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<channel>
	<title>The Wonkster &#187; Parks</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/category/parks/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster</link>
	<description>A blog about the views and spews of editorialists, bloggers and other unsavory opinionated New Yorkers.</description>
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		<title>Closing Public Spaces</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/10/31/closing-public-spaces/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/10/31/closing-public-spaces/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:06:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gail Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil Rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Use]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jerome kayden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city zoning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Occupy Wall Street]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zuccotti park]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10250</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[(Gotham Gazette parks reporter Anne Schwartz filed this post.)
Last week, Crain&#8217;s   reported that landlords, taking action in response to Occupy Wall Street’s weeks-long occupancy of Zuccotti Park, want the city to revamp its laws covering the city’s privately owned public parks to set hours of operation and prohibit large gatherings. Crain&#8217;s has a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b><i>(Gotham Gazette parks reporter Anne Schwartz filed this post.)</i></b></p>
<p>Last week, Crain&#8217;s <a href="http://mycrains.crainsnewyork.com/blogs/polls/2011/10/should-private-parks-be-allowed-to-set-their-own-hours/">  reported</a> that landlords, taking action in response to Occupy Wall Street’s weeks-long occupancy of Zuccotti Park, want the city to revamp its laws covering the city’s privately owned public parks to set hours of operation and prohibit large gatherings. Crain&#8217;s has a survey asking readers whether they think &#8220;private parks&#8221; should be allowed to set their own hours. As of today, the 201 people who bothered to respond said yes by a margin of almost two to one.</p>
<p>The business paper, however, did not note that these spaces are actually public places that developers were required to create &#8212; and keep open &#8212; in return for the right to build taller buildings under city zoning laws. Having already received the financial benefits of the added floor space, the landlords now  are seeking to restrict some of the public benefit.</p>
<p>A study conducted in 2001 by Jerold Hayden, a Harvard professor of urban planning and design, with the Department of City Planning and the Municipal Art Society, found that 40 percent of these parks &#8220;were and are practically useless, with austere designs, no amenities and little or no direct sunlight. Roughly half of the buildings surveyed had spaces that were illegally closed or otherwise privatized.&#8221; (For Gotham Gazette&#8217;s report on that study, go <a href=" http://www.gothamgazette.com/article//20010205/997/232http://www.gothamgazette.com/article//20010205/997/232">here</a>.) </p>
<p>The results still hold today, Kayden wrote in a recent <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/20/opinion/zuccotti-park-and-the-private-plaza-problem.html"> New York Times piece</a>.<br />
Kayden said he welcomes the attention the protesters have called to the city&#8217;s privately owned public spaces, but calls for a much broader discussion on how they can contribute meaningfully to city life. &#8220;They need a champion, an independent steward or curator who actively promotes their use, not only by assuring that spaces are provided as legally promised but also by encouraging improvements, activities and public educational opportunities,&#8221; Kayden said.</p>
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		<title>Tent Pressure</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/10/25/tent-pressure/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/10/25/tent-pressure/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:17:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil Rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10230</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is getting cold out there and the protesters at Occupy Wall Street are starting to notice. So, Bill Lipton of the Working Families Party sent out an e-mail to supporters this morning asking them to put pressure on Mayor Michael Bloomberg to allow tents  in Zuccotti Park.
&#8220;It was only two weeks ago when cleaning [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is getting cold out there and the protesters at Occupy Wall Street are starting to notice. So, Bill Lipton of the Working Families Party sent out an e-mail to supporters this morning asking them to put pressure on Mayor Michael Bloomberg to allow tents  in Zuccotti Park.</p>
<p>&#8220;It was only two weeks ago when cleaning crews threatened to remove the  protesters from the park. We stood together, made phone calls, picked up  brooms and mops, and turned out by the thousands before dawn on a  Friday morning,&#8221; writes Lipton.  &#8220;And we won. We can do it again, if we stand together. If you can&#8217;t come  down to the park to help pitch a tent, pitch in by signing our emergency  petition to Mayor Bloomberg. Tell Mayor Bloomberg to protect free speech and allow the protesters at Zuccotti park to build tents.&#8221;</p>
<p>Here is the full appeal</p>
<p>Dear friend,</p>
<p>As winter approaches, tarps and sleeping bags won&#8217;t be enough.</p>
<p>Help make sure cold weather doesn&#8217;t end the Occupy Wall Street protest.</p>
<p>It got pretty chilly this weekend. Next week will surely be cooler.</p>
<p>The protest – which has focused the eyes of the world on corporate greed and economic inequality – is free speech in action. But without shelter, the protesters occupying Wall Street down at Zuccotti Park could be frozen out and forced to an early end.</p>
<p>Occupy protests from Boston to Philadelphia to Seattle have been allowed to put up tents to provide shelter and warmth. But down at Wall Street, tents are against the rules. Even the protest&#8217;s medical tent was nearly removed before the activists&#8217; impassioned defense saved it.</p>
<p>Tell Mayor Bloomberg: Let the protesters stay &#8212; let them set up tents.</p>
<p>After you sign, please forward this email or share on Facebook to spread the message far and wide. The world is watching.</p>
<p>The protest movement that has sprung up over the past month is giving voice to millions of Americans who feel left out or left behind. It&#8217;s focusing the political debate across the nation on the corporate greed and economic inequality we so desperately need to address.</p>
<p>The coming winter isn&#8217;t the only threat the protest is facing. New York&#8217;s real estate and developer lobbyists are pushing hard for new rules that would allow them to shut down Zuccotti Park every night and impose a curfew.</p>
<p>Mayor Bloomberg doesn&#8217;t have to love the Occupy Wall Street movement&#8217;s message. But he has a duty to protect and uphold the First Amendment rights of the protesters to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard.</p>
<p>The heart and soul of the First Amendment is protecting protest movements like Occupy Wall Street – not assuring unlimited corporate spending on elections.</p>
<p>It was only two weeks ago when cleaning crews threatened to remove the protesters from the park. We stood together, made phone calls, picked up brooms and mops, and turned out by the thousands before dawn on a Friday morning.</p>
<p>And we won. We can do it again, if we stand together. If you can&#8217;t come down to the park to help pitch a tent, pitch in by signing our emergency petition to Mayor Bloomberg.</p>
<p>Tell Mayor Bloomberg to protect free speech and allow the protesters at Zuccotti park to build tents:</p>
<p>http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4853</p>
<p>Thanks for spreading the word,</p>
<p>Bill Lipton<br />
Deputy Director, WFP</p>
<p>PS. For information on how to donate donate winter coats, sleeping bags, or other supplies, reply to this email.</p>
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		<title>Sleep Over on Wall Street</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/10/20/sleep-over-on-wall-street/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/10/20/sleep-over-on-wall-street/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:13:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fox News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MTV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NYPD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Occupy Wall Street]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Real World]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10204</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thought Occupy Wall Street had jumped the shark when MTV started trying to cast protesters for the Real World? Well think again, because OWS just got even more main stream in a way that will almost certainly send Fox News anchors into stuttering tirades.
