NYC, Briefly

Paterson Gives WTC Developer Ultimatum

Governor David Paterson has given World Trade Center developer Larry Silverstein an ultimatum in a continuing struggle over how to fund the redevelopment of ground zero, now eight years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Silverstein wanted the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who owns the land, to guarantee financing for the site. The governor late last month ruled out the option of public financing.  Paterson threatened to go forward with the redesign without Silverstein's office buildings and asked the Port Authority to design a new site plan for the 9/11 memorial and transit hub should the rebuilding move on sans Silverstein. Meanwhile Paterson offered to help finance two of Silverstein's planned three office towers at the site, leaving Silverstein to fund the third.  

Brighton Beach Express Train to Go Local

The Brighton Beach express train will become local starting Sept. 28 due to station work in Brooklyn.  The B will stop at local Brooklyn stops between Kings Highway and Prospect Park, and continue to do so for two years. Those stops are Avenue M, H, J, Cortelyou Road, Beverley Road, and Parkside Avenue. The MTA is doing track and platform work as well as beautification and electrical rewiring. Work is already underway—weekend service regularly skips Avenue J and H stops, sending Coney Island-bound riders to take the train back from Kings Highway. In total the service change will add seven minutes to commute time, according to MTA estimates. 

Ceremony Held for Late Latina Senator

A funeral service was held for former State Senator Olga Mendez at Church of the Holy Agony in Manhattan on Monday. Mendez, who long suffered from cancer, died on Wednesday at the age of 84. Mendez, was born in the Puerto Rican town of Mayaguez, in 1925. At the age of 53 she was elected New York Senate, making her the first Puerto Rican-born woman to become a state representative in this country. She represented East Harlem and the South Bronx from 1978 to 2004. The recent confirmation of Justice Sonia Sotomayor underscores Mendez's role in setting the stage for Hispanic women in public service.  

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement, "When I first entered public service eight years ago, Olga sat me down and impressed upon me … the importance of reaching across partisan lines to do what's right for your constituents."