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	<title>The Wonkster &#187; Transportation</title>
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	<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>Cuomo and Bloomberg Make a Taxi Deal</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/12/20/cuomo-and-bloomberg-make-a-taxi-deal/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/12/20/cuomo-and-bloomberg-make-a-taxi-deal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:36:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[andrew cuomo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Livery Cab]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[michael bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Taxi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TLC]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10418</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have reached a deal to provide taxi service to the outer boroughs. Cuomo will sign the bill that is sitting at his desk and the legislature has agreed to introduce a chapter amendment next year. The sticking point according to Cuomo&#8217;s office, &#8220;failed to address the needs of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have reached a deal to provide taxi service to the outer boroughs. Cuomo will sign the bill that is sitting at his desk and the legislature has agreed to introduce a chapter amendment next year. The sticking point according to Cuomo&#8217;s office, &#8220;failed to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and did not provide any incentive for the livery industry to ensure disabled New Yorkers had full access to the taxicab system.&#8221;</p>
<p>Here is the full statement from Cuomo&#8217;s office:</p>
<p><span id="more-10418"></span></p>
<p>Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that an agreement has been reached to provide taxi service to all five boroughs of New York City and improve access to taxi and livery cabs for persons with disabilities.</p>
<p>Governor Cuomo will approve the bill and the legislature has agreed to introduce a chapter amendment in the next legislative session.</p>
<p>The agreement includes the creation of a new class of hail-accessible inter-borough livery licenses, 20% of which will be for vehicles accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) will be authorized to issue up to 18,000 of these new licenses and will be required to provide grants of up to $15,000 to retrofit vehicles to accommodate the disabled or to purchase accessible vehicles. The agreement also authorizes the city to sell 2,000 new medallions, all of which will be restricted to vehicles that are accessible to the disabled.</p>
<p>&#8220;By working together and finding common ground, I am pleased that we have been able to reach a deal that will extend taxi and livery service to the outer boroughs and upper Manhattan, while ensuring full access for the disabled,&#8221; Governor Cuomo said. &#8220;The bill as originally passed failed to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and did not provide any incentive for the livery industry to ensure disabled New Yorkers had full access to the taxicab system.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Last January, in my State of the City speech, I announced that our Administration would seek to achieve a goal that had eluded the City for three decades: bringing legal taxi service to the 7 million New Yorkers who live outside Manhattan&#8217;s Central Business District,&#8221; said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. &#8220;Today, we have achieved that landmark goal – and it is a huge victory for all New Yorkers who have ever sought to hail a cab outside of Manhattan and in northern Manhattan. The new law and the agreement reached today will also generate a much-needed billion dollars in revenue for the City through the sale of 2,000 new yellow medallions, all of which will be wheelchair accessible. In fact, today&#8217;s agreement, by increasing the number of medallions sold by 500, will provide even more revenue for the City than the original bill passed in June.&#8221;</p>
<p>Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said, &#8220;Over the past six months we have worked hard with Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg, the Assembly, and the stakeholders to address a number of concerns. Today&#8217;s result is an improved piece of legislation that provides much-needed revenue for the City of New York and serves the needs of its residents and all of the interested parties.&#8221;</p>
<p>Senator Marty Golden said, &#8220;A great deal of effort went into improving the original legislation and in many respects that goal has been accomplished. I am pleased that we can move forward on a signed bill with the understanding that agreed-upon enhancements will be made in January.&#8221;</p>
<p>Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, &#8220;This new agreement improves upon the original proposal by providing increased taxi service to the outer boroughs while accommodating the needs of the disabled community. Importantly, this means significant revenue to New York City without raising taxes. I am glad that this issue has been resolved.&#8221;</p>
<p>Assemblyman Carl Heastie said, &#8220;I commend Speaker Silver and Governor Cuomo for their tremendous leadership in addressing an issue that has been unresolved for decades. This agreement will mean increased access to taxi service for outer borough residents and disabled individuals.&#8221;</p>
<p>The agreement requires the TLC to prepare a Disabled Accessibility Plan that will ensure improved accessibility of all taxicabs, liveries and the new hail-accessible vehicles over a period of years through the gradual phase-in of accessible vehicles to the fleet. The Disabled Accessibility Plan will be prepared in consultation with disability rights groups and other stakeholders. The plan will be submitted for public comment and to the City Council, and for approval to the New York State Department of Transportation. Only 400 of the new taxicab medallions may be issued prior to the approval of the Disabled Accessibility Plan.</p>
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		<title>Assembly Sending Livery Bill to Cuomo, Lasher Weighs in</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/12/07/assembly-sending-livery-bill-to-cuomo-lasher-weighs-in/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/12/07/assembly-sending-livery-bill-to-cuomo-lasher-weighs-in/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:09:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[andrew cuomo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[micah lasher]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[michael bloomberg]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10384</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last session the Senate and Assembly passed a bill that would allow livery drivers to pick up fares in the outer boroughs. Gov. Cuomo said the bill needed changes and would not sign it. An amendment was apparently in the works today but it was not sent to the legislature and now the Assembly plans [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Last session the Senate and Assembly passed a bill that would allow livery drivers to pick up fares in the outer boroughs. Gov. Cuomo said the bill needed changes and would not sign it. An amendment was apparently in the works today but it was not sent to the legislature and now the Assembly plans to send the bill to Cuomo as is&#8211;forcing him to sign it, or veto it. You can find more detail on the story <a href="http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/culture/2011/12/4539887/assembly-leaders-plan-force-cuomos-hand-bloomberg-taxi-bill">here</a>.</p>
<p>Micah Lasher, Mayor Michael Bloomberg&#8217;s director of legislative affairs issued this statement on the matter:</p>
<p>“In June, the State Legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill to provide safe and legal taxi service to residents of all five boroughs and generate $1 billion in badly needed revenue for New York City. We understand that bill, which stands on its own, is being sent to Governor Cuomo on Friday.</p>
<p>“Over the last six months, the Governor has repeatedly expressed support for the goals of the legislation and also said he wanted to make certain changes in the form of a chapter amendment.  He and his staff were finalizing an amendment this morning, but it was never sent to the Legislature. While the Mayor, along with legislative leaders, was prepared to support that amendment, it is not necessary to achieve the goals of the legislation.</p>
<p>“Over the next ten days, we are available to discuss any questions or concerns the Governor has, and strongly urge him to sign this historic legislation.”</p>
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		<title>Transportation Alternatives Slams Changes to Payroll Tax</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/12/07/transportation-alternatives-slams-changes-to-payroll-tax/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/12/07/transportation-alternatives-slams-changes-to-payroll-tax/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:47:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[andrew cuomo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kevin parker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MTA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation alternatives]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10382</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Transportation Alternatives is not happy with the plan to exempt businesses from the MTA payroll tax that is part of the mega tax code deal legislators are going to consider tonight. They say the move will harm the MTA and riders who will end up paying more. Sen. Kevin Parker told me today that he [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transportation Alternatives is not happy with the plan to exempt businesses from the MTA payroll tax that is part of the mega tax code deal legislators are going to consider tonight. They say the move will harm the MTA and riders who will end up paying more. Sen. Kevin Parker told me today that he thinks the move will, &#8220;put us right back where we were before,&#8221; in terms of funding for the MTA. Concern over the payroll tax and MTA funding is not at all likely to be even a minor speed bump in the passage of the bill as Democratic legislators want to tout their vote for a tax cut and a &#8220;fairer tax code&#8221; but a number of them told me today they expect to be dealing with, &#8220;How to save the MTA,&#8221; again next session.</p>
<p>Here is Transportation Alterntative&#8217;s full statement: <span id="more-10382"></span></p>
<p>Governor Cuomo’s revised payroll tax plan puts the region’s subway and bus riders in a perilous position. By exempting almost 80 percent of businesses currently paying the tax (and amid rumors that all schools will be exempt as well), Governor Cuomo is slashing one of the key dedicated sources of funding for public transportation in the state.</p>
<p>This leaves the millions of New Yorkers who rely on public transit with little more than IOUs in the place of secure revenue. Public transit is this region’s lifeblood, creates construction and manufacturing jobs across the state, and it requires dedicated funding. Eliminating or reducing any source of revenue means that revenue must be replaced by another secure, dedicated source of funding.</p>
<p>“The MTA can’t keep trains and buses running on promises,” says Paul Steely White of Transportation Alternatives. “The State Legislature created the Payroll Mobility Tax as a dedicated fund because they recognized that public transportation is critical to our region’s economy and essential to the lives of millions of New Yorkers. This move to defund it may well lead to future fare hikes and service cuts.”</p>
<p>Governor Cuomo promises to pay the system back and hold the MTA  “harmless” for the estimated $250-340 million annual loss in dedicated transit revenue by dipping into the state’s general fund, but that’s no comfort from a Governor who stole $100 million from transit this year, is unwilling to pay for the capital plan with real money, is sitting on the Transit Lockbox Act that would protect dedicated transit funds in the future and still faces a budget deficit.</p>
<p>In December 2009, state lawmakers stole $160 million in dedicated transit funds. These raids led directly to the most devastating service cuts transit riders have seen in a generation: the loss of two subway lines, 32 local and express bus routes and 570 bus stops last year.</p>
<p>Without a commitment from Governor Cuomo for dedicated, sustainable funding, New York’s 8.5 million transit riders are likely to once again pay higher fares for less service.  Even before the Governor’s announcement, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli warned of the MTA’s perilous financial future and of the likelihood of larger than expected fare hikes as a result.</p>
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		<title>Three-Way Deal on Taxes, Jobs, Infrastructure</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/12/06/three-way-deal-on-taxes-jobs-infrastructure/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/12/06/three-way-deal-on-taxes-jobs-infrastructure/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:00:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[andrew cuomo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dean Skelos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sheldon Silver]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10373</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gov. Andrew Cuomo&#8217;s office just announced that he has reached a deal with the legislature to implement tax code changes, create a new jobs program, fund infrastructure investments and interestingly enough&#8211;lower the Metropolitan Transportation Authority payroll tax. Here is the release:
GOVERNOR CUOMO, MAJORITY LEADER SKELOS &#38; SPEAKER SILVER ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE PLANS TO CREATE JOBS AND [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gov. Andrew Cuomo&#8217;s office just announced that he has reached a deal with the legislature to implement tax code changes, create a new jobs program, fund infrastructure investments and interestingly enough&#8211;lower the Metropolitan Transportation Authority payroll tax. Here is the release:</p>
<p>GOVERNOR CUOMO, MAJORITY LEADER SKELOS &amp; SPEAKER SILVER ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE PLANS TO CREATE JOBS AND GROW THE ECONOMY</p>
