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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 087-09
February 22, 2009

MAYOR BLOOMBERG DISCUSSES SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM WAYS THE CITY IS HELPING NEW YORKERS THROUGH THE RECESSION AND PUTTING NEW YORK IN THE BEST POSITION TO CAPTURE NEW GROWTH IN WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS

The following is the text of Mayor Bloomberg's weekly radio address as prepared

"Good morning. This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

"Last week, we received a visit from not one, but two members of President Obama's Cabinet: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano; and Education Secretary Arne Duncan. Their visits, along with the support we stand to gain from the recently-signed stimulus package, signal that the new Administration understands that whether you're talking about homeland security, education, or the economy, New York City really matters.

"Aid and attention from the Federal government is always welcome, but we're not sitting around and waiting for the cavalry to ride in. In fact, last week we took two concrete steps that will stimulate our economy and create new job opportunities for years to come.

"First, we installed the high-powered machine that will begin digging the tunnel for the City-funded extension of the Number 7 train. Some may question the wisdom of proceeding with such an ambitious project now. But I think now is exactly the right time to build the 7-train extension. Not only will its construction-related jobs create the kind of 'economic stimulus' we've been hearing so much about lately; it also will lay the groundwork for our city's future growth.  Historically, our city's residential and commercial development has followed the path blazed by subway construction: just look at Brooklyn, Queens, Northern Manhattan, and the Bronx. Our next stop? The far West Side of Manhattan.

"Over the next three decades, new development in this area will help our economy grow by a half million jobs, and could produce more than $60 billion in new tax revenues.

"Long-term infrastructure investments are important to our city's future, but there's also a lot we can do in the short term to help New Yorkers ride out the recession. That's why we're providing loans to small businesses and helping more New Yorkers keep their homes. It's all part of our five borough economic recovery plan, and last week we announced the latest step: a series of initiatives designed to support our embattled financial services sector, spur innovation in new fields, and retain our talented workforce.

"For example, working together with academic institutions and commercial landlords, we're establishing ready-to-use office space that can be leased to start-up companies at steep discounts for a period of up to six months. These incubator spaces may well hatch the next great ideas and inventions of the 21st century.

"And, through our Department of Small Business Services, we're offering professional development classes to help new and existing business owners sharpen their skills.

"The spirit of enterprise and innovation that exists in New York has always been key to the prosperity of our city - and our nation. The steps we're taking today will help us tap into that spirit and hold on to the talent we're going to need to ensure New York City's future.

"This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Thanks for listening."







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Stu Loeser   (212) 788-2958




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