Break out your sleeping bags kids! Parents for Occupy Wall Street is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thought Occupy Wall Street had jumped the shark when <a href="http://www.ivillage.com/real-world-hopes-cast-ows-protesters/1-a-394734">MTV started trying to cast protesters</a> for the Real World? Well think again, because OWS just got even more main stream in a way that will almost certainly send Fox News anchors into stuttering tirades.</p>
<p>Break out your sleeping bags kids! <a href="http://www.parentsforoccupywallst.com/ ">Parents for Occupy Wall Street</a> is holding a &#8220;Family Sleep Over&#8221; on Friday at 4 p.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday morning. A similar event was planned last week but canceled do to the <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/economy/20111017/21/3621">(cancelled) eviction and clean up</a>.</p>
<p>&#8220;Occupy Wall Street is a place for everyone, including families. At the Family Sleepover, families and children will find arts and crafts, a children’s music sing along, a pizza party, and a bed time story,&#8221; reads a statement released by organizers.</p>
<p>The group has already made the New York Police Department aware of the event and parents will wear shirts to identify themselves as being affiliated with the sleep over.</p>
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		<title>Smokers Park?</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/06/15/smokers-park/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/06/15/smokers-park/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:14:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gail Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hudson river park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smoking ban]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smoking in parks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9703</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Marissa Miller filed this post.
Smokers take note: The city&#8217;s ban on  smoking in parks so far does not apply to Hudson River Park. It is not part of the city&#8217;s park system &#8212; it is state regulated &#8211; and therefore does not fall under its jurisdiction.
That could change, though. The park is in somewhat [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b><i>Marissa Miller filed this post.</i></b></p>
<p>Smokers take note: The city&#8217;s ban on <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/20110531/212/3536"> smoking in parks</a> so far does not apply to <a href="http://www.bpcparks.org/bpcp/home/index.php">Hudson River Park</a>. It is not part of the city&#8217;s park system &#8212; it is state regulated &#8211; and therefore does not fall under its jurisdiction.</p>
<p>That could change, though. The park is in somewhat of a &#8220;gray&#8221; area and so, according to the parks department, its exemption from the ban is currently under review.</p>
<p>For now, Hudson River Park has refrained from installing the &#8220;no smoking&#8221; signs found in other city parks. However, some residents in the surrounding neighborhoods worry that it will turn into a smokers &#8220;paradise,&#8221; infested by smokers from all around the city.</p>
<p>In an e-mail statement, David Katz, vice president of marketing and events at Hudson River Park Trust, wrote, &#8220;The state&#8217;s Administrative Procedures Act requires us to provide a public review and comment period and a hearing prior to issuing or amending our park rules.  We are not allowed to ban smoking until this process is completed.  At our most recent board meeting, we were asked to commence this process.  We expect to hold a public hearing this summer on a proposal to ban smoking in the park.&#8221;</p>
<p>So, New Yorkers will have to wait and see if this park will remain a smoker&#8217;s oasis for much longer.</p>
<p>It was reported elsewhere that Battery Park City would also participate in this exemption from the ban as it also falls under state jurisdiction. However, a spokesperson from the Battery Park City Authority confirmed, &#8220;Battery Park City will follow New York City Park rules and regulations&#8221; and thus abide by the smoking ban.</p>
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		<title>Bloomberg Releases Budget, Slashes Teachers</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/05/06/bloomberg-releases-budget-slashes-teachers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/05/06/bloomberg-releases-budget-slashes-teachers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 18:13:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye Opener]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Measuring UP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare cuts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Council Speaker Christine Quinn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deficit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[domenic recchia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fiscal crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fiscal year 2012]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steve levin]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9462</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As expected, Mayor Michael Bloomberg released a $65.7 billion budget this morning, which slashes 6,166 teaching positions, would close 20 fire companies and shutter four swimming pools this summer. 