<p>Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced that they have reached a proposed three-way agreement on legislative and executive proposals to create jobs and cut taxes for middle class New Yorkers. The agreement includes support for a comprehensive New York Works Agenda that will create thousands of jobs with new investments in New York&#8217;s infrastructure, passing a fair tax reform plan that achieves the first major restructuring of the tax code in decades resulting in a tax cut for 4.4 million middle class New Yorkers taxpayers, approving $50 million in additional relief for areas devastated by recent floods, and reducing the MTA payroll tax to provide relief for small businesses. The leaders will now present the agreement to their members for approval.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our state government has come together in a bipartisan manner to create jobs, grow our economy and, at the same time enact a fair tax plan that cuts taxes for the middle class,&#8221; Governor Cuomo said. &#8220;We are investing in projects that will restore our state&#8217;s infrastructure and put thousands of people to work. We are cutting taxes on middle class New Yorkers and small businesses, which will inject nearly $1 billion into our economy. We are targeting new tax credits to hire inner city youth and reduce unemployment in some of the poorest areas of our state, as well as providing direct aid to communities struggling to recover in the wake of this year&#8217;s severe storms. This would be lowest tax rate for middle class families in 58 years. This job-creating economic plan defies the political gridlock that has paralyzed Washington and shows that we can make government work for the people of this State once again. I commend Majority Leader Skelos and Assembly Speaker Silver for their partnership in our effort together to create jobs for New Yorkers and put our state&#8217;s economy on a path for growth.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;This year, working in a bipartisan manner, we&#8217;ve accomplished some very important things for the people of this State &#8211; - including eliminating a $10 billion deficit, bringing spending under control and capping property taxes,&#8221; Majority Leader Skelos said. &#8220;This comprehensive plan will reduce the tax rate for middle class families to their lowest levels in more than fifty years, create thousands of new private sector jobs, and begin to turn our economy around. I am pleased that this proposed agreement realizes long-held Senate Republican priorities like cutting the corporate franchise tax for manufacturers, reducing the job-killing MTA payroll tax for small businesses, eliminating New York&#8217;s stealth tax by indexing tax brackets and deductions, and building our reserves, along with providing additional flood relief to support job growth in devastated communities. I am looking forward to presenting this framework agreement to the members of our conference tomorrow and hearing their feedback.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Assembly Democrats share the Governor&#8217;s belief that we need to restore fairness and equity to our tax system &#8211; someone who makes $50,000 should not be paying the same tax rate as someone making $5 million,&#8221; Speaker Sheldon Silver said. &#8220;With Governor Cuomo&#8217;s leadership, we have forged a bipartisan plan that is fair to all New Yorkers and will help build a brighter economic future for this State. I am submitting to my conference a proposal that will provide $2 billion in revenue for the people of New York in each of the next three years by creating a more progressive tax structure, coupled with a significant middle class tax cut. I will recommend that they give it favorable consideration. I congratulate the Governor for helping to forge this comprehensive plan to revitalize New York State&#8217;s economy.&#8221;</p>
<p>The Governor&#8217;s New York Works Agenda will create tens of thousands of jobs through a $1 billion targeted and accelerated investment in key infrastructure projects around the state including roads, bridges, parks, energy and water projects. The NY Works Agenda also includes pursuing a comprehensive gaming plan and enacting a new tax credit to incentive the hiring of inner city youth.</p>
<p>The Governor and the legislative leaders have agreed to tax code reforms including a temporary restructuring of current tax brackets to reduce taxes for 4.4 million middle-class New Yorkers. The Governor is also establishing a commission to examine a comprehensive overhaul of the state&#8217;s entire tax code that will make it simpler and fairer for all taxpayers and to create economic growth in the state.</p>
<p>In addition to these agreements, the Governor and legislative leaders announced a new round of flood relief, including a $50 million grant program for at businesses and counties impacted by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The plan also includes a job retention tax credit for businesses impacted by a natural disaster during the last year. Finally, the Governor and legislative leaders announced that the MTA payroll tax will be reduced for small businesses.</p>
<p>The details of the proposed agreement are as follows:</p>
<p>The New York Works Agenda</p>
<p>New York Works Infrastructure Fund: Creating Jobs by Rebuilding New York</p>
<p>The Governor and the legislative leaders have agreed to a plan creating New York&#8217;s first infrastructure fund to inject over $1 billion in job creating investment. The accelerated state funding will leverage $10 billion in direct capital investment to create thousands of direct jobs by rebuilding roads and bridges; parks, dams and flood control projects; upgrading water systems and educational facilities; and investing in energy efficient improvements to commercial and residential buildings. The plan will focus on projects that support regional Economic Development Plans in the transportation, energy, environment and public facilities sectors. The accelerated infrastructure fund investment is within the state&#8217;s debt ceiling.</p>
<p>Specific investments undertaken by the New York Works Infrastructure Fund include replacing deficient state and local bridges in every region of the state, rehabilitating dams and flood control infrastructure, renovating parks, rebuilding water systems, conducting energy retrofits on homes, farms, businesses, and schools, as well as accelerating major SUNY and CUNY projects.</p>
<p>The Governor and the legislative leaders agreed on proposing legislation that will permit the New York Works Infrastructure Fund to bid the design and construction of infrastructure projects as a single contract, reducing costs and improving construction time. Passage of &#8220;Design-Build&#8221; legislation would shave 9 &#8211; 12 months from the construction time of major infrastructure projects. The Fund would also streamline permitting and regulatory approvals for infrastructure projects and procurements and consolidate activities across agencies and authorities.</p>
<p>Financing for the infrastructure fund would be provided through advancing capital investment and the creation of a public/private infrastructure fund. $700 million in state capital investments would be front loaded to increase job and economic impact by moving up capital projects planned for 2013 to 2012 wherever possible. An additional $300 million from the Port Authority would be directed towards funding for infrastructure projects in New York City. A new public/private infrastructure fund would raise up to $1 billion from pension funds and private investment.</p>
<p>Gaming Agreement</p>
<p>The Leaders expressed support to work with the Governor and request support from their respective majorities to put a constitutional amendment up for a vote.</p>
<p>Inner City Youth Employment Program and Tax Credit</p>
<p>The Governor and the legislative leaders agreed to create an inner-city youth employment program and a $25 million tax credit for employers who hire unemployed youth between 16 and 24 years of age over the first six months of 2012. The program and credit would be available to employers in businesses such as clean energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and conservation. Eligible employers would receive up to $3,000 for a six month training period and an additional $1,000 if they retained their workers for an additional six months.</p>
<p>Nearly $37 million in funding will be provided to critical jobs programs for inner city youth. This includes $12 million in support grants to youth providers for work readiness training, occupational training, placement or job matching, workplace mentoring and follow up services to increase retention. Participating youths will be provided with up to three monthly stipends of $300 each to cover costs associated with transitioning into the workplace. An additional $25 million will be appropriated for workforce skills training and support programs including digital literacy, basic education and occupational training, summer youth employment, job search and placement, and facilitated child care enrollment.</p>
<p>Fair Tax Code Reform</p>
<p>The Governor and the legislative leaders announced tax code reforms to create jobs and restore fairness to the tax system. Under the new rate structure, a total of 4.4 million New Yorkers would receive a tax cut, including a $690 million reduction for middle class taxpayers, and all taxpayers would see a tax reduction or no change compared to their previous tax bill. Brackets would increase with the rate of inflation. The newly implemented top bracket expires in December 31, 2014.</p>
<p>The new tax structure would generate $1.9 billion in additional revenue for the State. Any additional unspent funds from this revenue would be held in a new priority reserve fund to be dedicated towards future needs regarding job creation, local mandate relief, education, health care and mortgage foreclosure protection.</p>
<p>The new tax bracket structure would be reorganized as follows:</p>
<p>Income Level</p>
<p>Previous Tax Rate</p>
<p>New Tax Rate</p>
<p>$40,000 to $150,000</p>
<p>6.85%</p>
<p>6.45%</p>
<p>$150,000 to $300,000</p>
<p>6.85%</p>
<p>6.65%</p>
<p>$300,000 to $2 million</p>
<p>7.85% &#8211; 8.97%</p>
<p>6.85%</p>
<p>Over $2 million</p>
<p>8.97%</p>
<p>8.82%</p>
<p>Through an executive order, the Governor has created the New York State Tax Reform and Fairness Commission to address long term changes to the tax system and create economic growth. The commission will have thirteen members, including four recommended by the Senate and Assembly majority leaders and two recommended by the Senate and Assembly minority leaders. The chair of the Commission will be appointed by the Governor. All members are required to have expertise in the tax field and will receive no compensation.</p>
<p>The Commission will conduct a comprehensive and objective review of the State&#8217;s taxation policy, including corporate, sales and personal income taxation and make revenue-neutral policy recommendations to improve the current tax system. In its review, the Commission will consider ways to eliminate tax loopholes, promote administration efficiency and enhance tax collection and enforcement.</p>
<p>Flood Recovery Grant Program</p>
<p>The Governor and the legislative leaders have agreed to establish a $50 million grant program to continue recovery efforts in regions of the State impacted by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.</p>
<p>The program includes the following support for communities recovering from the storms:</p>
<p>· $21 million for small businesses, farms, multiple-dwellings and non-profit organizations that sustained direct physical flood-related damage costs not covered by other federal, State or local recovery programs. Grants would be limited to $20,000 and eligible only to companies that are on the Small Business Administration&#8217;s list of companies that have sustained damage.<br />
· $9 million for county flood mitigation or flood control projects. The grants for each county would range from $300,000 to $500,000; however, counties could jointly apply. Eligible counties must be included in Federal disaster declarations<br />
· An additional $20 million included in federal disaster declarations distributed on an as needed basis<br />
· Permitting local government to let taxpayers impacted by the storms to pay their property taxes in installments</p>
<p>Jobs Retention Credit for Businesses Impacted by a Natural Disaster</p>
<p>The Governor and the legislative leaders have agreed to the enactment of a job retention credit for businesses harmed by a natural disaster. The credit would be available to firms with at least 100 employees that have retained or expanded their workers&#8217; roles during this time. The credit would equal 6.85 percent of the wages of retained jobs and is targeted towards employers in financial services, manufacturing, software development, new media, scientific development, agriculture and other sectors.</p>
<p>Reduced Manufacturing Tax Rate</p>
<p>The Governor and the leaders agreed to provide a new reduction in the tax provided to corporate manufacturers by lowering their tax rate that would save them $25 million.</p>
<p>Reducing the MTA Payroll Tax</p>
<p>The Governor and the legislative leaders have agreed to reduce the MTA payroll tax on small businesses while maintaining the necessary funding for the MTA from other sources. The payroll tax would be eliminated or reduced for 294,900 taxpayers overall. The tax would also be eliminated from an additional 415,000 taxpayers by raising the self-employment income exemption. In addition, private elementary and secondary schools, as well as parochial schools, would be exempt from the tax. The State would compensate the MTA for the $250 million in lost revenue.</p>
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		<title>City Council Takes to the Streets</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/11/04/city-council-takes-to-the-streets/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/11/04/city-council-takes-to-the-streets/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:20:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gail Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atlantic Yards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[barclays arena]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bike lanes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christine Quinn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community biards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gale brewer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[james vacca]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[letitia james]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lew fidler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city department of transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[residential parking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[speaker quinn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation alternatives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vincent ignizio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yankee stadium]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10289</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On the same day, it tackled the issue of undocumented immigrants (for that story, go here), the City Council took on something really controversial: the battle for spaces on the city&#8217;s crowded streets.
