Accountability, Accessibility and Transparency through Technology
Community support and timely responsiveness from the district office can be improved through the application of technology. I want to establish virtual area district offices through local internet portals for each neighborhood in District 1 which encompasses parts of SoHo, NoHo and the Lower East Side as well as Chinatown, the Financial District,
Education needs to be a priority. Downtown needs more space, teachers, and funding for resources to help our kids grow. In short, we need more schools! While the two new downtown schools are steps in the right direction, they are not enough to accommodate the population growth in our district. I will work aggressively with city officials and the Department of Education to insure we have the classrooms…and the playgrounds…our children need.
Traffic Congestion and Parking
Downtown has a traffic and parking problem that affects both residential and business life. There must be a better way. I will work with city officials, the Department of Transportation and traffic control experts to evaluate new proposals, plan for parking in new projects and suggest ways to better use existing space. Parking limits need to be set on Federal and City placards for out of city workers taking street parking away from residents and customers of local business. Tour buses idling, parked and blocking traffic need to be more carefully monitored and could be parked on Pier 42 with minimal modification of this empty pier.
We Need Progress at the WTC Site!
The lack of progress at the WTC site is an embarrassment to the city. I will work tirelessly to get the project back on track.
Small Business needs to be encouraged, not discouraged!
As a local business leader, I have worked long and hard since 9/11 helping other local businessmen and women get back on their feet. But many businesses have left and many stores have closed in recent years because of infrastructure issues, parking and the economy. Small business is the backbone of any community and I will continue to be Mom and Pop’s voice in City Hall.
Health Care is another area that needs to be carefully examined. Our district badly needs more health care facilities to provide for our growing population. I will work with government officials to pursue funding for hospitals as well as neighborhood clinics.
Private Garbage Removal needs to be addressed. Private carters need to be held accountable for proper clean up. Broken bags need to be disposed of completely. The rat population is growing due to the construction downtown and the resulting garbage. Penalties for improper clean up during the trash removal process needs to be better defined and enforced.
Downtown is the fastest growing section of NYC and District One needs a councilman who can lead and make things happen.
Arthur Gregory is the right person to get things moving again!
Arthur Gregory for Councilman,
District One
Vote on September 15, 2009
Democratic Primary