LuxuryBlurb
Posts Tagged ‘quality of life’
Saturday, May 28th, 2011
 Posted by Leonard Steinberg on May 28th, 2011
One of the worst forms of pollution in a city like Manhattan is noise pollution: Because of the very nature of the city, noise affects individuals more acutely than in other parts of the country where noise can carry and be spread out more.
It is time for Manhattan to institute new laws governing noise AND police/enforce these laws. Why does one individual have the ‘right’ to make a tremendous amount of noise at the expense of hundred of individuals. Not only is it unfair, it is completely ridiculous and absurd. The other day I witnessed a loud motorcycle roar past my apartment. One individual on a lousy bike, making the lives of HUNDREDS uncomfortable. Then there are those antiquated garbage trucks, busses, vans, AC equipment, etc. Not to mention construction crews out of control. If I were to sit in my apartment and make the exact same level of sound, I would probably be arrested and jailed. Why does the law not apply to all, equally?
I have heard that noise complaints are one of the primary issues reported on 311 calls: who is listening to this? In other civilized cities and towns, noise ordinances are enforced regularly. If Manhattan is seeking additional tax revenues, there are enough noise offenders that could probably LOWER our taxes…..surely that would be motivation for those questioning me?
Noise is also bad for your health in many ways, not only your ear drums. Noise pollution can cause annoyance and aggression, hypertension, high stress levels, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and other harmful effects. Furthermore, stress and hypertension are the leading causes to health problems, whereas tinnitus can lead to forgetfulness, severe depression and at times panic attacks. Surely it does not require a lawsuit to realize that a change in this arena is long overdue?
And by the way, cities and towns with strong noise ordinances offer a better quality of life for all and therefore produce better real estate valuations…..surely another motivator to make some changes?
Something is wrong and it has to change. How much noise do I have to make to be heard on this subject?
Thursday, October 28th, 2010
 If you are walking near West 26th Street and 10th Avenue, look up. You will notice a new addition to the High Line—the Viewing Spur is starting to take shape. Crews have hoisted the 22-by-11-foot painted steel frame into place, giving us a hint of what will soon be one of Section 2′s most dynamic design features. The Viewing Spur is meant to recall the billboards that were once attached to the structure of the High Line. This frame, though, will enhance views of the High Line and the city, rather than blocking them as the billboards once did. The Viewing Spur will be surrounded by shrubs and trees, such as Flameleaf sumacs (Rhus copallina), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), and Greenbay magnolias (Magnolia virginiana ‘Greenbay’). At the foot of the frame, a platform with wood benches will invite High Line visitors to sit and enjoy views of the neighborhood. Meanwhile, passers-by on the street will look up and see people in the place of advertisements. We think it will be one of the best places for people watching when Section 2 opens next spring.
“Only when the extension of the High Line Park opens next Spring, will we see the true value of it’s ability to connect neighborhoods,” says Leonard Steinberg, publisher of LUXURYLETTER and managing director of Prudenital Douglas Elliman. “This park will connect the sensational gallery district of West Chelsea to the vibrant Meatpacking District and Greenwich Village. What surrounds this park will be simply amazing, and already we can witness the creation of an entirely new quality of life for Manhattan living.”
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
 SOMETHING THEY GET RIGHT IN PARIS.... A survey has just been released assessing the satisfaction of New Yorkers with their City…..Manhattan came out on top for some critical parts of the survey. Not only is it perceived to be the friendliest and safest borough, it is also considered to be the best place to live. On the down side, Manhattan was also overwhelmingly voted the least affordable…….
According to the DOT, 54% of all trips in NYC are less than two miles, and from 2006 to 2010 the number of bikes in the city doubled. As a result of increased bicyclists, new protected bike lanes are being added around the city.
“Every time we put down a protected bike lane, we see injuries for everyone go down 50%,” said Ms. Sadik-Khan.
“Bikers are completely out of control in the city,” says Leonard Steinberg publisher of LUXURYLETTER. “If the City is looking to make cyclists a growing mode of transportation AND raise revenues, I strongly suggest a clampdown on the lawlessness of bicyclists. Only yesterday I witnessed a cyclist run a red light and hit the white stick out of the hands of a blind person crossing the street! Why do the cops focus on car parking fines instead of biker violations that are significantly more harmful? Now its time to add secured bicycle parking everywhere and licensing too.”
Today the New York Times reports that a crackdown on cyclist lawlessness is underway, but….“It’s not always easy to do,” said Raymond W. Kelly, the police commissioner, who joined Ms. Sadik-Khan to announce the initiative. “Bicyclists move along at a very good clip. Particularly when a police officer is by himself or herself, it’s difficult to do.”
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