At its stated meeting Thursday, members enacted two  measures.
One reflected concerns that the Bloomberg administration, in its zeal for bike lanes, has [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On the same day, it tackled the issue of undocumented immigrants (for that story, go <a href=" http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20111104/203/3630">here</a>), the City Council took on something really controversial: the battle for spaces on the city&#8217;s crowded streets.</p>
<p>At its stated meeting Thursday, members enacted two  measures.</p>
<p>One reflected concerns that the Bloomberg administration, in its zeal for bike lanes, has sometimes <a href=" http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/transportation/20110225/16/3472">ignored wishes</a> of local residents. <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=803592&#038;GUID=A9FD01B1-E217-4AA6-BC43-5127068542F3&#038;Options=ID|Text|&#038;Search=412">Intro 412</a>, which passed unanimously, would require that the city <a href=" http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/home/home.shtml">Department of Transportation</a> provide community boards with at least 90 days notification of any planned bike lanes in their area, allowing the board to hold hearings. If the board wanted, transportation officials would have to make presentations to the affected boards. </p>
<p>This does not mean the board could veto bike lanes, but simply that it be informed and consulted.</p>
<p>More on the bike law bill and residential parking permits after the jump.<br />
<span id="more-10289"></span></p>
<p>The bill&#8217;s sponsor, Councilmember <a href=" http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/home/home.shtml">Lew Fidler</a>, whose district has been roiled by some <a href=" http://www.sheepsheadbites.com/2010/09/fidler-bike-lanes-should-not-drop-out-of-the-sky/">bike lane disputes</a>, said it does not take a position on bike lanes themselves but is &#8220;pro community input.&#8221;</p>
<p>Some bike advocates, though, disagree. Caroline Samponaro of <a href=" http://www.sheepsheadbites.com/2010/09/fidler-bike-lanes-should-not-drop-out-of-the-sky/">Transportation Alternatives</a> <a href=" http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/top_stories/150180/city-council-passes-controversial-bike-lane-legislation">told</a> NY1 the bill is simply &#8220;a way to just slow down safety improvements.&#8221; </p>
<p>&#8220;Bike lanes are loved by some neighborhoods and not so much by others,&#8221; Council Speaker <a href=" http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/district/3">Christine Quinn</a> said, adding she hoped the bill &#8220;would calm some of the bike lane debate.&#8221;</p>
<p>One can always hope.</p>
<p>The other bill &#8212; a home rule message actually &#8212; could set in motion a plan for residential parking permits in the city. In some other parts of the country &#8212; <a href=" http://dmv.dc.gov/serv/parking/RPP.shtm">Washington, D.C.</a> &#8212; for one, residents of a particular neighborhood purchase a parking sticker that gives them priority for parking places close to their homes. The impetus for the resolution, <a href=" http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=991736&#038;GUID=A796C711-4598-4B4D-A072-35812E3EE219&#038;Options=ID|Text|&#038;Search=14">SLR14</a>, came from people living near the new <a href=" http://barclayscenter.com/">Barclay Arena</a> at Atlantic Yards, who worry they won&#8217;t be able to find parking once the Nets begin playing there next year, as well as residents of the Yankee Stadium area who already complain of difficulty parking. </p>
<p>The bill, according to transportation committee chair <a href=" http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/district/13">James Vacca</a>, does not institute the permits but merely asks the state legislature, which has jurisdiction over this, to allow the city to look into whether the permits would make sense in some parts of the city. &#8220;We want people who live in local communities to be allowed to park somewhere near their homes,&#8221; Vacca said.</p>
<p>Councilmember <a href=" http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/district/35">Letitia James</a>, who represents areas near Atlantic Yards, said the parking could serve as a &#8220;disincentive&#8221; for people to drive to the new arena. &#8220;Individuals who come to Barclays Arena should use mass transit,&#8221; she said.</p>
<p>The bill though, attracted considerable opposition (by the council&#8217;s standards), particularly from members who represent communities whose residents drive to other neighborhoods – neighborhoods where they do not live – and park for the day before getting on a bus or subway. Eight members <a href=" http://www.streetsblog.org/2011/11/03/city-council-signs-off-on-residential-parking-permits-next-stop-albany/">voted</a> against the resolution and one abstained.</p>
<p>One, <a href=" http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/district/51">VIncent Ignizio</a> of Staten Island, dismissed  the notion that people who live in an area have more of a right to park on the streets there than residents of other areas. &#8220;The spot in front of my home is not mine,&#8221; he said. People from his district should be able to park near Yankee Stadium, he said, and residents of the Bronx should feel free to park in Tottenville. (Don&#8217;t all drive there at once, folks.)</p>
<p>Some raised the specter of the fee that the city might charge for the permits. &#8220;I&#8217;m just concerned we&#8217;re now going to start taxing open space and the right to park in front of our homes,&#8221; Fidler said. </p>
<p>While opponents lost yesterday&#8217;s round, the residential parking has to make it through many hoops before becoming a reality in New York. Councilmember <a href=" http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/district/6">Gale Brewer</a>, who voted in favor, said she did not think it would pass in Albany.</p>
<p>The two Republican state senators from the city oppose the measure, making its passage in the GOP-controlled Senate unlikely, the Daily News <a href=" http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/city-council-greenlights-resident-parking-permits-albany-lawmakers-approve-article-1.972005">reported</a> today.</p>
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		<title>Cuomo Taps Lhota to Chair MTA</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/10/20/cuomo-taps-lhota-to-chair-mta/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/10/20/cuomo-taps-lhota-to-chair-mta/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:09:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gov. andrew cuomo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jay Lhota]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jay Walder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MTA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation alternatives]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10202</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gov. Andrew Cuomo has tapped Joe Lhota to head the Metropolitan Transportation Authority following Jay Walder&#8217;s departure. Lhota, a former top Giuliani aide was rumored to be Cuomo&#8217;s top pick for months. Lhota is currently the executive vice president for Madison Square Garden Inc..
“I am pleased to accept the recommendation of the extraordinary search committee [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gov. Andrew Cuomo has tapped Joe Lhota to head the Metropolitan Transportation Authority following Jay Walder&#8217;s departure. Lhota, a former top Giuliani aide was rumored to be Cuomo&#8217;s top pick for months. Lhota is currently the executive vice president for Madison Square Garden Inc..</p>
<p>“I am pleased to accept the recommendation of the extraordinary search committee and nominate Joe Lhota to be the next chairman and CEO of the MTA,” Cuomo said in a statement. “Joe Lhota brings one-of-a-kind managerial, government, and private sector experience to the job and a lifelong commitment to public service that will benefit all straphangers. I look forward to working together as we continue to reform the MTA, reduce costs, and improve service for New Yorkers. I thank the members of the MTA Search Advisory Committee for their diligent work and thorough review.”</p>
<p>Transportation advocates warn that Lhota will face a serious budget gap and must keep riders in mind while facing financial challenges.</p>
<p>“To succeed, Joseph Lhota must continue Jay Walder’s commitment to transit riders,” said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives in a statement. “With the MTA facing a $9.9 billion gap in its capital budget, New Yorkers want an MTA Chair will ensure that elected officials increase the funding needed to maintain the public transit system and prevent further fare hikes and service cuts.”</p>
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		<title>Fitch Downgrades MTA Revenue Bonds</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/09/08/fitch-downgrades-mta-revenue-bonds/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/09/08/fitch-downgrades-mta-revenue-bonds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:29:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[andrew cuomo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jay Walder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=10068</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fitch Ratings has downgraded $14.3 billion on outstanding Metropolitan Transportation Authority transportation revenue bonds from an &#8216;A&#8217; to an &#8216;A-plus.&#8217; The agency also downgraded the long-term rating of Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority general subordinate bonds.
Fitch said the move came because of escalating operating costs and foretasted deficits. 