Bloomberg deflected all of the blame for the fiscal pain. Instead, he pointed towards Albany and Washington.
&#8220;Both places are keeping our tax dollars to close their [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/05/05/more-budget-cuts-more-budget-blame/">expected</a>, Mayor Michael Bloomberg released a <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/omb/html/publications/finplan05_11.shtml">$65.7 billion budget</a> this morning, which slashes 6,166 teaching positions, would close 20 fire companies and shutter four swimming pools this summer. </p>
<p>Bloomberg <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.c0935b9a57bb4ef3daf2f1c701c789a0/index.jsp?pageID=mayor_press_release&#038;catID=1194&#038;doc_name=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fhtml%2Fom%2Fhtml%2F2011a%2Fpr141-11.html&#038;cc=unused1978&#038;rc=1194&#038;ndi=1">deflected</a> all of the blame for the fiscal pain. Instead, he pointed towards Albany and Washington.</p>
<p>&#8220;Both places are keeping our tax dollars to close their budget deficits,&#8221; Bloomberg said. &#8220;If the state was paying 50 percent of the Department of Education, we would not be talking about laying off teachers.&#8221;</p>
<p>While Bloomberg did not hesitate to blame Albany, he also acknowledged the city was unlikely to receive any reprieve from the state or federal government. For now, the city will use the remainder of its surplus to close the budget hole. </p>
<p>The mayor&#8217;s executive plan did back away from slashing <a href="http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/138596/ny1-exclusive--ny1-marist-poll-finds-giuliani-has-most-state-republican-support--trump-trails-far-behind">16,000 child care slots</a> &#8212; the result of a loss in federal funding. The administration plans to save the positions by expanding after school programs and increasing funding for the Administration for Children&#8217;s Services. The cost of the slots was originally put at $91 million. Officials said the program could be saved with just $40 million. </p>
<p>Advocates and council members, however, questioned the mayor&#8217;s calculations. </p>
<p>&#8220;With the budget released today, the administration is continuing its assault on early childhood education by cutting $50 million from our city&#8217;s child care,&#8221; said Councilman Steve Levin. &#8220;It is an outrageous sleight of hand that this administration would present itself as the savior of child care while simultaneously destroying it for thousands of New Yorkers. It&#8217;s like someone starting a fire, just so he could take the credit for putting 40 percent of that fire out.&#8221;    </p>
<p>In a joint statement, Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Finance Chairman Domenic Recchia identified teacher layoffs, the child care cuts, a 29 percent cut to libraries and fire companies as their top priorities. </p>
<p>&#8220;Since the recent financial crisis and recession, the City Council has worked aggressively to control spending and manage the city’s budget in a fiscally responsible manner while protecting vital services,&#8221; they said. &#8220;That’s why we have grave concerns about a budget that allows for teacher layoffs, which would be immensely damaging to our education system and children&#8217;s opportunities for a quality education. Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to prevent teacher layoffs.&#8221;<br />
<span id="more-9462"></span><br />
The council is expected to identify other areas of the budget to cut instead. Already, council officials are calling on the mayor to find savings in its outside contracting. </p>
<p>This latest proposal represents the 10th round of cuts for the Big Apple in three years. In order for the council to stave off teacher layoffs, officials would have to identify $435 million in additional savings, according to the Bloomberg administration. To prevent the fire company closures, it would have to find another $55 million. </p>
<p>The council will kick off their budget hearings next week. The mayor and the council must reach a budget agreement before July 1. </p>
<p>More analysis and reaction to come later. </p>
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		<title>Blizzard Bills at the Council</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/04/06/blizzard-bills-at-the-council/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/04/06/blizzard-bills-at-the-council/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Work and Labor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blizzard 2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Council Speaker Christine Quinn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9354</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The City Council is set to approve a package of bills this afternoon which regulate the city&#8217;s snow procedures &#8212; a response to last year&#8217;s Boxing Day blizzard. 
Among the proposals, the Department of Sanitation will be required to create a snow removal plan for every borough, and the Office of Emergency Management will be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The City Council is <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/webcasts/">set</a> to <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=140205&#038;GUID=9D6993FF-BB0A-449A-A95E-DC85080384C2&#038;Search=">approve a package of bills</a> this afternoon which regulate the city&#8217;s snow procedures &#8212; a response to last year&#8217;s Boxing Day blizzard. </p>
<p>Among the proposals, the Department of Sanitation will be required to create a snow removal plan for every borough, and the Office of Emergency Management will be forced to review the previous year&#8217;s snow removal process in an annual report. The package would establish emergency protocols for the city and high-volume protocols for 311. </p>
<p>When first introduced, the Bloomberg administration <a href="http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2011/03/17/queens/qns_snow_hearing_20110317.txt">spoke out against the package</a>, claiming it needed its regulations to be &#8220;flexible.&#8221; But in an apparent flip-flop, a Bloomberg spokesperson said the adminsitration worked with the council on the bills and now supports them. </p>
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		<title>Bike Lanes on the Agenda</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/02/16/bike-lanes-on-the-agenda/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/02/16/bike-lanes-on-the-agenda/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:50:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bike battle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department of transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9124</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The latest bike battle is rolling into the City Council today with several pieces of legislation, including a requirement to report bike and pedestrian accidents more frequently.
