This too is Yonkers–By Eric W. Schoen
The Amazon deal killed by a small but vocal group of opponents cost New York State and New York City $37 Billion. All caused by the Governor and the Mayor not including a group of local politicians in the first stage of planning and decision making. It’s a dirty rotten shame.
Just so you know, New York offered Amazon $3 Billion in incentives. The Garden State, New Jersey and Newark offered $7 Billion in incentives. Whether you like it or not, in this day and age attracting companies with incentives is what every major city does. Is it something to be proud of? Of course not. Is it a way of doing business in 2019? Yep!
Do you think New York Offering $3 Billion in incentives for a projected $186 Billion in economic impact over 25 years and $14 Billion in tax payments is a big deal. You don’t have to be a Harvard scholar to realize Even half of that is a big deal. All down the drain because a couple of people who didn’t get ‘a piece of the action’ killed this most important deal.
But forget the numbers for a minute. Politicians love to spout numbers without having a clue as to what they mean. Let’s look at the tangible things New York State and City will lose without Amazon’s billions.
Next time you get a flat tire because you hit a pothole or the roads are a mess, thank those who killed Amazon and money that could have been used to fix our roads, bridges, and tunnels. When the benches in your local park need replacement and there is no money to do the job, think about those that killed Amazon.
School buildings some over a hundred years old like we have in Yonkers and throughout the state that need replacement. School Buildings where when it rains outside it rains inside? The money won’t be there. Kids without new school books or the latest technology? All down the drain.
Will our museums be able to afford first class, state of the art exhibits? Will our zoos be able to properly showcase animals for all to enjoy? Cultural institutions throughout the state but specifically in Long Island City. Will they be able to afford to put on plays and musicals for everyone to enjoy? Might we not be able to discover the next Lin-Manuel Miranda or Shakespeare?
Think your bus, train and subway fares are high now. Think about how much higher they will be without Amazon cash? Everyday we hear about bridge and tunnel tolls going up. These are bridges and tunnels we use. Higher tuition for state and city colleges. Less financial aid for students at colleges and universities? All things very possible without new revenue streams.
Sales tax increases? Now close to 9 cents on a dollar. Who knows how high they will go without additional ‘dinero’ or ‘argent’ or dollars, whatever you want to call it. The government wants us to eat healthy. Will they put taxes on healthy foods? Or sin taxes on foods bad for us to eat.
It’s insanely expensive to operate a car in New York State. Will it cost more to register your car and for registration renewals and inspections? How high can the tax on gasoline go? Will we be able to protect our environment.
Friends I could go on and on. I don’t want to sound like a nervous Nelly or Debbi Downer. But it’s a very simple equation. The more revenue grows the less we get hit with the tax bills. No one doubts that.
And New York should have welcomed Amazon and like the intelligent people we are worked with the company to deal with potential problems. Nothing was too big to overcome.
The scary thing is how many more revenue streams will be killed off by small but vocal groups of people.
BRIEFS: Several weeks ago I wrote about everyone in Yonkers as well as New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and White Plains favorite topic: Red Light Cameras. After my article went to press I received the following statement from Mayor Mike Spano’s spokesperson Christina Gilmartin:
(RE: Red light camera tickets) ‘ Actually, they get reviewed by ATS (the company that operates Yonkers Red Light Camera program) before they make their way to PVB (Parking Violations Bureau) for a 2nd review. Often ATS will catch if the ticket is not warranted. The city does the final review and the reviewers have a set of very specific instructions. The State law states that “a certificate, sworn to or affirmed by a technician employed by the City of Yonkers” reviews the video after ATS. That is the process by law.
In terms of flashing light, any residents can put in writing any complaints about the camera flashes and send to Anita Morck’s (Head of PVB) attention. It will then be sent to ATS/Verra Mobility who will go out and check the location and work with the complainants.
As mentioned, the process is done by authorized personnel. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to sit in on it.’
Sorry Christina but I won’t believe it until I see it. And the city and company who runs Yonkers Red Light Camera program I would think would want the public to see the process particularly after I told the story of my friend and her ticket drama!
-Thank you to all the people who responded to my Facebook post And Twitter request to provide funds for the family of Melissa DeLoatch, the woman who lost her life saving her children who were run over twice by a man upset that DeLoatch’s husband asked him not to smoke around their children.
-Rep. Matt Gaetz, Republican from Florida reached a new Congressional low threatening to reveal Trump Attorney Michael Cohen’s extramarital affairs. If you are going to do it be a man do it one to one without Tweeting. Time to grow up in Washington, D.C..
-Cars swerving around railroad gates. Three people killed at Press time on Long Island. I hate going over train crossings in a car. When will people learn not to do it and how dangerous it can be?
-New York freezes while it’s 70 degrees in London. Methinks we are the ones who need the tea and scones and clotted cream! Jolly Good!
Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers. Listen to Eric Schoen and Dan Murphy on the Westchester Rising Radio Show Thursday’s from 10-11 a.m. On WVOX 1460 AM or go to WVOX.com and click the arrow to listen to the live stream.
