Airport Village

Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff, the 21st century Robert Moses, wants to create a mixed-used hub of economic activity and residential space near JFK Airport. This area, part of Jamaica, Queens, would be re-zoned so that the new buildings would remain "in character" with the area but would also provide it with new hotels, office space, retail stores, and six to seven floor apartment buildings. It will, the plan goes, revitalize this part of the city.

Mr NYC endorses this plan. While developers are no doubt licking their lips, this is a good plan because it does not contribute to over development. Quite the opposite - it develops an undeveloped part of this city. In some parts of this city (in Manhattan mostly, but also that looming boondoggle called Atlantic Yards), you see development on top of development - buildings that are way too big, commercial space people can't afford or use - and much of it changes the character of the neighborhoods. However, this plan re-vitalizes a much neglected part of the city and brings jobs and life to it.

Here's the really good thing about it: a lot of people live out in Queens and the new jobs this will create will mean new jobs for people closer to home. That would mean shorter commutes and more time that people could spend with their families. I've always thought that since 6 1/2 million live outside of Manhattan, it only makes sense that jobs come to the people in the outer boroughs instead of forcing them to come to Manhattan to the jobs. Not that there aren't lots of jobs in the outer boroughs but the more, the better.

Thanks Dan.

Believe the Hype

This very evening Senator Barack Obama arrived in NYC for his Presidential campaign. He was here for a variety of events, the big one being his early-evening rally at the Marriott in Brooklyn. Mr NYC was there - well, sort of. I was not there as a partisan but merely as an observer. Sadly, I was unable to get into the rally but I did see The Man himself. Allow me to explain.

There's a giant sign over Kosciuszko Bridge as you enter Brooklyn from Queens. It says "Welcome to Brooklyn: Believe the Hype." There has been, to put it mildly, much hype about the junior senator from Illinois. I heard that he draws huge crowds at whatever rallies or events he appears at, a rock-star politician if there ever was one. I was unsure how well he would play here in New York, particularly since this is Hillary-central. But when I got to the event, I had to get on line ... and it went on for blocks ... and blocks ... and blocks ... and blocks. The Man really does draw a crowd. The Marriott filled up quickly and then the overflow room filled up quickly. At one point he came out to greet those who couldn't get in and that's when I saw him. The crowd went wild and he politely and persuasively apologized. He really is a rock star, a powerful presence, and I was most impressed. Again, this is not a political blog and Mr NYC does not endorse anyone for dogcatcher let alone President. But Mr Obama really does fire up the people - in Brooklyn, in NYC, and America.

Believe the hype.

Moondance Diner Update

It's gone - literally.

If you go by 6th Avenue and Broome Street you'll see what you think is a construction site. But
if you go on the side street and look behind the gate you'll see a giant hole in the ground. They actually did it - ripped up the diner, put it on a truck and hauled it west.

Goodbye.

New York landmark eatery arrives in Labarge

The East End of Long Island

Summer in New York is a fun, lively time. But it's also a hot, sweaty time and sometimes we need to get outta town, if only for a brief respite. May I suggest the East End of Long Island.

Now some of you may think - isn't that the Hamptons? Oh no! The East End is a distinct place, a beautifully preserved patch of rustic culture. If you have access to a car, it's about a two hour drive on the LIE (obviously it depends on the traffic, the weekend being more congested). But when you get there, the madness of traffic and the city melt away. Instead, you drive through breathless vista after breathless vista of farmland and vineyards and gorgeous, well preserved houses. One moment you think you're in the French country side, the next a New England college town. Oh, and there are beaches nearby.

Just taking in the scenery is enough but if you're with friends, I must suggest a trip to a vineyard. There you can enjoy a wine tasting (most run between $4 and $10) or you can get a bottle and sit outside amongst the vines. Afterwards, you can get a bite to eat at one of the many roadside restaurants.

Here is the vineyard and restaurant I visited and I give them my whole hearted endorsement.