One bill will force the Police Department to report on its Web site the number of traffic moving violations, crashes and injuries or fatalities on a monthly basis. It [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <a href="http://www.observer.com/2010/real-estate/bike-wars-come-city-council">latest bike battle</a> is rolling into the City Council today with several pieces of legislation, including a requirement to report bike and pedestrian accidents more frequently.</p>
<p>One bill will force the Police Department to report on its Web site the number of traffic moving violations, crashes and injuries or fatalities on a monthly basis. It will also force the Department of Transportation to study all traffic crashes involving a serious injury or fatality every five years. </p>
<p>In recent months, bicyclists and communities have clashed <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/02/are_powerful_forces_trying.html">over the number of bike lanes across the city</a>. Today, Council Speaker Christine Quinn said the package of legislation would help communities and bicycle advocates understand why bike lanes go in certain areas. </p>
<p>&#8220;Getting people out of cars and on to bikes is a good thing,&#8221; said Quinn. &#8220;Bike lanes work great in some neighborhoods and don&#8217;t work well in others.&#8221;</p>
<p>We&#8217;ll report back later on how the council voted. </p>
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		<title>MTA Not Taking Any More Questions</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/04/mta-not-taking-any-more-questions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/04/mta-not-taking-any-more-questions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:06:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blizzard 2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jay Walder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MTA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mta inspector general]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stephen goldsmith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[subway]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=8930</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Image from the MTA
Were you befuddled by the stranded passengers on the A or the lack of service for days on the Q post Boxing Day blizzard?
Well, at least for now, you&#8217;re not going to get any answers from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. 
When Gotham Gazette touched base with the authority this afternoon, spokesperson Charles [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snow4.jpg"><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snow4.jpg" alt="From the MTA" title="snow4" width="390" height="268" class="size-full wp-image-8931" /></a>
<div class="caption">Image from the MTA</div>
<p>Were you befuddled by the <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40828260/ns/travel-news/">stranded passengers on the A</a> or the lack of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/29/nyregion/29transit.html?partner=rss&#038;emc=rss">service for days on the Q</a> post Boxing Day blizzard?</p>
<p>Well, at least for now, you&#8217;re not going to <a href="http://brooklyn.ny1.com/content/top_stories/131447/questions-remain-about-mta-s-blizzard-preparedness">get any answers</a> from the <a href="http://mta.info/">Metropolitan Transportation Authority.</a> </p>
<p>When Gotham Gazette touched base with the authority this afternoon, spokesperson Charles Seaton said the agency won&#8217;t be taking any more questions on the <a href="http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/131594/mta-inspector-general-launches-probe-into-handling-of-storm/">service-stalling storm.</a> </p>
<p>&#8220;We are being investigated by the [Inspector General's] office and the City Council,&#8221; said Seaton. &#8220;We are not taking any more questions on the storm.&#8221;</p>
<p>But they will have to on Monday. </p>
<p>Seaton said authority officials would testify at the City Council&#8217;s hearing on the blizzard response, scheduled for <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=132501&#038;GUID=F9290A29-1F7F-4CF2-898C-2A6F8ECC46CA&#038;Search=">Monday at 11 a.m.</a> Several top officials at the Bloomberg adminsitration <a href="http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/03/snow-job-city-council-seeks-answers-blizzard-fiasco/">have also been invited to testify</a>, including Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, Sanitation Commission John Doherty and Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.</p>
<p>Today&#8217;s response from the MTA follows a <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2011/01/04/2011-01-04_fess_up_jay.html">Daily News editorial,</a> which blasts the authority for its slow response to the massive snowfall and demands an explanation. </p>
<p>The investigation by the authority&#8217;s <a href="http://mtaig.state.ny.us/about_the_office.htm">inspector general</a> is expected to take 60 days, an official said. </p>
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		<title>Bloomberg Mulls Over ATM Bill</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/12/20/bloomberg-mulls-over-atm-bill/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/12/20/bloomberg-mulls-over-atm-bill/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:49:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye Opener]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Use]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Measuring UP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[atm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Council Speaker Christine Quinn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[illegal atm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Williamsburg]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=8911</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg is mulling over whether to sign a bill that would drastically increase fines for property owners with illegal sidewalk ATMs after small business owners expressed concern over the bill&#8217;s impact this afternoon. 
