Results tagged “enforcement”

It's getting increasingly difficult to hide from the tax man in New York State, thanks to improved automation, more efficient use of third-party data and tougher disclosure laws. Tax revenue obtained through "enforcement actions" has increased 40 percent during the past six months, bringing in an extra $185 million, and crushing some small businesses along the way. In fact, the Empire State is getting so good at shaking down taxpayers that one analyst tells the Times other states "envy" New York!

Last year the Bloomberg administration made a big deal about reducing the number of parking placards issued to city employees, slashing them by over 25,000. At the time, the cutback on permits, which allow cops, civil servants, and other lucky bureaucrats to park almost anywhere, was heralded by Paul Steely White of Transportation Alternatives as “a good first step. But the final analysis will be weeks and months from now, when we see how actively these plaques are enforced."

Since September 10th, when blocking the box was changed from a moving violation to a parking violation, the NYPD has issued over 1,000 citations to the tune of $150 each. But some traffic cops have come out against the change because they say they're ill-equipped to deal with traffic stops, which are "one of the most dangerous interactions even police officers engage in," according to Anthony Miranda of the National Latino Officers Association. He tells WNYC that NYPD officers "have specialized training specifically for the purposes of car stops. Traffic enforcement agents do not. They do not even have training in non-lethal weapons." In response, Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne released a statement wondering, "Where's he been? Traffic enforcement has always been a difficult and often dangerous job for TEAs and police officers alike, particularly at busy intersections." And with the return of the squeegee men, it's only going to get worse!

One of the lead detectives in the murder of Imette St. Guillen was ticketed and suspended for using a photocopied parking placard in Brooklyn last week. The ticket was issued in front of the Brooklyn Supreme Court, where Det. Sean McTighe parked in front of a fire hydrant.

New York State is trying to re-establish ownership of its "I [Heart] NY" slogan/graphic, despite the fact that it's become practically a de facto part of the public domain since its introduction 31 years ago in 1977. The state is currently reinvigorating the slogan to promote day-trip tourism within the state.

Property owners are not holding their breath for a citywide ban on domestic smoking, like the ones barring lighting up in bars or restaurants, but non-smoking is increasingly becoming a requirement for renters in New York City.