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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2002
PR- 304-02
www.nyc.gov


TODAY'S RADIO ADDRESS BY MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG
BROADCAST ON 1010 WINS

Mayor Bloomberg Reminds New Yorkers, "Best Days Are Still Ahead"

"The newspapers are full of doom and gloom these days. But let's get one thing straight: New York remains the greatest City in world. I would rather have our hand to play than any other City's. And I know our best days are still ahead of us. Let me tell you a few reasons why:

"It's no secret City government faces tough budget times. But that's not keeping us from going ahead with projects that improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

Last Monday, for example, I joined youngsters from the Lower East Side to celebrate the opening of renovated ball fields, playgrounds, and basketball and volleyball courts at East River Park. Completing that job is another major link in opening up our city's waterfront to greater public use and enjoyment. By next summer there'll be an interim walkway/bikeway running all along Manhattan's waterfront-including through East River Park-for nearly 32 miles, creating wonderful recreational opportunities for all New Yorkers.

"Small business remains the backbone of New York's economy. More than half of all New Yorkers in the private sector have jobs with companies that employ fewer than 100 workers. And writing more small business success stories is crucial to our economic future. That's why I went to the Bronx on Thursday to announce that we are establishing satellite business assistance centers in each of the boroughs. These centers will offer small business owners one-stop access to information about everything from tax incentive programs to bidding for City contracts. Bottom line: We're working to increase jobs and opportunity in all five boroughs.

"We're also getting our economy back on track by making New York a more attractive place for major corporate employers. The recovery of Lower Manhattan took a big step forward last week with the unveiling of plans for a new 52-story office building to go up on the site of Seven World Trade Center. Construction of this building has already begun. When it opens in 2005, it will provide businesses with nearly 1.7 million square feet of new state-of-the-art commercial office space. And by restoring auto and pedestrian traffic on Greenwich Street, the design for the new building will foster nearby stores and restaurants. That will help make downtown Manhattan a lively and attractive hub of business activity.

"And finally, last week's Compstat report from the NYPD was full of more goods news. Crime in New York continues to fall to historic lows; it's five and a half per cent lower than it was a year ago and down nearly 65 per cent from nine years ago. Murder is down an astonishing 12 per cent from last year. And we're going to keep building on that progress to protect the lives-and the quality of life-for all New Yorkers.

"The holiday season is on us-a magical time in New York. On Thursday morning, I'll look for you at one of our city's great traditional holiday celebrations, the spectacular Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

"Until then, this has been Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Thanks for listening. And Happy Thanksgiving to everyone."

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz
(212) 788-2958