“Just like in Washington, decisions made by [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Fitch Ratings has downgraded $14.3 billion on outstanding Metropolitan Transportation Authority transportation revenue bonds from an &#8216;A&#8217; to an &#8216;A-plus.&#8217; The agency also downgraded the long-term rating of Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority general subordinate bonds.</p>
<p>Fitch said the move came because of <a href="http://www.bondbuyer.com/news/-1030847-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS">escalating operating costs and foretasted deficits. </a></p>
<p>“Just like in Washington, decisions made by our elected officials in<br />
Albany caused this downgrade,” said Paul Steely White, Executive<br />
Director of Transportation Alternatives.</p>
<p>“The State’s raids on public transit funding have forced the MTA to pay for subways and buses with debt. Now, it will cost more for the MTA to run the system, and this will hit New Yorkers where it hurts—fare hikes and service cuts; unless our elected officials in Albany find secure revenue for public<br />
transit.”</p>
<p>The downgrades come as the agency waits for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to pick a new director to replace outgoing chairman Jay Walder. Transportation advocates are concerned about Cuomo&#8217;s interest in the city&#8217;s mass transit system and have been pushing Cuomo to pick someone with experience with a large transit system. <span id="more-10068"></span></p>
<p>The MTA released a statement last night saying:  &#8220;Since Fitch put these credits on negative outlook in late 2009, the MTA has successfully weathered continued difficulties in the local economy, and has taken actions to ensure that it continues to meet its financial obligations and mission.<br />
While a downgrade is never welcome news, we believe the strength of the credits remains fundamentally secure. We also believe that the impact of the Fitch rating action is largely priced into the market already and that any pricing impact would be minimal.”</p>
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		<title>MTA Budget Proposal</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/07/27/mta-budget-proposal/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/07/27/mta-budget-proposal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jay Walder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9914</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Metropolitan Transportation Authority&#8217;s outgoing head Jay Walder  released his 2012 preliminary budget and four year financial plan. The headline from the MTA says quite a bit in itself
&#8220;Unprecedented Internal Cost Cutting Limits Fare Increase to Agreed 7.5% and Protects Service Quality; MTA&#8217;s Financial Picture Remains Fragile with Many Risks; Labor Participation Critical to Plan.&#8221;
The [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Metropolitan Transportation Authority&#8217;s outgoing head Jay Walder  released his <a href="http://www.mta.info/mta/budget/july2011/July%202011%20Financial%20Plan%20Vol%201_7_26.pdf">2012 preliminary budget</a> and four year financial plan. The headline from the MTA says quite a bit in itself</p>
<p>&#8220;Unprecedented Internal Cost Cutting Limits Fare Increase to Agreed 7.5% and Protects Service Quality; MTA&#8217;s Financial Picture Remains Fragile with Many Risks; Labor Participation Critical to Plan.&#8221;</p>
<p>The $12 billion  2012 budget does not have any fare increases but relies on a three-year pay freeze for the Transportation Workers Union, and borrows billions to fund its capital plan. Unions, so far, <a href="http://www.lohud.com/article/20110727/NEWS01/107270336/MTA-plan-avoids-fare-increases-depends-3-year-salary-freeze?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Westchester%20County,%20New%20York">are not hot on the plan</a>.</p>
<p>However, the MTA does plan on 7.5 percent fare and toll increases in 2013 and 2015 and expects major funding shortfalls in 2014 and 2015.</p>
<p>Walder will be <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/07/21/walder-out/">leaving his post in Oct.</a> for a job in Hong Kong.</p>
<p>The full release from the MTA after the jump.<br />
<span id="more-9914"></span></p>
<p>Here is the release from the MTA:</p>
<p>The Plan relies on three key components. The first is the continuation and expansion of the MTA&#8217;s cost-cutting initiatives, which have saved more than $380 million in 2010, translating into more than $500 million in annual recurring savings and growing to more than $700 million by 2014. The second key to the Plan is controlling labor costs, which make up 2/3 of the MTA&#8217;s operating expenses. The Plan acknowledges that in the current economic situation wage increases must be tied to productivity gains or other cost savings. The Plan therefore assumes that all employees – both represented and non-represented – would receive a &#8220;net-zero&#8221; wage increase for two years. Finally, the Plan includes the 7.5% increases in fare and toll revenue in 2011 and 2013 agreed upon with the Governor and Legislature as part of the MTA rescue package approved last spring, which also included a series of new taxes to support the MTA and funding for the first two years of the MTA&#8217;s 2010-2014 Capital Program.</p>
<p>&#8220;The foundation of this Plan is the most aggressive and comprehensive overhaul in the history of the MTA,&#8221; said Jay H. Walder, Chairman and CEO of the MTA. &#8220;These actions have allowed us to hold true to our commitment regarding fare increases while maintaining the quantity and quality of service that New Yorkers rely on every day. The State&#8217;s ongoing fiscal crisis is one of many risks to the Plan, but with continued hard work and the participation of our labor unions I believe that this Plan can be achieved.&#8221;</p>
<p>The MTA was able to eliminate its 2010 deficit through a series of management actions, including:</p>
<p>Eliminating more than 3,400 administrative and operating positions through layoffs, voluntary separations and elimination of vacant positions<br />
Freezing pay for management employees<br />
Increasing efficiency of paratransit and Bridge and Tunnel operations<br />
Reducing use of overtime<br />
Eliminating or deferring projects<br />
Consolidating functions<br />
Renegotiating contracts with vendors<br />
More efficiently managing inventories</p>
<p>These actions, the initial stages of a continuing effort to fundamentally overhaul the way the MTA does business, will mean recurring savings of more than $500 million in 2011, rising to $700 million in 2014.</p>
<p>Despite these savings, the Financial Plan remains subject to risks that could mean additional difficulties. The plan assumes that the health of the economy does not deteriorate significantly, and that the taxes that are collected by New York State in the MTA&#8217;s name are paid to the MTA. Regardless, additional reductions will need to be identified through labor savings, as noted, and through elimination of shortfalls to subsidies for Long Island Bus.</p>
<p>Labor</p>
<p>Controlling wage and benefit costs have a critical role to play in stabilizing the MTA&#8217;s finances. Wages, benefits and other personnel expenses account for 2/3 of MTA operating expenses. This financial plan assumes that each new labor contract will not impose any additional financial burden on the MTA for two years. This is intended as a clear statement that the MTA cannot afford to allow salary, wage and fringe benefit costs to rise in ways unconnected to productivity and the regional economy&#8217;s ability to support the system. This, however, does not preclude the possibility of wage increases based on bankable productivity improvements or contributions to benefit costs. Consistent with this &#8220;net zero&#8221; labor initiative, non-represented employees will not receive a cost of living raise in 2010, which will be the second of two consecutive years without an increase.</p>
<p>MTA Long Island Bus</p>
<p>The MTA proposed budget assumes that Nassau County will fully fund its obligation to support Long Island Bus. Under a 1973 lease agreement, the MTA operates the system as a contractor working on behalf of the County, which owns the bus system. Through 1999, the County made up 100% of its funding obligation. But since 2000, when the County dramatically cut back its assistance for this service, the MTA has been forced to shoulder an increasing share of this cost, totaling $140 million. The MTA can no longer afford to subsidize this service, which would cost the MTA more than $25 million in 2011.</p>
<p>Proposed Fare and Toll Increases</p>
<p>Fare policy is designed to raise the necessary revenue while maintaining ridership as much as possible, minimizing impacts to lower-income customers, and increasing efficiencies of fare collection. The proposal below will be discussed at public hearings in the fall before a final plan is taken to the MTA Board for approval. The fare increase would take effect on January 1, 2011.</p>
<p>&#8220;Today&#8217;s announcement begins a period of public discussion,&#8221; Chairman Walder said. &#8220;We look forward to hearing from the public and reviewing the public comments as we continue to evaluate this proposal before we adopt the final budget by the end of the year.&#8221;</p>
<p>New York City Subway &amp; New York City Local Buses</p>
<p>Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards</p>
<p>The base fare would remain unchanged at $2.25.<br />
The bonus discount offered on pay-per-ride MetroCards would fall to 7%, from the current 15%.<br />
Customers would need to put at least $10 on a MetroCard to receive the bonus, up from $8 currently.<br />
The effective fare paid by users of the pay-per-ride bonus discount MetroCard would rise to $2.10, from the current $1.96.<br />
The effective fare paid by express bus riders would rise to $5.14, up from $4.78 currently.</p>
<p>Unlimited Ride MetroCards</p>
<p>For users of the 30-day unlimited-ride MetroCard, the MTA proposes to adopt one of two options.<br />
A 30-day MetroCard offering up to 90 rides for $99.<br />
A 30-day unlimited-ride MetroCard for $104.<br />
Users of the 30-day unlimited card tend to have the highest incomes of all New York City Transit customers, and would continue to benefit from significant discounts on a per-ride basis as compared with pay-per-ride users. (A rider taking 90 rides in a month would pay $1.10 per ride under the $99 option, or $1.16 per ride under the $104 option.)<br />
The median household income for users of the 30-day MetroCard is $63,000; for the 7-day card it is $38,000.<br />
For 7-day unlimited-ride MetroCards, the MTA proposes to adopt one of two options:<br />
A 7-day card offering up to 22 rides for $28.<br />
A 7-day unlimited-ride card for $29.<br />
In order to simplify options and retire ineffective discounts, the less popular one-day and 14-day MetroCards would be phased out.<br />
The one-day Fun Pass is used for just 0.8% of subway and bus trips. The 14-day pass, is used for only 2.1% of trips. Proposed changes to the 7-day and 30-day MetroCards close the gap in per-ride cost, eliminating the need for the 14-day card.</p>
<p>Increasing Efficiencies</p>
<p>It costs 15 cents to collect every dollar the MTA collects in fare revenue. The MTA proposes two changes to help reduce this expense.</p>
<p>To encourage customers to refill existing MetroCards instead of purchasing new ones, the MTA is proposing a charge of $1 to purchase a new MetroCard.<br />
The MTA pays $13 million annually to print MetroCards, many of which wind up as litter.<br />
This is a charge that any customer can avoid. It would not apply to those who refill an expired MetroCard by obtaining a new one, those who hold Reduced Fare passes, or to MetroCards sold at out-of-system retailers.<br />
Similarly, the MTA is proposing to institute a 25¢ charge for purchasing a paper single-ride ticket.</p>
<p>Long Island Rail Road &amp; Metro-North Railroad</p>
<p>Average ticket increases range from 7.6% to 9.4%, depending on distance and ticket type, in order to achieve a revenue gain of 7.5%.<br />
Most discounts for tickets purchased via the Mail &amp; Ride and WebTicket programs would be eliminated.<br />
Sales through these programs cost the MTA up to seven times more per ticket than sales through Ticket Vending Machines.<br />
The discount for the joint Mail&amp; Ride monthly ticket/MetroCard would be retained, but reduced.<br />
To help limit the size of the fare increase, the MTA is proposing to reduce ticket validity periods in ways that conform with policies of numerous peer railroads.<br />
A one-way ticket would be valid for seven days (down from the current six months).<br />
A ten-trip ticket would be valid for 90 days (down from the current one year).<br />
To speed up on-board fare collection processes, the cost of tickets purchased on board would be rounded up to the nearest dollar.<br />
The railroads would institute a fee to cover the cost of processing refunds.</p>
<p>MTA Bridges and Tunnels</p>
<p>Cash tolls at the MTA&#8217;s six major crossings and the Henry Hudson Bridge would increase by 50¢, and cash tolls at its two minor bridges would rise by 25¢.<br />
The MTA proposes to increase E-ZPass tolls for cars by 10% at all crossings.<br />
Resident discount programs increase proportionally.</p>
<p>Full details of the Financial Plan and fare increase proposal are available at www.mta.info.</p>
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		<title>Cuomo Administration Suspends Licenses For 8 Bus Companies</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/07/25/cuomo-administration-suspends-licenses-for-8-bus-companies/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/07/25/cuomo-administration-suspends-licenses-for-8-bus-companies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:32:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[andrew cuomo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9905</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The New York State Department of Transportation has issued suspensions for the operating licenses of eight charter bus operators. The move comes during heightened scrutiny of the industry following a number of fatal bus crashes.