Macari Vineyards

Lobster Roll Restaurants

All in all, the East End is a great day trip - affordable, beautiful, convenient, and relaxing.

Leona Helmsley, RIP

Perhaps it's quixotic to try to write something poignant about the "Queen of Mean", Ms Leona "only little people pay taxes" Helmsley. But I'll try. Why? Because no one else will. She was a mean, nasty woman who tortured everyone around her. She cheated on her taxes. She was a home-wrecker. She just wasn't very nice.

Yet she also cultivated a successful business career at a time when most women were encouraged not to work. She experienced the loss of a child, something no one should ever go through. And she was a human being - even if she forgot that herself sometimes.

But most of all, she was a colorful character, giving this town an endless supply of juicy gossip and tabloid fodder. She was a part of this city's crazy spirit, part of what made the expression "only in New York" so apt. She was an only in New York kinda gal. And we'll miss her for that.

To get to La Guardia, take the M60 Bus

More public service announcements from your friend, Mr NYC.

Simply put, getting to either of this city's airports is a big expensive hassle, but if you have the time, you can get to La Guardia on the cheap.

The M60 bus starts at 106 street and Broadway in Manhattan and turns east at 125th (technically it turns at 119, but it quickly gets to 125 and stays there until it hits the Triborough bridge). It cuts through Queen and ends up at La Guardia, stopping at each terminal. Not only is it a big money saver, but the M60 also takes you directly to Harlem and Astoria.

Again, it's a bit of a time commitment since the bus only runs twice an hour and it crawls across Harlem but, still, a cab will set you back a lot plus the fair on the Triborough. The M60 is one of the few good deals left in this town.

But don't take my word for it, hear what these good folks have to stay:

Yelp

Want to know what's going on in NYC politics? Watch "Inside City Hall"

Again, this is not a paid advert, but Mr NYC likes to provide as much useful info to our readers as possible: if you're interested in NYC politics and how it relates to the rest of the state and country, your best resource is "Inside City Hall" on NY1. It's on every weeknight at 7 PM and is rebroadcast at 10 PM.

The show is very comprehensive and informative. There are lots of news making interviews and investigative stories and you learn a lot each night.

Biggest highlight: every Tuesday, Ed Koch, Al D'Amato, and Mark Green - three legendary New York politicians - dish and argue about the issues of the day. It's great TV.

Inside City Hall

Phil Rizzuto, RIP

Everything comes in twos. Another giant of NYC just died, Yankees shortstop Phil "Holy Cow!" Rizzuto. A Brooklyn boy, he played with the team from 1941 to 1956, during the Golden Age of New York City baseball. That's when the Yankees, Giants, and Dodgers ruled. He was one of the best bunters in the game, played alongside other legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Yogi Berra, and was in 7 World Series.

After he retired from playing in 1956, he was a baseball announcer on Channel 11 for the next 40 years.

He was as New York as it got, and he will be missed.

Brooke Astor, RIP

She ruled New York high society for almost the entire 20th century and was a huge philanthropist as well.

She came from a time and place where manners, good taste, and character were important.

She was Brooke Astor, Lady Astor to some, and she lived to the amazing age of 105.

She was a one of a kind and we shall never see her likes again.

“As brass and bold as New York City itself”: Uncle Sam's Gift to the Big Apple

It looks like the Federal Government is getting behind the congestion pricing plan, giving the city $354 million for it. That's not as much as the $500+ million the city wanted but it's still a nice chunk o'change and it should go a long way to make this scheme a reality. Hopefully this will lead to reduced air pollution and asthma rates amongst New Yorkers.

Pla2030 seems to be, slowly but surely, becoming a reality. Mayor Bloomberg must be happy but, more importantly, this is good for the city. Thinking ahead is something so rare amongst today's political leaders.

The secretary of transportation, one Mary Peters, called the congestion pricing plan "as brass and bold as New York City itself." Well, ain't she sweet?