According to a spokesperson, the mayor will take the next couple of days to consider the bill and announce his [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mayor Michael Bloomberg is mulling over whether to sign a <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20101209/203/3426">bill that would drastically increase fines</a> for property owners with illegal sidewalk ATMs after small business owners expressed concern over the bill&#8217;s impact this afternoon. </p>
<p>According to a spokesperson, the mayor will take the next couple of days to consider the bill and announce his decision after Christmas. </p>
<p>&#8220;I don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Christmas,&#8221; the mayor said today. &#8220;On the other hand the city has requirements, where one of the issues here is the ability to pass on the sidewalk.&#8221;</p>
<p>Up until this morning, the mayor was expected to sign the measure, which the council <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20101209/203/3426">approved earlier this month</a>. At today&#8217;s bill signing, small business owners reportedly said the legislation would limit access to cash for neighborhoods without banks and hurt small businesses. </p>
<p>Under the current version of the bill, fines could increase from $250 to $5,000. These ATMs are already illegal, but there is barely any enforcement or regulation of them, council officials said. </p>
<p>If the mayor vetoes the measure, Council Speaker Christine Quinn said the council would move to override it. </p>
<p>&#8220;This will give the power for them to be taken off the street,&#8221; said Quinn. &#8220;It actually gives the city the power and the tools to make this illegal behavior end. That&#8217;s a good thing.&#8221; </p>
<p>Here is the mayor&#8217;s statement this morning courtesy of the City Hall press office:<br />
<span id="more-8911"></span></p>
<blockquote><p>I have enormous respect for both Councilwoman Reyna and Fernando Mateo, who I’ve known for a long time. I’m not sure that I’ve been convinced to go one way or another, but I will tell you I will take a few days to talk to some people. I had discussed this bill last week, and I’m not so sure that I got as comprehensive a review, although I’m not so sure that I didn’t. There are two sides to everything. But I will take a few days to think about it. I don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Christmas. On the other hand the City has requirements, where one of the issues here is the ability to pass on the sidewalk. These units tend to be right in the middle of the sidewalk, and there are plenty of people who don’t like them the same way there are plenty of people that do like them. I am particularly concerned about jobs in this city, particularly with small businesses. This country does not have enough jobs. New York City has created a disproportionate share of the private sector jobs, yet we still have plenty of people who are unemployed. And some of the things we have to do don’t encourage employment. In fact, they may be detrimental to employment, but the City needs to do to them regardless. So let me leave this, and I will probably by the beginning of next week after Christmas -– not an accident -– I will make a decision one way or another. But I wouldn’t want either side to get their hopes up. I really am, at this point, torn in two different directions. Maybe we can negotiate something that better addresses the concerns. On the other hand, as I will say, that I have enormous respect for the Councilwoman and her judgment, as well as for Fernando. The other speakers, other than Joseph, I don’t know.</p></blockquote>
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		<title>Cuts Coming Today</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/11/18/cuts-coming-today/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/11/18/cuts-coming-today/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:46:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye Opener]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Measuring UP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget cuts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fire companies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[layoffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=8729</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brace yourselves. 
The adminsitration is set to reveal those cuts Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered at the end of September &#8212; which equates to the ninth round of budget cuts within the last three fiscal years. (But who&#8217;s counting?)
We hear they won&#8217;t be pretty. The nightly closure of fire companies are on the chopping block in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Brace yourselves. </p>
<p>The adminsitration is set to reveal those cuts Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered at the end of September &#8212; which equates to the <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/09/nyc-budget-update-were-still-b.html">ninth round of budget cuts</a> within the last three fiscal years. (But who&#8217;s counting?)</p>
<p>We hear they won&#8217;t be pretty. The nightly closure of <a href="http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/129152/bloomberg-set-to-announce-thousands-of-layoffs">fire companies are on the chopping block</a> in addition to <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/politics&#038;id=7796039">thousands of jobs across city agencies</a>. In total, the mayor is looking to lose $1.5 billion from the budget over the next two fiscal years. In September, the city ordered uniformed forces and education to expect 2.7 percent cuts, while all other agencies were urged to prepare for 5.4 percent cuts.</p>
<p>Even before we know the details, there is a backlash. </p>
<p>Earlier this week, Lillian Roberts, the executive director of <a href="http://www.dc37.net/">DC37</a>, the city&#8217;s largest municipal employees union, sent the mayor a letter, urging him to consider revenue generating proposals instead of just cuts. </p>
<p>The letter is below. </p>
<p>Stay tuned. </p>
<p><a title="View PDFsss on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/43151353/PDFsss" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">PDFsss</a> <object id="doc_439740706584426" name="doc_439740706584426" height="600" width="100%" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" style="outline:none;" ><param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=43151353&#038;access_key=key-1g15lbmvkx3s573t8ppe&#038;page=1&#038;viewMode=list"><embed id="doc_439740706584426" name="doc_439740706584426" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=43151353&#038;access_key=key-1g15lbmvkx3s573t8ppe&#038;page=1&#038;viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed></param></object></p>
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		<title>Great Outdoors</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/11/05/great-outdoors/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/11/05/great-outdoors/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:48:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gail Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=8667</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gotham Gazette parks writer Anne Schwartz filed this post.
Another antidote to the post-election blahs: leaf-peeping here in the five boroughs. The New York Times has a nice  piece  today on some of the city&#8217;s leafier and less traveled realms.
An escape to the city&#8217;s great outdoors, even with the &#8220;din of traffic in the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gotham Gazette parks writer Anne Schwartz filed this post.<em></p>
<p>Another antidote to the post-election blahs: leaf-peeping here in the five boroughs. The New York Times has a nice <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/nyregion/05forest.html?_r=1&#038;ref=arts"> piece</a>  today on some of the city&#8217;s leafier and less traveled realms.</p>
<p>An escape to the city&#8217;s great outdoors, even with the &#8220;din of traffic in the distance&#8221; and the occasional litter, may also offer some insight into why voters <a href="http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=23745&#038;folder_id=186">passed</a> more than 80 percent of the parks and conservation funding ballot initiatives nationwide while sweeping anti-tax and spending candidates into office. With the budget-cutting to come, New York&#8217;s parks and open space advocates have an uphill battle to protect <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/parks/20100217/14/3183"> Pouch Camp</a>  and fund state parks, but clearly protecting and creating green space remains a public priority.  </em></p>
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		<title>Quinn, Stringer Showdown?</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/10/01/quinn-stringer-showdown/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/10/01/quinn-stringer-showdown/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:35:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye Opener]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Use]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Measuring UP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2013]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christine Quinn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manhattan borough president]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mayor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Picture the Homeless]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scott stringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vacant lots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vancancy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=8456</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yes, both are potential mayoral candidates in 2013. 