&#8220;The frequent, and at times flagrant, violations of state and federal  safety regulations by charter bus companies has gone on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The New York State Department of Transportation has issued suspensions for the operating licenses of eight charter bus operators. The move comes during heightened scrutiny of the industry following a number of fatal bus crashes.</p>
<p>&#8220;The frequent, and at times flagrant, violations of state and federal  safety regulations by charter bus companies has gone on for too long and  put too many lives at risk,&#8221; Governor Cuomo said in a statement.</p>
<p>The eight companies are:</p>
<p>BEST TRAILS AND TRAVEL CORP</p>
<p>PARTY RIDE</p>
<p>A &amp; W TOURS, Inc.</p>
<p>Touch of Class &amp; Coach, Inc.</p>
<p>Silver Star Limo Company, LLC</p>
<p>Zoladz Limousine Service·</p>
<p>Long Island Limousine Service Corp</p>
<p>Big Apple Bus Charter, Inc.</p>
<p>Here is the full release from the Cuomo administration:</p>
<p><span id="more-9905"></span></p>
<p>CUOMO ADMINISTRATION SUSPENDS OPERATING LICENSES FOR 8 CHARTER BUS COMPANIES</p>
<p>The Cuomo Administration today announced that the New York State Department of Transportation will immediately issue a suspension of the operating licenses of eight poor performing charter tour bus operators. The eight companies are being directed to cease operations under their New York licenses within five business days. All of the companies have failed three or more roadside inspections of buses or drivers in the last six months of intensified state enforcement or failed their scheduled semi-annual bus inspections or received a Federal Out-of-Service order.&#8221;The frequent, and at times flagrant, violations of state and federal safety regulations by charter bus companies has gone on for too long and put too many lives at risk,&#8221; Governor Cuomo said.The Administration said that this action would pull some 100 buses off New York state roads pending a full DOT review of the companies&#8217; vehicle fleets, drivers&#8217; records, and company finances before the suspensions can be lifted. The reviews will take place at the expense of the suspended companies. Failure to achieve full compliance will result in the permanent revocation of the companies&#8217; right to operate in New York. Some of the failing operators have separate interstate operating licenses issued by the Federal government. NYSDOT is working with the US Department of Transportation to assure that sub-standard operators that lose their New York licenses cannot continue to operate in New York under a federal license.The Department of Transportation is also adding 20 new inspectors to step up enforcement of bus industry regulations and carrier compliance. The additional staff will perform approximately 11,000 safety performance inspections of high-risk operators and 2,000 safety audits of poor performing motor carriers annually. These enforcement activities are expected to generate $2 million in civil penalties annually.In the past four months, the Department of Transportation has performed 3,000 roadside bus inspections with 542 drivers and/or vehicles being placed Out-of-Service. This compares with 615 buses inspected at roadside in all of 2010&#8211;a nearly a 400% increase. DOT also conducts more than 160,000 routine bus safety inspections annually, and works with the State Police to conduct more than 120,000 surprise roadside inspections of buses and trucks annually.The following carriers are being suspended:· BEST TRAILS AND TRAVEL CORP· PARTY RIDE· A &amp; W TOURS, Inc.· Touch of Class &amp; Coach, Inc.· Silver Star Limo Company, LLC· Zoladz Limousine Service· Long Island Limousine Service Corp.· Big Apple Bus Charter, Inc.</p>
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		<title>Addabbo Explains Vote on Livery Bill</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/06/28/addabbo-explains-vote-on-livery-bill/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/06/28/addabbo-explains-vote-on-livery-bill/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:46:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joseph Addabbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[michael bloomberg]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9804</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sen. Joseph Addabbo issued a statement today to explain his vote against the livery bill supported by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The bill that was passed by the Assembly and Senate will create a new class of livery cabs that will be available to commuters in certain busy areas of boroughs outside of Manhattan. There was [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sen. Joseph Addabbo issued a statement today to explain his vote against the livery bill supported by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The bill that was passed by the Assembly and Senate will create a new class of livery cabs that will be available to commuters in certain busy areas of boroughs outside of Manhattan. There was heavy lobbying on both sides of the issue&#8211;with yellow cab drivers who were against the legislation surrounding the Capitol with their cabs and livery drivers who spent hours debating legislators in the halls. The bill was the last piece of legislation<a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/Albany/20110627/204/3553"> voted on before the same-sex marriage bill</a>. Here is Addabbo&#8217;s explanation:</p>
<p>&#8220;My reasoning for voting against Mayor Bloomberg’s Taxi Plan bill (S.5825) is twofold. First, this matter should have been decided or negotiated with the NYC Council. Many state lawmakers, like myself, believe the State Legislature was being used to circumvent the usual City government legislative process pertaining to these types of matters. Second, this bill would not truly benefit my residents and certainly would hurt the livery cab industry much more than helping the yellow cab companies.<span id="more-9804"></span></p>
<p>I believe that this bill will minimize the value of existing taxi cab medallions by allowing the City to sell 1500 additional medallions to the pubic and would force the livery companies to purchase hail privilege permits for $1,500 to remain competitive with the taxi cabs. I agree with the constituents and businesses that have reached out to me, that this plan did not help them and, therefore, did not merit my support. I also believe that a more appropriate plan can be negotiated in a more transparent and fair manner between the Mayor’s Office and industry representatives to better serve the residents of my district and throughout the city.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>NY Gets Federal High-Speed Rail Funds</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/05/09/ny-gets-federal-high-speed-rail-funds/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/05/09/ny-gets-federal-high-speed-rail-funds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 19:03:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David King</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye on Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gov. andrew cuomo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9464</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[New York has been awarded $354.4 million in federal funds to help advance New York&#8217;s plans for high-speed rail. Three projects are to be funded through the United States Department of Transportation. Last year New York seemed like a loser in the competition for federal rail funds&#8211;being granted only $151 million of the $4 billion [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>New York has been awarded $354.4 million in federal funds to help advance New York&#8217;s plans for high-speed rail. Three projects are to be funded through the United States Department of Transportation. Last year New York <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/albany/20100617/204/3294">seemed like a loser</a> in the competition for federal rail funds&#8211;being granted only $151 million of the $4 billion it applied for while California received over $2 billion. But thanks to other states rejecting their funding New York&#8217;s rail plans got a new lease on life.</p>
<p>The first project will use $295 million of the funds to alleviate delays for trains entering and leaving Manhattan. The improvements will allow Amtrak trains to bypass busy commuter rail lines and thereby make commute from New York to Boston much faster. The project will also lay the groundwork for high-speed rail.</p>
<p>The second project will utlilize $58 million to help alleviate the bottle neck in the Empire Corridor.  The Schenectady rail station will be replaced and the Rensselaer Station will see the addition of a 4th track.<br />
The third project would spend $1.4 million to investigate the creation of an intermodal station in Rochester.</p>
<p>Three states&#8211;Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida rejected their federal funding and New York, along with other states, was able to apply to get a chunk of that cash. New York was fairly successful</p>
<p>&#8220;New York stands ready to use this federal money to rebuild our transportation infrastructure, expand high speed rail, and put New Yorkers back to work,&#8221; said Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a statement. &#8220;In April I applied for federal grant money to fund promising projects that would push New York&#8217;s high-speed rail plans forward and create jobs,&#8221; Governor Cuomo said. &#8220;Today, the US Department of Transportation awarded New York $354.4 million for three projects. These initiatives have tremendous potential and will be a significant factor in ushering our economy and transportation system into the 21st century. I thank Secretary LaHood and his team for their careful review of the projects.&#8221;</p>
<p>Here is the full statement from Cuomo&#8217;s office: <span id="more-9464"></span></p>
<p>&#8220;GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES NEW YORK AWARDED $354.4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECTS</p>
<p>Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced New York was awarded a total of $354.4 million in federal funding from the United States Department of Transportation for three projects that advance New York&#8217;s high-speed rail plans. Shortly after being elected, then Governor-elect Cuomo wrote to Transportation Secretary LaHood urging him to direct any federal high-speed rail money rejected by other states to New York.</p>
<p>&#8220;New York stands ready to use this federal money to rebuild our transportation infrastructure, expand high speed rail, and put New Yorkers back to work. In April I applied for federal grant money to fund promising projects that would push New York&#8217;s high-speed rail plans forward and create jobs,&#8221; Governor Cuomo said. &#8220;Today, the US Department of Transportation awarded New York $354.4 million for three projects. These initiatives have tremendous potential and will be a significant factor in ushering our economy and transportation system into the 21st century. I thank Secretary LaHood and his team for their careful review of the projects.&#8221;</p>
<p>In 2010, Wisconsin and Ohio returned their federal funding. Of that money, New York received $7.3 million. In February 2011, Florida rejected $2.4 billion in funding. $2 billion of those funds were redirected to states through a competitive grant process. On behalf of New York State, Governor Cuomo applied for $517 million for various initiatives from across the State. The projects cover an array of vital infrastructure upgrades needed throughout New York that would continue to lay the groundwork for wide-scale high-speed service.</p>
<p>The following projects received awards:</p>
<p>Northeast Corridor Congestion Relief: Harold Interlocking: $295 million to alleviate major delays for trains coming in and out of Manhattan with new routes that allow Amtrak trains to bypass the busiest passenger rail junction in the nation. This is for the largest application by New York, and funds the entire amount requested for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority&#8217;s (MTA) Harold Interlocking plan.</p>
<p>The Amtrak bypass routes that will be constructed as part of this project will greatly improve reliability, on-time performance, and travel time for existing Amtrak service between New York and Boston and will provide the direct path through Harold Interlocking that is needed to make high-speed rail possible on the Northeast Corridor in the future.</p>
<p>New York – Empire Corridor Capacity Improvements: $58 million to construct upgrades to tracks, stations and signals, improving rail operations along the Empire Corridor. This includes replacement of the Schenectady Station and construction of a fourth station track at the Albany &#8211; Rensselaer Station, one of the corridor&#8217;s most significant bottlenecks.</p>
<p>Empire Corridor West: Rochester Intermodal Station: $1.4 million for a preliminary engineering and environmental analysis for a new Rochester Intermodal Station on the Empire Corridor, connecting passengers with additional transit and pedestrian options.</p>
<p>Twenty-four states, the District of Columbia and Amtrak submitted nearly 100 applications, competing to be part of an historic investment that will create tens of thousands of jobs, improve mobility and stimulate American manufacturing.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>Fare Increase Not a Bargaining Chip?</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/04/29/fare-increase-not-a-bargaining-chip/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/04/29/fare-increase-not-a-bargaining-chip/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:44:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Immigrants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Measuring UP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Work and Labor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bhairavi Desai]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cabs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[david yassky]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[taxi and limousine commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[taxis]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9430</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Asking for a fare increase as city officials are trying to get a new class of cab in the outer boroughs isn&#8217;t playing hardball, Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, told Gotham Gazette today. 
