ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
New York is the global financial, arts and media capital. People are drawn
from around the world to live and work here, and we possess one of the largest
central business district in the country. Every tourist and resident contributes
to
the overall economy. Unfortunately, in recent years, due to the city’s
faltering financial status, and the repercussions of the September 11th attacks,
we have struggled with a budget crisis.
I am familiar with the economic issues
that New Yorkers face. I’ve
advocated before Community Board 4 and the City Council on behalf of local
businesses. I’ve participated in organized business meetings and forums
to familiarize myself with local concerns, and I’ve supported development
that has increased retail and growth.
As Manhattan Borough President I will
focus the energies of my office, and those of my appointees, to pursue policies
that promote, not impede, economic
development:
Rebuilding Downtown
New York City must stem the tide of departing businesses in a post-9/11
world. By attracting and retaining quality jobs, we build a stronger city
and a tax base that supports vital programs. This is especially important
in Lower Manhattan. Plans to rebuild the World Trade Center and revitalize
the surrounding communities, including Chinatown, must move forward as quickly
as possible.
Transportation
For a world class city, New York is woefully lacking in modern transportation
hubs. If we do not address issues of capacity and infrastructure now, it will
be more expensive to do so in the future, when ridership has grown. Based on
the Transportation Study conducted by New York University, I will advocate
on behalf of direct links from Lower Manhattan to JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia
airports, increased ferry service, the construction of a 2nd Avenue subway
line, connecting the LIRR to Grand Central, a new trans-Hudson rail tunnel
to Penn Station from New Jersey, and rail access from Long Island, Brooklyn
and Queens to lower Manhattan. I will also lobby the MTA to continue modernizing
the subway and bus systems -- including addressing accessibility issues, safety,
service and cleanliness -- and their infrastructures. Only a city with convenient,
clean and safe rapid transport will thrive and grow in a positive manner.
Housing
Manhattan’s housing crisis has forced many people in Manhattan to move
to the outer boroughs -- and even out of state. By helping our working and
middle class to remain in Manhattan, we accomplish two goals: first, it helps
us maintain our diversity and uniqueness; second, it helps us maintain a
strong tax base that is important to our schools, our quality of life and
services.
Zoning and Economic Diversity
The first zoning resolution became law in 1916. Today’s zoning resolution
was adopted in 1961. The last revision took place in 1999. As Borough President,
I will work with my appointees at the Department of City Planning and the Department
of Economic Development, Community Boards, the Real Estate industry, community
residents, elected officials and other parties concerned to develop a comprehensive
plan that reviews the existing zoning laws neighborhood by neighborhood. We
must explore where changes are necessary to encourage positive growth, economic
diversity, and development while being mindful of the uniqueness of each neighborhood.
Legitimate Corporate Tax Breaks
The city must provide realistic and appropriate incentives to corporations
that the city is in real danger of losing. All too often, hasty decisions have
been made to provide enormous tax breaks to businesses that hint at departing
for New Jersey, Connecticut or the suburbs, even when their intentions haven’t
been serious. Tax breaks for corporations can provide real driving incentive
for growth, but they must be well-examined and thoughtfully applied.
Theatre and the Arts
New York is the arts center of the world, rivaled only by London. As a reflection
of our society and our times, we must grow the arts as our legacy to the future.
We must maintain our competitive edge by encouraging the health of our vibrant
theatre scene, and keeping museums and other arts venues as accessible and
affordable as possible to tourists and residents alike.
Tourism
By participating in activities and events conducted by the Ninth Avenue Business
Association and the Midtown West Business Association, I learned firsthand
the importance
of
tourism,
as
we
succeeded in turning Hell’s Kitchen into an exciting destination. As
we seek to return tourism to pre-9/11 levels, New York must embark upon a creative
campaign to foster both regional and international travel to our metropolis.
As Borough President, I will work with the city, communities, Business Improvement
Districts and NYC & Co. to find creative ways to highlight our unique neighborhoods,
each as individual destinations.
High Tech Jobs
Technology is the future of this country. While there is much talk about outsourcing,
the fact is that the best research and development remains in the United States.
As Manhattan Borough President, I will propose a summit to examine how New
York City can claim its piece of the technology pie. I also believe, and will
work, to see that “outsourcing” stays local and regional. This
will benefit our young people who choose to pursue high tech jobs. As Borough
President, I will also seek to enhance the links between high schools and technology
institutions, so that students may begin to earn college credits for tech courses.
Tax Equity
As Manhattan Borough President, I will lobby the City Council and the Mayor’s
office to create an equitable tax burden that doesn’t fall disproportionately
on the borough’s disappearing working and middle class.
Commission on Nightlife
Nightlife -- restaurants, clubs, bars, and the arts -- is what sets New York
apart from not only other US cities, but cities around the world. There is
no doubt that we are the nightlife capital of the globe. The myriad industries
that make up nightlife are enormous contributors to our personality and our
tax base. We must encourage responsible, vibrant nightlife as a reflection
of who we are and what we wish to be -- a warm community that welcomes those
from all states and countries who want to celebrate in our city.
Hudson Waterfront Development
Manhattan has seen exciting waterfront development in recent years, and much
more is planned for the future. With my three appointees to the Hudson
River Trust Board, which oversees waterfront development, I will advocate
on behalf of ongoing beautification and transformation projects so that
New Yorkers and tourists alike will be able to enjoy the wonder of the
urban outdoors.
Fiscal Responsibility
I pledge that as Manhattan Borough President I will rigorously review my
office’s budget to make the office more efficient and effective.