It might be a little early for a full-blown rivalry, but Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer definitely disagree on a proposal to survey the city&#8217;s vacant properties stalled at the City Council. The bill, which has 28 sponsors, would create an annual [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Yes, both are potential <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/nyregion/06shadow.html">mayoral candidates</a> in <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/01/manhattans-stealth-fund-raiser/">2013</a>. </p>
<p>It might be a little early for a full-blown rivalry, but <a href="http://www.mbpo.org/">Council Speaker Christine Quinn</a> and <a href="http://www.mbpo.org/">Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer</a> definitely disagree on a <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/09/29/quinn-says-vacancy-study-too-expensive/">proposal to survey the city&#8217;s vacant properties</a> stalled at the City Council. The <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=649884&#038;GUID=4B0F7491-9B25-48B8-BEE9-3183D8943704&#038;Options=Advanced&#038;Search=">bill</a>, which has 28 sponsors, would create an annual accounting of all of the city&#8217;s vacant buildings and lots. </p>
<p>The group pushing the proposal, <a href="http://www.picturethehomeless.org/">Picture the Homeless</a>, hope it would spur the development of those properties as temporary housing for the homeless. Quinn said this week the survey would be &#8220;enormously expensive&#8221; and the money for it would be better used serving the homeless. </p>
<p>In response to our <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/09/29/quinn-says-vacancy-study-too-expensive/">reporting</a> on the <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/housing/20090716/10/2966">issue</a>, Stringer sent over the following statement. </p>
<blockquote><p>I am disappointed that the City Council quashed legislation that would survey vacant buildings throughout the city, in order to identify new sources of temporary housing for the homeless.</p>
<p>In 2007 I released the results of Manhattan&#8217;s first ever survey of vacant properties, finding that there is a significant number of vacancies in the borough representing potential for thousands of new affordable housing units.  Along with the results, I proposed an annual survey of vacant buildings which had been actively backed by Anti-Homeless organizations. Although there is a cost to this idea, its potential long-term value to the city is so obvious. </p>
<p>If a citywide vacant lot count would indeed cost “millions of dollars,” then I believe we should look to more creative options, rather than throw up our hands and pull the plug on this important initiative. </p>
<p>One possible approach to a vacant lot count that keeps costs low would be to utilize volunteers from the Mayor’s NYC Service program.  The City already dispatches volunteers for its annual street homeless count, so this approach would not be without precedent.  And, to be honest, counting vacant lots isn’t rocket science. It would require a minimal amount of training.  Most able bodied New Yorkers interested in enhancing the long-term vitality of their communities could make a positive contribution by participating in a city-wide vacant lot count.  </p>
<p>I call on the City Council to reconsider this decision and let this badly-needed housing program go forward. We cannot afford to be pennywise and pound foolish at a time when the recession has made day to day survival for the homeless tougher than ever.
 </p></blockquote>
<p>In response to Stringer&#8217;s statement, Maria Alvarado, Quinn&#8217;s spokesperson, said the bill at the council would require the survey of vacant buildings, which is &#8220;more complicated&#8221; than just counting empty lots. The council applauds the borough president for his study, Alvarado said, but simultaneously asks what &#8220;clear policy changes&#8221; came out of it? </p>
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		<title>A Million Trees, Minus 87?</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/08/13/a-million-trees-minus-87/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/08/13/a-million-trees-minus-87/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:02:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pelham parkway]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=8190</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Parks Columnist Anne Schwartz filed this post:

Former Parks Commissioner Henry Stern, one of the city’s most stalwart defenders against arboricide, recently sounded an alert about a proposed massacre of 87 trees, many nearly 80 years old, along Pelham Parkway in the Bronx. 
“What is special about this Parkway is that as you drive in it, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Parks Columnist Anne Schwartz filed this post:<br />
</em><br />
Former Parks Commissioner Henry Stern, one of the city’s most stalwart defenders against arboricide, recently sounded an alert about a proposed massacre of 87 trees, many nearly 80 years old, along Pelham Parkway in the Bronx. </p>
<p>“What is special about this Parkway is that as you drive in it, above you is an arbor of trees whose upper branches reach from one side of the road to the other.  It looks, and you feel, as if you were traveling through a park,” he writes. </p>
<p>The $36 million road project by the NYC Department of Transportation to install guardrails and re-grade the road is supposed start this fall.  Stern’s comments are <a href="http://www.nycivic.org/articles10/100806.html">posted</a> on the website of New York Civic.</p>
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		<title>Horses Get Sick Time</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/07/15/horses-get-sick-time/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/07/15/horses-get-sick-time/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Civil Rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Immigrants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christine Quinn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paid sick leave]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=7990</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In an attempt to move the stalled paid sick leave bill, advocates showed up at Central Park yesterday to point out carriage horses get time off (the result of a bill passed earlier this year), but people aren&#8217;t guaranteed sick time. 
We couldn&#8217;t make it, but they sent over photos. 
What a juxtaposition. 

In March, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In an attempt to move the stalled <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20100325/203/3225">paid sick leave bill,</a> advocates showed up at Central Park yesterday to point out carriage horses get time off (the result of a <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20100415/203/3245">bill passed</a> earlier this year), but people aren&#8217;t guaranteed sick time. </p>
<p>We couldn&#8217;t make it, but they sent over photos. </p>
<p>What a juxtaposition. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/horseaction-007.jpg"><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/horseaction-007-300x224.jpg" alt="horseaction 007" title="horseaction 007" width="400" height="324" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7991" /></a></p>
<p>In March, the paid sick leave bill got a hearing, but nothing has happened since. Council Speaker Christine Quinn <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/06/council-speaker-chris-quinn-st.html">still hasn&#8217;t taken</a> a position on it. </p>
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		<title>Park Dividends</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/06/04/park-dividends/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/06/04/park-dividends/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:24:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gail Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=7651</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gotham Gazette parks writer Anne Schwartz filed this post.
