City Cracks Down on Illegal Hotels
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Chief Policy Advisor John Feinblatt, and Buildings Commissioner Robert D. LiMandri announced Sunday the results of a recent crackdown on dangerous illegal hotels. Starting May 1, when a new state law went into effect, NYC’s Office of Special Enforcement has taken action against 15 residential locations that were illegally converted into unsafe hotels.
At eight locations, immediate full or partial vacate orders were required. “In the past, ambiguities in the law hindered our ability to take enforcement actions against illegal hotels,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Now, with clear definitions and tougher standards, we can more effectively take action against dangerous illegal hotels. …” Overcrowding, inadequate egress, inadequate fire safety systems, and combustible materials were just a few of the violations found.
Brooklyn Library Asks for Support
Saturday afternoon, the Brooklyn Public Library held a drive to alert the community of the proposed $25.2 million in budget cuts to the New York Public Library system and to encourage citizens to write the mayor asking that he not cut funding for the libraries.
According to Jason Carey, director of Marketing and Communications, there has been an increase in use of the library since the recession started. People have been going to the library to use the Internet for job searches and applications and to search for other services. Budget cuts could mean fewer hours, fewer books, DVDs, and CDs on the shelves, and limited use of the library.
“The services we provide are so critical [now],” Carey said. “It’s important for us to continue to provide these services.” The budget cuts may also result in hundreds of staff layoffs and cutbacks in programs, such as employment assistance.
Third Queensboro Bridge VW Crash in Two Months
Early Saturday morning, a Volkswagen GTI hatchback careened off a Queensboro Bridge exit ramp in the same spot where two other Volkswagen crashes have occurred in the past two months. Two people were injured in the crash. The vehicle hit a concrete barrier and skidded into another. The barriers had recently been installed by the Department of Transportation as a safety measure after the earlier crashes. According to witnesses, the Volkswagen finally came to rest on top of a cab. No one in that vehicle was injured. Both passengers were rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital.
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