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The Mayor understands the need to “balance growth with neighborhood character.” He noted that the Village has always been a magnet — his own children live here. He mentioned that NYU is one of the most popular universities and is a“dream school”: the remark elicited a chorus of boos. Informed that the university’s continual growth and constant building and rebuilding projects have frequently run counter to community interests, he acknowledged that notion and promised to “talk to John Sexton about your problems.”
(Left )Commissioners Jonathan Greenspun & Amanda Burden,
Marilyn Dorato
(Right) Mayor Michael Bloomberg
The Audience Speaks Up
Carol Feinman described the long time problem with the State Liquor Authority; it issues too many licenses with little respect for the negative impact of so many licensed premises. She asked the Mayor how he felt about having NewYork City granting licenses and supervising licensed premises instead of the state. He replied that he favors “local government running local issues” but he is skeptical that Albany would relinquish its right to operate the SLA.
(Above) Councilmember Christine Quinn, (Bottom, left)Tom Doyle, (Bottom, right) Alan Jacobs  
Pornography and Prostitution
Allan Jacobs complained about the proliferation of sex shops, going up from 3 to 20 + today. Adult shops blatantly use the 60/40 ratio to intrude on neighborhoods. They euphemistically refer to some of their merchandise as “marital aids.” Mayor Bloomberg promised to keep pressure on the City’s Corporation Council to try to countermand the industry’s aggressive defense of its constitutional guarantees. John Feinblatt, the Mayor’s Criminal Justice Coordinator, said that he hoped for a common sense definition of pornography, but for now we are “stuck with” the 60-40 rule. The Mayor said, “I wouldn’t want a porn parlor in my neighborhood and you shouldn’t either.” Councilmember Quinn is holding a meeting with city agencies on September 8; among priorities is to convince landlords not to rent to such establishments. Mr. Feinblatt responded to Tom Doyle about West Village prostitution. Both Mr. Doyle and the Mayor bemoaned the “turnstile” justice that prevails.Mr. Feinblatt said that the seriousness of the problem and the recidivism issue will be strongly reinforced to the judges at the MidtownCommunity Court where these cases are heard.
Noise Noise and Sleepless Nights
The negative impact of youth hanging out on Christopher Street and on Pier 45 was raised by Elaine Goldman. She said that tourists patronize shops less because of the rowdy, often threatening ambience and asked that the pier be closed earlier than 1am. Deputy Inspector Kevin Fitzgerald of the 6th Precinct delineated “Operation West Side,” assigning more policemen to the late night and early morning shift with more narcotics and vice officers on patrol. Ms. Goldman agreed that this is having a good effect. Connie Fishman, President of the Hudson River Park Trust, said that HRPT balances requests ofgroups that ask for a 11pm closing with other groups like the Lesbian, Gay and Transgender Committee of CB2, whichwants the pier open until 4am. HRPT intends to treat Pier 45 like “any other park space.”
Ivy Brown spoke of the large, loud crowds and out-of-control traffic in the Meatpacking District. She said that there needs to be economic diversity rather than just nightlife.Robert Tierney, Landmarks Commission Chair, noted that 104 buildings in the Meat Market have protected exteriors; landmarks “cannot regulate use.” It is possibile that the flower market may be relocated there. He added that the LPC is doing more outreach and has added staff people. Mayor Bloomberg interjected that “there are many complex issues and I wish there could be more simple answers.”
Chief Justice Coordinator John Feinblatt
Mayor Bloomberg Visits (Cont'd.)
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