The Daily News today highlighted the economic powerhouse that is Central Park. A few interesting statistics from the article: 
&#8211; More than 35 million people visit the park a year, sometimes more than 200,000 on a weekend day. That’s more than Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b><i>Gotham Gazette parks writer Anne Schwartz filed this post.</i></b></p>
<p>The Daily News today <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/real_estate/2010/06/04/2010-06-04_central_park_the_worlds_greatest_real_estate_engine.html">highlighted</a> the economic powerhouse that is Central Park. A few interesting statistics from the article: </p>
<p>&#8211; More than 35 million people visit the park a year, sometimes more than 200,000 on a weekend day. That’s more than Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks combined. </p>
<p>&#8211; Hotels near the park account for 37 percent of all hotel rooms in the city and employ almost 14,000 people. </p>
<p>&#8211; Between 1997 and 2007, the average value of properties on the blocks between Central Park West and Columbus Avenues increased 73 percent  faster than the average value of properties between Columbus and Amsterdam. </p>
<p>In a recession, mayors and governors tend to target parks as an expendable luxury, even though park operating budgets account for a minuscule percentage of the overall budget. But as a number of studies have shown, when parks are well-maintained, attractive and accessible, the <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/parks/20090624/14/2949"> economic boost</a> they provide – in increased real estate values, tourism dollars, jobs and tax revenues &#8212; far outweighs the cost of upkeep.<br />
<span id="more-7651"></span></p>
<p>After being left to ruin (along with the rest of the city’s parks) in the fiscal crisis of the 1970s, Central Park was restored with the help of private donations by the <a href=http://www.centralparknyc.org/>Central Park Conservancy, a <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/parks/20070129/14/2088">public-private partnership</a> that now runs the park under a contract with the parks department. </p>
<p>But most of the city&#8217;s parks rely on city funding, which the mayor&#8217;s budget for the coming year proposes to cut by nearly $30 million. The reductions would be achieved largely by leaving hundreds of fulltime park jobs unfilled and cutting seasonal positions, making it harder for the already stretched department to keep the parks clean and green. </p>
<p>Mayor Michael Bloomberg <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/parks/20091022/14/3062"> understands the role of parks</a> in revitalizing the city and has put more far resources into parks than his predecessors, but if this cut goes through, it would be the deepest reduction in the parks department operating budget in nearly two decades. Park advocates, led by New Yorkers for Parks, are <a href="http://www.ny4p.org/index.php?option=com_content&#038;task=view&#038;id=28&#038;Itemid=207">lobbying</a> to restore $20 million to the budget. The final public hearing on the Executive Budget is Monday, June 7.</p>
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		<title>Parks Vote (Update)</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/05/28/parks-vote/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/05/28/parks-vote/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 18:33:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=7580</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Senate is voting on the bill that would open state parks for Memorial Day. Republicans are expected to vote against the bill as a block because they oppose a measure in the bill that will involved taxes and fees. Republicans have pledged not to support any new taxes or fees.  The Assembly has already [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Senate is voting on the bill that would open state parks for Memorial Day. Republicans are expected to vote against the bill as a block because they oppose a measure in the bill that will involved taxes and fees. Republicans have pledged not to support any new taxes or fees.  The Assembly has already passed the measure.  Watch the vote <a href="http://www.livestream.com/nysenate?utm_source=oldplayer&amp;utm_medium=ui-play&amp;utm_campaign=click-bait&amp;utm_content=nysenate">here</a>.</p>
<p>The bill was approved 32-27. The bill passed along party lines, as expected</p>
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		<title>Are the Parks Saved?</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/05/27/are-the-parks-saved/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/05/27/are-the-parks-saved/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 May 2010 17:23:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=7571</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After a number of almosts it seems a plan has been agreed on to fund 55 parks and historic sites in time for Memorial Day weekend. The plan would take $74 million dollars from the Environmental Protection Fund and also initiate and e-waste recycling program that would create fees that would help fund parks. Both [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>After a number of <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/05/state-parks-could-be-open-this.html">almosts</a> it seems a plan has been agreed on to fund 55 parks and historic sites in time for Memorial Day weekend. The plan would take $74 million dollars from the Environmental Protection Fund and also initiate and e-waste recycling program that would create fees that would help fund parks. Both houses would have to approve legislation to make the deal happen. Don&#8217;t hold your breath though&#8211;anything can happen in Albany.</p>
<p>“We worked until about four o’clock in the morning and the staffs of the Senate and Assembly and the governor’s office appear to have resolved the issues about the state parks,” Paterson said on the &#8220;John Gambling Show&#8221; this morning.</p>
<p>Environmental groups are happy that the parks could be open but are enraged that it will come at the expense of the EPF. There are also concerns that the recycling program could meet great resistance from the business community.</p>
<p>It might seem a bit odd that lawmakers are in a dizzy to get parks open when the entire budget is two months late but voters have apparently made it very clear that they want the parks open. Albany Sen. Neil Breslin, who had just returned from the Democratic Convention in Rye, said that he had not been briefed on the plan but said, &#8220;It sounds like we are going to do this. I&#8217;ve gotten more calls on parks than on healthcare or education, so that should tell you how important this is to voters.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>A Budget Breakdown</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/05/24/a-budget-breakdown/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/05/24/a-budget-breakdown/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 16:13:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Immigrants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christine Quinn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fiscal year 2011]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=7527</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Not all is fair in fiscal year 2011 &#8212; at least to the hordes of advocates and politicians vying to save their favorite projects and programs. 
