that.”

    Bloomberg also assailed Thompson has comptroller, saying the city pension funds had not performed as well as they should partly because Thompson was influenced by money managers who gave him political donations. Under Thompson, Bloomberg said, “If you want to do business with the city, you have to pay-to-play.”

    Thompson said that contributions did not influence his actions and that the mayor and his appointees to pension boards approved the pension decisions. “Your people voted for every investment,” Thompson said. “Why? Because they were good investments.”

    On other issues, Bloomberg defended his massive rezoning of the city while Thompson said he would re-examine some of the rezonings, such as the Hudson Yards area on Manhattan’s West Side, with a view toward including more affordable housing.

    On stop and frisks, Bloomberg said the police have “struck the right balance,” and cited the decrease in crime and improved police community relations during his tenure. Thompson said there is a need for stop and frisks but added, “I don’t think anyone would say it’s not being overused.”

    Thompson ended by saying the “People of New York City are not for sale” and urging them to have their own vote on term limits on Nov. 3 and defeat Bloomberg.

    Turning a Thompson slogan around, Bloomberg said, “Eight is not enough for the great things that have happened.”

    But maybe 12 is. In response to a question, Bloomberg said that if he were re-elected, he would not seek a fourth term in 2013.

    By Gail Robinson on October 13, 2009, 10:08 pm
    In category: Governing | No Comments »

    | More

    RSS Feed RSS Feed



    RSS Feed