City Initiates Smoking Ban in Public Areas
Beginning Monday, smoking is now prohibited in all parks except median strips, beaches and boardwalks, public golf courses, sports stadium grounds, and pedestrian plazas such as those at Times Square and Herald Square, according the Department of Parks and Recreation. At the same time, smoking continues to be prohibited at playgrounds, pools, and inside stadiums. Smoking on sidewalks and large streets outside parks is allowed. The city encourages New Yorkers to enforce the rules by notifying individuals who do not obey them. At the same time, complaints over smoking can be made via park employees and 311. Violations to the new rules are subjects to a fine of $50 if reported.
New York Public Library Celebrates 100th Birthday
Often referred to as the New York Public Library, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street turned 100 on Monday. Along with activities over the weekend and a centennial gala on Monday night, the Library has planned a list of centennial events including exhibitions, lectures, and discussions throughout the year. The building was crafted by Carrère and Hastings, a leading neoclassical architectural style architecture firm in the early 20th century. In 1965, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building was named a National Historic Landmark.
Community Leaders Infuriated by Fire Company Closures
Mayor Bloomberg has released the list of 20 fire companies he plans to close in an effort to save $55 million. Out of the 20, 8 fire companies are located in Brooklyn, making it the most affected borough on the chopping block. On Monday, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, who chairs the council’s City Fire & Criminal Justice Committee, and Brooklyn Councilwoman Diana Reyna, along with other civic groups and residents, rallied to oppose the closing of the fire companies. With four closures slated for Queens, officials there are also expressing concern. Councilman Daniel J. Halloran pointed out that the closure of Engine 306, located in Bay Side, will increase response times to fires in Northeastern Queens. “Bayside is a large suburban neighborhood, with many old wood-framed houses,” said Halloran in a letter to the mayor. “We should never compromise on public safety.”