It&#8217;s merely about timing. 
&#8220;It&#8217;s generally not a negotiation ploy by us,&#8221; Desai said, citing the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Asking for a fare increase as city officials are<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/nyregion/new-york-city-shelves-plan-to-legalize-hailing-livery-cabs.html"> trying to get a new class of cab</a> in the outer boroughs isn&#8217;t playing hardball, Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the <a href="http://www.nytwa.org/">New York Taxi Workers Alliance</a>, told Gotham Gazette today. </p>
<p>It&#8217;s merely about timing. </p>
<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s generally not a negotiation ploy by us,&#8221; Desai said, citing the increased cost of gas. &#8220;For us, the fare proposal has been in the works, because we know next month it will be seven years since we&#8217;ve had an overall raise. Driver income has not been at a livable standard.&#8221;</p>
<p>The alliance announced this week it will be asking the Taxi and Limousine Commission for an approximately 25 percent fare increase. The proposal will not be finalized until Wednesday, but Desai said it would likely ask for the waiting rate to increase from 40 to 50 cents and the mileage rate to go up to $2.50 from $2. The alliance will also ask for increases in taxi surcharges for rush hour and late night. </p>
<p>The request comes as the Bloomberg administration attempts to drill down a proposal to get more cab service in the outer boroughs. Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced in his <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20110120/203/3455">State of the City speech</a> in January he would <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20110119/203/3454">propose legislation</a> to allow livery cabs in the outer boroughs to pick up people hailing on the street &#8212; prohibited under current law. </p>
<p>After a <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703778104576287502122288290.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">backlash</a> from city officials and the <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20110330/203/3501">taxi industry</a>, the administration is considering creating another class of yellow cab that would be limited to outer-borough pick ups instead. </p>
<p>Desai said the alliance isn&#8217;t opposed to servicing the outer boroughs, but as it stands now <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&#038;ct2=us%2F0_0_s_5_0_t&#038;usg=AFQjCNF7i3xjuaxKs9lSIBtXZL0_08N9vg&#038;did=a91eca203302be3&#038;sig2=6vSf4-S-w4wOXpkeF3YMpA&#038;cid=17593889349947&#038;ei=UCK7TeD6IMfrgge4mPKEAg&#038;rt=MORE_COVERAGE&#038;vm=STANDARD&#038;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ny1.com%2F%3FArID%3D138200">it&#8217;s not economical.</a> Drivers cannot cruise residential streets for street pickups without losing money, she said. A fare increase would help convince drivers to go to Brooklyn or Queens, Desai added. She also suggested creating cab stands in commercial areas of the outer boroughs. </p>
<p>On his radio show this morning, Bloomberg said he was sympathetic to the cab industry&#8217;s qualms. </p>
<p>Above all else, Desai said she wants to make sure the yellow cab reserves the exclusive right to pick up New Yorkers at the curbside. </p>
<p>&#8220;We don&#8217;t want to see more vehicles on the road,&#8221; she said. &#8220;It&#8217;s going to increase congestion and increase competition in a field where it&#8217;s already competitive.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>Vote Breakdown for Koch Queensboro</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/03/24/vote-breakdown-for-koch-queensboro/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/03/24/vote-breakdown-for-koch-queensboro/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:08:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye Opener]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Use]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ed Koch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ed koch queensboro bridge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[queensboro bridge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vote]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9322</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We have had a number of requests for a breakdown of yesterday&#8217;s vote on the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. 
(We cover the debate this morning here.)
So, without further ado, here you go: 
Maria Del Carmen Arroyo &#8212; absent
Charles Barron &#8212; no
Gale A. Brewer &#8212; yes
Fernando Cabrera &#8212; yes
Margaret S. Chin &#8212; no
Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We have had a number of requests for a breakdown of <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=824125&#038;GUID=EC42D52E-FB08-4A30-9BC6-8C49281FE074&#038;Options=&#038;Search=">yesterday&#8217;s vote</a> on the <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20110324/203/3495">Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge.</a> </p>
<p>(We cover the debate this <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20110324/203/3495">morning here</a>.)</p>
<p>So, without further ado, here you go: </p>
<p>Maria Del Carmen Arroyo &#8212; absent<br />
Charles Barron &#8212; no<br />
Gale A. Brewer &#8212; yes<br />
Fernando Cabrera &#8212; yes<br />
Margaret S. Chin &#8212; no<br />
Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. &#8212; no<br />
Elizabeth S. Crowley &#8212; yes<br />
Inez E. Dickens &#8212; yes<br />
Erik Martin Dilan &#8212; yes<br />
Daniel Dromm &#8212; yes<br />
Mathieu Eugene &#8212; yes<br />
Julissa Ferreras &#8212; yes<br />
Lewis A. Fidler  &#8212; yes<br />
Helen D. Foster &#8212; no<br />
Daniel R. Garodnick &#8212; no<br />
<span id="more-9322"></span><br />
James F. Gennaro &#8212; yes<br />
Vincent J. Gentile &#8212; yes<br />
Sara M. Gonzalez &#8212; yes<br />
David G. Greenfield &#8212; yes<br />
Daniel J. Halloran III &#8212; no<br />
Vincent M. Ignizio &#8212; yes<br />
Robert Jackson &#8212; yes<br />
Letitia James &#8212; no<br />
Peter A. Koo &#8212; yes<br />
G. Oliver Koppell &#8212; yes<br />
Karen Koslowitz &#8212; yes<br />
Brad S. Lander 	&#8211; yes<br />
Jessica S. Lappin &#8212; yes<br />
Stephen T. Levin &#8212; yes<br />
Melissa Mark-Viverito &#8212; yes<br />
Darlene Mealy &#8212; yes<br />
Rosie Mendez &#8212; yes<br />
Michael C. Nelson &#8212; yes<br />
James S. Oddo &#8212; yes<br />
Annabel Palma &#8212; yes<br />
Christine C. Quinn &#8212; yes<br />
Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. &#8212; yes<br />
Diana Reyna &#8212; yes<br />
Joel Rivera &#8212; yes<br />
Ydanis A. Rodriguez &#8212; yes<br />
Deborah L. Rose &#8212; no<br />
James Sanders, Jr. &#8212; yes<br />
Larry B. Seabrook &#8212; yes<br />
Eric A. Ulrich &#8212; yes<br />
James Vacca &#8212; yes<br />
Peter F. Vallone, Jr. &#8212; no<br />
James G. Van Bramer &#8212; no<br />
Albert Vann &#8212; no<br />
Mark S. Weprin &#8212; yes<br />
Thomas White, Jr. &#8212; yes<br />
Jumaane D. Williams &#8212; no</p>
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		<title>Council to Move Forward Bus Bill</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/03/23/council-to-move-forward-bus-bill/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/03/23/council-to-move-forward-bus-bill/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:35:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bronx]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bus crash]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chinatown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[discount buses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9319</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The City Council is voting on a home rule message today that would give Albany the authority to pass legislation to require the regulation of intercity buses.
The move is an indication that the legislation will be approved in Albany. 
The bill, introduced in Albany in February by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, would require discount buses [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The City Council is voting on a home rule message today that would give Albany the authority to pass legislation to require the regulation of intercity buses.</p>
<p>The move is an indication that the legislation will be approved in Albany. </p>
<p>The bill, <a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/064/20110204/">introduced in Albany in February</a> by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, would require discount buses register with the city. It would affect the types of discount buses involved in recent fatal accidents in <a href="http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/03/national_transportation_safety.html">New Jersey</a> and in <a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/03/14/police-treat-bronx-bus-crash-as-criminal-investigation/">the Bronx</a>. Supporters say it would give city officials a better indication of who is operating what vehicles, from where and when. </p>
<p>Currently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is charged <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/nyregion/15bus.html">with monitoring safety conditions</a> on these vehicles. Council officials said the bill would not regulate safety and would not supersede federal authority. </p>
<p>The City Council must approve a home rule message before the legislation can move in Albany. </p>
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		<item>
		<title>Regulation of Bus Companies Questioned</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/03/15/regulation-of-bus-companies-questioned/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/03/15/regulation-of-bus-companies-questioned/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:07:58 +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[Electoral Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye Opener]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Use]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Measuring UP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bronx]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chinatown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chrales schumer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuck Schumer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crash]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[discount buses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Super Luxury Tours]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9269</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just hours after officials called for stricter safety regulations for discount buses departing from Chinatown yesterday, another fatal accident took the lives of two more passengers. 