Below you can find out how your favorite agency has fared, whether its proposed cuts are deeper than other departments and how much it&#8217;s slated to spend this year. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Not all is fair in <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20100507/203/3260">fiscal year 2011</a> &#8212; at least to the hordes of advocates and politicians vying to save their <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20100519/203/3272">favorite projects</a> and <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20100510/203/3262">programs</a>. </p>
<p>Below you can find out how your favorite agency has <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/omb/downloads/pdf/mm5_10.pdf">fared</a>, whether its proposed cuts are deeper than other departments and how much it&#8217;s slated to spend this year. </p>
<p>Click on the chart to interact. You can click through agencies on the side and roll over the graphic to view the funding level by fiscal year. If you want an expanded view, you can click on the title. </p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="http://manyeyes.alphaworks.ibm.com/manyeyes/visualizations/6cf7ca6c674e11dfafa7000255111976/comments/6cfe8528674e11dfafa7000255111976.js?width=415&#038;height=350"></script></p>
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		<title>Budget Hearings Breakdown</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/05/13/budget-hearings-breakdown/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/05/13/budget-hearings-breakdown/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 22:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye Opener]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Use]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=7453</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The City Council kicked off its executive budget hearings this morning, and over the next month there will be dozens more. 
This schedule is subject to change, but here is how it&#8217;s laid out now.

Friday, May 14
Human Rights Commission, 10 a.m.
City University of New York, 10:30 a.m.
Education and School Construction Authority (Capital), 12 p.m.
Monday, May [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The City Council kicked off its <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20100507/203/3260">executive budget hearings</a> this morning, and over the next month there will be dozens more. </p>
<p>This schedule is <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx">subject to change</a>, but here is how it&#8217;s laid out now.<br />
<strong><br />
Friday, May 14</strong><br />
Human Rights Commission, 10 a.m.<br />
City University of New York, 10:30 a.m.<br />
Education and School Construction Authority (Capital), 12 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Monday, May 17</strong><br />
Citywide Administrative Services, 10 a.m.<br />
Board of Elections, 10:45 a.m.<br />
Campaign Finance Board, 11:45 a.m.<br />
Aging, 12:30 p.m.<br />
Juvenile Justice, 2 p.m.<br />
<span id="more-7453"></span><br />
<strong>Tuesday, May 18</strong><br />
Human Resources Administration/Social Services, 9:30 a.m.<br />
Administration for Children&#8217;s Services, 11 a.m.<br />
Homeless Services, 1 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Friday, May 21</strong><br />
Transportation, 10 a.m.<br />
Transportation (Capital), 10: 30 a.m.<br />
MTA New York City Transit. 11:15 a.m.<br />
MTA NYC Transit (Expense), 11:45 a.m.<br />
Taxi and Limousine Commission, 12:15 a.m.<br />
NYCHA, 1 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Monday, May 24 </strong><br />
Consumer Affairs, 10 a.m.<br />
Business Integrity Commission, 10:30 a.m.<br />
Education (Expense), 11 a.m.</p>
<p><strong>Tuesday, May 25</strong><br />
City Planning, 11 a.m.<br />
Information Technology and Telecommunications, noon<br />
Youth and Community Development, 9:30 a.m.<br />
Small Business Services, 11 a.m.<br />
Economic Development Corp., noon</p>
<p><strong>Tuesday, June 1</strong><br />
Fire/EMS, 10 a.m.<br />
Correction, noon<br />
Criminal Justice Coordinator, 12:30 p.m.<br />
Legal Aid, 1:30 p.m.<br />
Parks and Recreation, 2:30</p>
<p><strong>Wednesday, June 2</strong><br />
Medical Examiner, 11:30 a.m.<br />
Health and Hospitals Corp., noon<br />
Health and Mental Hygiene, 1:30 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Thursday, June 3</strong><br />
Police, 10 a.m.<br />
District Attorney, noon<br />
Office of Emergency Management, 1:15 p.m.<br />
Civilian Complaint Review Board, 1:45 p.m.<br />
Sanitation, 2:45 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Friday, June 4</strong><br />
Libraries, 10 a.m.<br />
Cultural Affairs, 11:30 a.m.<br />
Housing Preservation and Development, 12:45 p.m.<br />
Buildings, 2 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Monday, June 7</strong><br />
Office of Management and Budget, 10 a.m.<br />
Comptroller, 1 p.m.<br />
Independent Budget Office, 1:30 p.m.<br />
Public, 2 p.m. </p>
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		<title>Rose Plaza Moving</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/04/14/rose-plaza-moving/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/04/14/rose-plaza-moving/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:05:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Use]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Waterfront]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brooklyn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rose plaza on the river]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Williamsburg]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=7242</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Stop and smell the roses, looks like Rose Plaza is coming to Williamsburg. 
Aaron Short of the Brooklyn Paper has the story here. 
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Stop and smell the roses, looks like Rose Plaza <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2010/04/13/no-deal-on-rose-plaza-yet/">is coming</a> to Williamsburg. </p>
<p>Aaron Short of the Brooklyn Paper has the story <a href="http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/16/33_16_as_rose_final.html">here</a>. </p>
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