A weekly roundup of good deeds, missteps, heroic feats and epic failures in the tri-state region and beyond.
WINNERS
Jersey City, NJ Mayor Steve Fulop – Testifying before Congress this week, Mayor Fulop used the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail as an example of a successful transportation investment that has revitalized Jersey City.
U.S. Representative Joe Crowley – Congressman Crowley, who represents Queens and the Bronx, announced his national “Bike to Work Act,” which would allow commuters to pay for bike share memberships with pre-tax income.
U.S. Representative Jim Himes – The Representative from Connecticut called on Congress to find a long-term solution to the nation’s infrastructure needs.
Douglaston, Queens – City agencies have come together to reverse the deteriorating conditions in the neighborhood surrounding the Douglaston LIRR station, initiating the creation of a new pedestrian plaza. The activity has already attracted several new businesses to the area.
Perth Amboy, NJ – NJ Transit has allocated $9.6 million for the renovation of Perth Amboy station, which will be the cornerstone project of plans to create a transit village in the city.
LOSERS
New York Court of Appeals – In a bizarre and distressing ruling, the Court of Appeals reduced the top charge against Jose Maldonado, who fatally struck a pedestrian with a stolen van while trying to evade police, from depraved indifference murder to second degree manslaughter because “he tried to avoid hitting cars and pedestrians.”
Long Island City and Greenpoint G-train riders – Starting Friday, G train service will be suspended between Greenpoint and Long Island City for Sandy-related repairs until after Labor Day.
Santa Paula, CA Reserve Police Officer Laura Weintraub – The now-suspended reserve cop posted a video to YouTube where she joked about running over bicyclists.