A Super Luxury Tours bus headed for Philadelphia slammed into a guardrail on the New Jersey Turnpike, killing the driver and another passenger. The crash came just three days [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just hours after officials called for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqiSssIbyEw">stricter safety regulations</a> for discount buses departing from Chinatown yesterday, another fatal accident took the lives of two more passengers. </p>
<p>A Super Luxury Tours bus headed for Philadelphia <a href="http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-breaking-major-bus-crash-on-nj-turnpike-20110314,0,1770630.story">slammed into a guardrail </a>on the New Jersey Turnpike, killing the driver and another passenger. The crash came just three days after a <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/mar/15/ny-bus-drivers-trail-fatal-crash-probed/">brutal accident in the Bronx</a>, which killed 15 people.</p>
<p>“Saturday morning’s crash was a heartbreaking tragedy and requires us to look closely at the safety regulations in place for the discount tour bus industry,” said <a href="http://schumer.senate.gov/">Sen. Charles Schumer</a> in a <a href="http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/record.cfm?id=331866">prepared statement yesterday</a>. “While it’s vital we get to the bottom of what caused Saturday’s crash, we must make sure that the regulations that govern the overall safety of this industry are effective and being followed by operators.”</p>
<p>Schumer wants to see the National Transportation Safety Board <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/03/14/2011-03-14_sen_chuck_schumer_demands_ntsb_oversight_of_discount_buses_after_fatal_bronx_cra.html">investigate</a> the entire industry. </p>
<p>According to the release, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver <a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&#038;bn=A04578&#038;Summary=Y&#038;Text=Y">introduced legislation</a> last month that would require these discount bus companies, many of which operate from the curbside in Chinatown, to get permits from the city. They are now <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/nyregion/15bus.html?_r=1">regulated</a> exclusively by the <a href="http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/">Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration</a>. His bill would also designate where they can drop off and pick up passengers. </p>
<p>According to a <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/transportation/td_chinatown_bus.shtml">study</a> from the Department of City Planning, these companies conduct 2,000 trips from Chinatown every week. </p>
<p>We covered the issue last year. For an in-depth look at the controversy, go <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/transportation/20100512/16/3265">here</a>. </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>Snow Update from Bloomberg</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/27/snow-update-from-bloomberg/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/27/snow-update-from-bloomberg/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:42:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></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[Measuring UP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blizzard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department of sanitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plowing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[snow]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9043</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg updated New Yorkers on the progress of snow removal status this morning at City Hall. His remarks, verbatim, are below: 

“Good morning. Let me bring you up to date on the storm that hit our city last night and this morning. The Police Commissioner is here. He has to go to another [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mayor Michael Bloomberg <a href="http://nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/?front_door=true">updated New Yorkers</a> on the progress of snow removal status this morning at City Hall. His remarks, verbatim, are below: </p>
<blockquote><p>
“Good morning. Let me bring you up to date on the storm that hit our city last night and this morning. The Police Commissioner is here. He has to go to another meeting, so unless anybody has any real questions for him – I don’t think you do – when he walks out it isn’t that he doesn’t care, it’s just that I’ve told him do the other meeting.</p>
<p> “When the snow stopped falling at about 4:00 AM, the official reading in Central Park was 19 inches. This is roughly twice the amount of snow that yesterday’s evening National Weather Service forecast told us to expect. And we have now had the snowiest January in New York City history. We have had 36 inches since January 1st, breaking a record last set in 1925.</p>
<p>“The heavy overnight snowfall – which amounted to a foot or more of new snow by the early morning hours – is why we decided to close schools today. Emergency agencies, like police, fire, and the public hospitals, have remained open. And as I said over the course of a dozen or so interviews with TV and radio stations this morning, as transportation options get better, City employees should come in to work.</p>
<p>“The weather emergency that we declared yesterday afternoon remains in effect. Street cleaning and meter regulations will be suspended today and tomorrow. Clearing the streets remains our number one job – and to do that, motorists should please, please refrain from driving.<br />
<span id="more-9043"></span><br />
“If you get stuck, your car will be towed at your expense, and you also prevent us from plowing. So it would be very helpful if people did not use their cars. Thankfully, most car owners appear to have heeded the emergency declaration we issued. We have relatively few reports of stuck vehicles on our roadways and traffic is light.</p>
<p>“First, let me give you an overnight update. The City’s tow truck task force – one of the elements of our new 15-point snow emergency plan that we developed this month – operated overnight out of the Emergency Operations Center at Office of Emergency Management headquarters in Brooklyn.</p>
<p>“OEM Commissioner Joe Bruno reports that dozens of ambulances were stuck at one point or another during the night. However, no patients were left in the stalled ambulances. The stuck ambulances were either rapidly towed out of snowdrifts, or patients were transferred to other ambulances that were dispatched to the scene. EMS reports that road and weather conditions made their response times higher than normal, but no calls ever remained in a queue. And OEM also dispatched snow removal equipment and crews from the Parks and Transportation Departments to clear some emergency entrances and driveways at City hospitals.</p>
<p>“All public and voluntary hospitals in the city remained, and remain, open.</p>
<p> “In terms of power, overnight there were two small, separate episodes of power outages on Staten Island, but as of 7 a.m., power had been restored in both of those cases.</p>
<p>“The MTA bus service was suspended about 12:30 this morning. MTA President Jay Walder is with us and will, in a few minutes, describe storm-related service changes.</p>
<p>“The Sanitation Department’s strategy is to plow as much as they can, where they can, and then return to remove stalled vehicles. </p>
<p>“City public schools, as you know, are closed for the day. After-school programs are closed as well. The combination of mass transit delays and suspensions, and difficult conditions on secondary and tertiary streets, made this decision the only right one for parents, students, and staff. As you know, this is not a decision that we make lightly; we never want our kids to lose a day of school, or their parents to lose a day of work. For the record, this is only the ninth time since 1978 that schools have been closed because of snow. Parents, students and staff should assume that all schools, and all after-school programs, will be open tomorrow.</p>
<p>“We are in discussion with State education officials about finding a solution for students who were unable to take the Regents exams scheduled for today. This is not a problem only for New York City, there are other cities in the southern part of the state that have exactly the same problem. </p>
<p>“Yesterday, the City’s human service agencies responsible for meal deliveries to shut-in or disabled New Yorkers made double deliveries of meals. And we really urge elderly neighbors with any such infirmities to remain in their homes until conditions permit them to get out and get about again. It is slippery and it will be slippery tonight when the warm weather, as it does every night, goes away and things freeze.</p>
<p>“At the moment, our Sanitation Department has 1,700 plows out on the streets cleaning snow. They are being assisted by a few hundred additional plows from the Department of Transportation, the Parks Department, and other agencies. We are also getting help from 128 hired pieces of equipment, including backhoes, bobcats and front-end loaders. And we’re calling in upwards of 1,500 day laborers to shovel out bus stops and crosswalks.</p>
<p> “All primary streets and highways have received at least one pass of the plow – and we’re now working on secondary and some tertiary streets. Our expectation is that by tomorrow morning’s rush hour, all of the city’s streets and roadways will have been plowed. Keep in mind, on some of the secondary and tertiary streets the snow gets plowed to the side where there are cars. When you shovel out your car, it would be helpful if you shovel the snow other than back into the middle of the street. When it gets into the middle of the street, it just gets messy and also gets to be dangerous.</p>
<p>“Even though the storms are passed, there are several steps that New Yorkers can continue to take to make the day easier and safer for everyone. First, people should please use nyc.gov for all information related to the snow. And keep 911 emergency calls to a minimum. If it’s an emergency, 911. If it’s not, please do not use 911. Leave it for people that really need it.</p>
<p>“Let me say something about 311, which is where you can go and we urge you to go. As of 8:30 this morning, 311 had received 145,000 calls since midnight – more than triple the normal number for a 24-hour period, and that puts us on track to match our highest total ever. The system is very busy.  Please go to nyc.gov and it will direct you to 311 online. That will get you quicker response than if you wait in the queue for a person to actually talk to you.</p>
<p>“Second, now that the snow is ended, property owners are obliged to clear the sidewalks in front of their houses and businesses – and if you have a fire hydrant in front of your property, please make sure it is shoveled out, as well. If God forbid there is a fire and fire engines show up, we want them to be able to get water on a fire as quickly as possible. It could save a life. And if they have to start by finding the hydrant and shoveling it out, that just takes precious seconds away from it and that could be life threatening.</p>
<p> “Don’t over exert yourself when you’re shoveling your driveway, sidewalk, walk, car out. This snow is heavy, and if you don’t exercise everyday just take it a little bit easy. Thousands of our fellow New Yorkers might need help shoveling out of their homes, so if you would like to volunteer to help them, please, once again, go to nyc.gov. We are a nation of volunteers as the President has asked us to be, particularly here in New York City, and we’re happy to help those who need it. Keep an eye on your neighbors and older New Yorkers who might be having a really rough time during this kind of weather. It’d be nice to knock on the door and say, ‘You okay? You have heat? Need a quart of milk or something? If you have to go someplace, can I walk with you so you don’t slip?’ Those kinds of courtesies make all the difference in the world.</p>
<p>“And for the latest details on services and alerts from the City, visit our new webpage at nyc.gov, which posts updates and other information. It makes it very easy to get everything in one place.</p>
<p> “Let me just try to summarize for our Spanish-speaking New Yorkers. Anoche tuvimos casi diez y nueve pulgadas de nieve, es mucho. Nuestras escuelas están cerradas hoy pero abrirán mañana.  Todos tenemos que limpiar las aceras.  Seguimos bajo una emergencia del clima y queremos que los coches se mantengan estacionados. No maneje al menos que sea necesario. Llame al nueve once solo en caso de emergencias. Para todo lo demás llame al tres once.”          </p>
</blockquote>
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		<title>Winter Weather Alert</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/11/winter-weather-alert/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/11/winter-weather-alert/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:57:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Albany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime & Safety]]></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[Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Measuring UP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2010 blizzard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blizzard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[national weather service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[snow job]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[snowstorm]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=9001</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
As I am sure you and the Bloomberg adminsitration are aware, New York City is expecting a snowstorm this evening. 
As of noon, the National Weather Service predicted between 8 and 14 inches of snow and warned that travel would be hazardous. 
Here is the latest forecast from the National Weather Service:
URGENT &#8211; WINTER WEATHER [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/weather_lg.jpg"><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/weather_lg.jpg" alt="weather_lg" title="weather_lg" width="400" height="227" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9005" /></a></p>
<p>As I am sure you and the<a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/10/blizzard-answers-at-council-hearing/"> Bloomberg adminsitration are aware</a>, New York City is expecting a snowstorm this evening. </p>
<p>As of noon, the National Weather Service predicted between 8 and 14 inches of snow and warned that travel would be hazardous. </p>
<p>Here is the latest forecast from the <a href="http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/okx/">National Weather Service</a>:</p>
<p>URGENT &#8211; WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE<br />
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY<br />
1148 AM EST TUE JAN 11 2011</p>
<p>&#8230;COASTAL STORM TO IMPACT THE AREA TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY&#8230;</p>
<p>WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-<br />
EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-<br />
EASTERN UNION-NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX-RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-<br />
KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN QUEENS-<br />
1148 AM EST TUE JAN 11 2011</p>
<p>&#8230;WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING<br />
TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY&#8230;</p>
<p>A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING<br />
TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY.</p>
<p>* LOCATIONS&#8230;NEW YORK CITY&#8230;AND NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY.</p>
<p>* HAZARDS&#8230;SNOW&#8230;HEAVY AT TIMES.</p>
<p>* ACCUMULATIONS&#8230;8 TO 14 INCHES&#8230;WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS<br />
  POSSIBLE.<br />
<span id="more-9001"></span><br />
* WINDS&#8230;GUSTS 20 TO 25 MPH.</p>
<p>* VISIBILITIES&#8230;LESS THAN 1/4 MILE AT TIMES.</p>
<p>* TIMING&#8230;HEAVIEST SNOW OCCURS AFTER MIDNIGHT TONIGHT INTO<br />
  EARLY WEDNESDAY.</p>
<p>* IMPACTS&#8230;HAZARDOUS TRAVEL TONIGHT AND THROUGH THE DAY<br />
  WEDNESDAY.</p>
<p>PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS&#8230;</p>
<p>A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER<br />
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW<br />
ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN<br />
EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL&#8230;KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT&#8230;FOOD&#8230;<br />
AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.</p>
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		<title>Blizzard Answers At Council Hearing</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/10/blizzard-answers-at-council-hearing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/10/blizzard-answers-at-council-hearing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:02:58 +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[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eye Opener]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gotham City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governing]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Public Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Work and Labor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nextNY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blizzard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boxing day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brooklyn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[john doherty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plowing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sanitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[snow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[snowhearing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stephen goldsmith]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=8979</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo (c) William Alatriste 
On Christmas Eve, days before snow began to fall on New York City, Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty were on the phone. 
