February 2nd, 2010
Both of our representatives in Albany are reacting tonight to Governor Paterson’s veto of ethics reform legislation passed last month. First Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:
We are greatly disappointed that the Governor has vetoed important legislation that would have significantly strengthened ethics laws. Our legislation would expand public disclosure of outside income for state officials, strengthen oversight of our ethics and campaign finance laws, address reporting of independent expenditures in campaigns and create a truly independent oversight body for each branch of state government. This measure would be a crucial first step in restoring the people’s faith in their government. That is why the legislation received overwhelming, bipartisan support in the Assembly and Senate, as well as from key good government groups, including NYPIRG, the League of Women Voters and Citizens Union.
Continue reading Ethics Reform Veto: Silver & Squadron React
February 2nd, 2010
Demolition appears to have come to an end at 5 Essex. What will take the place of the old discount electronics store? We wait in suspense…
February 2nd, 2010
Do you have some serious musical talent that is, as of yet, undiscovered? Our friends at WNYC Radio and The Greene Space have alerted us of an opportunity for you to be noticed – while representing the borough of Manhattan (or better yet, let’s hope, by representing the Lower East Side!) Information about the talent “throwdown” after the jump. Note that the registration ends Friday, Feb. 12th. Interested (unsigned) musicians, artists and performers should sign up and read contest rules here. And please let us know if you participate, so we can support you on The Lo-Down!
Continue reading WNYC to Host “Battle of the Boroughs” Talent Throwdown
February 2nd, 2010
Members of the City Council are taking no chances when it comes to the 9/11 terror trial. There have been strong indications – but no official word- that the Obama Administration intends to move the trial from Lower Manhattan. So tomorrow, Councilmember Margaret Chin, along with colleagues Vincent Gentile, Michael Nelson and Peter Vallone will propose holding the trial outside of New York City. “In the alternative,” the resolution states, the federal government should “fully fund the security costs New York will incur in properly and effectively safeguarding the city during the federal terrorism trials.” You can see the full text of the resolution after the jump.
There will also be a hearing of the Council’s Public Safety Committee on February 10th (a week from tomorrow), “exploring the ramifications and alternatives” of holding the trial in New York. The hearing takes place at 1pm in Council Chambers.
Continue reading Council Members Propose Terror Trial Resolution
February 2nd, 2010
From the Post’s Police Blotter:
A teenage brother-and-sister team is under arrest for helping to rob and beat a youth on the Lower East Side, police said yesterday. Jasmine Porras, 19, Richard Porras, 18, and three accomplices surrounded the victim on Grand Street and Abraham Place at about 6 p.m. Jan. 21, cops said. After they demanded that the victim empty his bag, Richard Porras allegedly took the youth’s wallet, two cellphones and headphones. The hoodlums escorted the victim to a nearby schoolyard, where they beat him, authorities said. The siblings were busted. Their accomplices got away.
Continue reading Youth Robbed on Grand Street, SPURA Matters in the Co-ops, Ray Pays Rent
February 2nd, 2010
The world’s most famous community organizer, Barack Obama, said it just last week: Democracy is sometimes messy. Even he might have been intrigued by the scene on Baxter Street last night. Close to 200 residents huddled around long tables in P.S. 130′s harshly lit cafeteria , conversing in five languages (including 3 dialects of Chinese), debating the future of Manhattan’s Chinatown. They came for a town hall meeting sponsored by the Chinatown Working Group, a coalition of more than 40 organizations developing a comprehensive plan for the neighborhood. Not surprisingly, the evening had its messy moments. But in contrast with previous neighborhood battles, this one was fairly tame and collegial.
Continue reading Affordable Housing, Preservation Dominate Discussion at Chinatown Town Hall
February 2nd, 2010
A good bet for escaping a cold winter night like tonight would be to catch Brazillian guitarist Joao Erbetta with his trio while they are in residency at The Living Room. His songs sound like some sort of funky surfer throwback with a modern twist and are bound to transport you somewhere tropical and pulp-fiction-y. 11p tonight, Feb. 9th, 16th and 23rd. (listen to South America Girl)
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