The winter weather watch had not yet been issued by the National Weather Service. Doherty and Sadik-Khan talked about their options for the looming storm, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Deputy-Mayor-Goldsmith-Answers-Questions-from-the-City-Council-c-William-Alatriste-New-York-City-Council1.jpg"><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Deputy-Mayor-Goldsmith-Answers-Questions-from-the-City-Council-c-William-Alatriste-New-York-City-Council1-300x199.jpg" alt="Deputy Mayor Goldsmith Answers Questions from the City Council--(c) William Alatriste New York City Council" title="Deputy Mayor Goldsmith Answers Questions from the City Council--(c) William Alatriste New York City Council" width="375" height="270" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8990" /></a>
<div class="photocredit">Photo <a href="">(c) William Alatriste </a></div>
<p>On Christmas Eve, days before snow began to fall on New York City, Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty were on the phone. </p>
<p>The winter weather watch had not yet been issued by the <a href="http://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/SOO/case_studies/12262010.html">National Weather Service</a>. Doherty and Sadik-Khan talked about their options for the looming storm, which at that time was supposed to bring several inches to the Big Apple. </p>
<p>Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, who oversees both agencies, was in <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/12/the_blizzard_cleanup_what_went.html?f=most-commented-24h-5">Washington, D.C.</a> To this day, it is unclear where <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2011/01/06/2011-01-06_no_snow_job_mike.html">Mayor Michael Bloomberg was. </a></p>
<p>A day later, on Christmas, the National Weather Service upgraded the city&#8217;s storm warning to a <a href="http://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/SOO/case_studies/12262010/355pm12252010Warn.txt">blizzard at 3:55 p.m</a>. It defiantly told New Yorkers: &#8220;Do not travel.&#8221; It warned the city could see high winds and up to 16 inches of snow. </p>
<p>On Dec. 26th, two days after their first conversation about the storm, the two commissioners decided not to call a <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/snowstorm.shtml">city snow emergency</a> &#8212; a rare designation that would force certain residents to move their cars off narrow streets and prohibit driving any vehicle not equipped with chains or snow tires. </p>
<p>They did not tell Goldsmith or the mayor about their decision. </p>
<p>This one decision, officials said today, created a serious snowball effect that ultimately left the city <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/10/8969/">unprepared</a> to deal with the <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20110110/203/3448">now-infamous Boxing Day blizzard.<br />
</a><br />
&#8220;We didn&#8217;t want residents to take those cars out, start looking for a parking space &#8212; we all know in New York City it&#8217;s very difficult to find &#8212; and then [create] more problems that we were trying to avoid,&#8221; Doherty told the City Council this afternoon at <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20110110/203/3448">the first of seven hearings on the blizzard response</a>. Every agency head involved and 42 council members attended today&#8217;s hearing, including Council Speaker Christine Quinn who normally sits out of the hearing process.   </p>
<p>In retrospect, Goldsmith said this afternoon, the decision to call a snow emergency would have acted like a &#8220;catalyst,&#8221; triggering other agencies to respond with speed and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/31/nyregion/31outrage.html">seriousness to the storm</a>. Instead, between Dec. 26 and New Year&#8217;s Day, Bloomberg administration officials scrambled to keep up with the 20-inch snowfall, which left ambulances, buses and abandoned vehicles stuck in unplowed streets. </p>
<p>Officials acted without a concrete chain of command and City Hall failed to get a complete picture of how bad the situation really was, Goldsmith said. </p>
<p>&#8220;The mayor did not have the information he deserved,&#8221; Goldsmith said, contending there was a communication breakdown between city agencies. &#8220;I accept responsibility in doing that more rigorously in the future,&#8221; he added. </p>
<p>Goldsmith, a former mayor of Indianapolis who joined the administration last spring, promised to never let it happen again. As part of that pledge, the administration unveiled a <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/2011/review_of_2010_blizzard_response_01-10-11.pdf">15-point plan to prevent</a> similar slow responses. (More on that <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/10/goldsmiths-15-point-plan/">plan here.</a>) They will have an opportunity to test it tomorrow. Snow is expected to start <a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/01/10/snowstorm-to-drop-6-to-12-inches-across-tri-state/">accumulating tomorrow evening</a>, and by Wednesday night we could have another foot on the ground.<br />
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<p>On Boxing Day, Goldsmith said he put his trust in the city&#8217;s top commissioners, who had tackled 70-plus similar snowfalls. </p>
<p>&#8220;I wasn&#8217;t going to interfere with a working model,&#8221; the deputy mayor said. </p>
<p>Beyond the <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/10/8969/">failure to call an emergency,</a> the city did not get the proper equipment and day laborers for a storm of this size, and was out of touch with which streets were being plowed when. About 50 percent of sanitation trucks are without radios, Doherty said, so sanitation supervisors did not of unplowed streets or stuck vehicles unless they saw their workers in the flesh. </p>
<p>The administration&#8217;s new plan will not only restructure how it calls snow emergencies, but it will also require GPS systems on all sanitation trucks. A mayoral spokesperson could not provide an estimate for how much this plan will cost. </p>
<p>Bloomberg adminsitration officials deflected accusations that the slow snow response was because of budget cuts. The sanitation department&#8217;s manpower was at its lowest in February 2010 &#8212; the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/11/nyregion/11snow.html">last large snowstorm in the city</a>, which went smoothly, officials said. </p>
<p>Others disagree.</p>
<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not nickle and dimes when it comes to peoples&#8217; lives. My workforce is hurting,&#8221; said Harry Nespoli, the president of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/SWA-Local-831-DSNY/99666931557?v=info">Uniformed Sanitationmen&#8217;s Association</a>, at today&#8217;s hearing. &#8220;We need more trucks, more manpower. We&#8217;re cut so tight.&#8221; </p>
<p>Today&#8217;s hearing was not without theatrics. When asking administration officials about chains on sanitation equipment, Sanitation Chair Letitia James thrust a heavy steel example in the air. She said those were the chains the city used to use. She then grabbed another set made of nickel magnesium alloy, saying it was what was used during the blizzard. They were much smaller. </p>
<p>At no point did the council dive in depth into the issue of a <a href="http://gothamist.com/2010/12/30/paterson_calls_for_investigation_in.php">sanitation slowdown.</a> Quinn said the council was advised to stay away from the topic since it is the subject of a <a href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Feds-Probe-Alleged-Sanitation-Blizzard-Slowdown-112894829.html">criminal investigation.</a> </p>
<p>Council members, however, did not hesitate to slam the administration for a so-called unequal response. Councilmember <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/NYCGreenfield">David Greenfield of Brooklyn </a>accused the administration of favoring Manhattan and sidelining the outer boroughs during plowing. </p>
<p>&#8220;Are outer borough residents second class citizens?&#8221; asked Greenfield, whose district had some of the worst responses from the city. </p>
<p>Councilmember Charles Barron went further. Standing up in front of the standing room only crowd at the Emigrant Savings Bank, Barron urged residents to not blame Department of Sanitation employees but to point at the administration. </p>
<p>&#8220;I think you and the mayor should be investigated,&#8221; Barron said. </p>
<p>Goldsmith, who was appearing before the council for the first time, took that icy response in stride: &#8220;I appreciate the depths of your opinion,&#8221; Goldsmith said. &#8220;I categorically disagree.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>Blizzard Fallout Continues</title>
		<link>http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2011/01/06/blizzard-fallout-continues/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:01:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Gross</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Hall]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/?p=8962</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mayor Michael Bloomberg got testy with the City Hall press corps this afternoon during a briefing on the city&#8217;s next big snowfall, which is expected to start Friday. 
Bloomberg announced he would pilot GPS systems on 50 city sanitation trucks during tomorrow&#8217;s snow and send out the city&#8217;s SCOUT teams to monitor the cleanup&#8217;s progress. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mayor Michael Bloomberg got testy with the City Hall press corps this afternoon during a briefing on the city&#8217;s next big snowfall, which is expected to start Friday. </p>
<p>Bloomberg announced he would pilot GPS systems on 50 city sanitation trucks during tomorrow&#8217;s snow and send out the city&#8217;s SCOUT teams to monitor the cleanup&#8217;s progress. The mayor said one of the problems during the Boxing Day blizzard was a <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/01/06/bloomberg_blames_blizzard_response.php">miscommunication</a> between City Hall and those on the snow-covered streets.</p>
<p>But when questions turned to last month&#8217;s blizzard, its management and Bloomberg&#8217;s whereabouts during the storm, the mayor&#8217;s response went frigid. Bloomberg abruptly ended the press conference, leaving the room with reporters shouting questions after him. </p>
<p>When asked where <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2011/01/06/2011-01-06_no_snow_job_mike.html">he was during the storm</a>, the mayor said: &#8220;I have a right to a private life.&#8221;</p>
<p>Bloomberg was repeatedly asked about the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/31/nyregion/31dispatch.html">performance of the city&#8217;s Emergency Medical Service</a> and why <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/01/05/2011-01-05_botched_blizzard_response_costs_emergency_medical_services_chief_john_peruggia_h.html?r=news">chief John Peruggia</a> was the first fallout from the blizzard. </p>
<p>&#8220;Last week&#8217;s storm exposed problems in the way [EMS is] operated and I decided to make changes in EMS,&#8221; Bloomberg said. &#8220;[Peruggia] did not give the public the service that the public has a right to expect when it came to ambulances.&#8221; </p>
<p>&#8220;I though it was time to have a fresh look,&#8221; the mayor said. </p>
<p>The city is expected to get two to six inches of snow tomorrow. Bloomberg said today his administration has responded to 70 storms of similar magnitude.</p>
<p>&#8220;We plan to do a great job,&#8221; the mayor said.</p>
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