Category: News

Pedicab operators have initiated a lawsuit against New York City, accusing it of employing excessive ticketing as a tactic to eliminate their business. This legal action follows Mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision to drop restrictions on pedicab movements within Central Park, aimed at reducing horse-drawn carriage numbers. Filed by Capitol Pedicabs LLC and former driver Bourama Camera, the lawsuit alleges a targeted ticketing campaign against pedicab drivers starting in 2011, aimed at increasing revenue to address budget deficits. The complaint argues that such practices have undermined the value of pedicab licenses, once worth significant sums, by threatening license suspensions through undue fines. This, they claim, violates the U.S. Constitution by subjecting drivers to baseless stops and seizures. The lawsuit, which names the mayor and several city departments as defendants, seeks damages and an injunction against these practices, contending that the city’s actions are not merely for revenue but to force a disliked business out of operation. The city’s law department has stated that it will review the claims’ merits.

For more information:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-new-york-pedicabs-lawsuit-idUSKCN0WH2R7/

A lawsuit filed by Capitol Pedicabs in Manhattan federal court alleges that pedicab drivers in New York City have faced unconstitutional stops, searches, seizures, and unwarranted fines by the NYPD, under the administration of Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Bratton. The lawsuit accuses the city of attempting to illegally suppress the pedicab industry. Capitol Pedicabs claims that due to excessive enforcement actions, it cannot use half of its 30 pedicab licenses. The company suggests that this crackdown on the industry began in 2007, following the city’s failed attempt to ban pedicabs in 2005. The complaint describes the city’s efforts to over-regulate and ticket pedicab drivers and owners excessively, aiming to push them out of operation. It also highlights the routine conduct of lengthy and intrusive searches of pedicabs, with a policy that suspends licenses for the entire fleet after three violations, rendering the licenses valueless. Capitol Pedicabs seeks fair treatment for pedicab drivers and owners, while a city Law Department spokesman stated that the claims’ merits will be reviewed.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2016/03/15/city-officials-are-trying-to-shut-down-pedicabs-lawsuit/

Carl Hultberg, formerly of East Fourth Street in the East Village and now residing in New Hampshire, has published a five-volume set of monographs titled “Garden of Eden: The Eco Eighties in New York City.” This collection, which focuses largely on Hultberg’s photography, highlights the Village and Lower East Side’s ecological activism during the 1980s. The work is published by Ragtime Society Press, a nod to Hultberg’s heritage as the grandson of renowned jazz critic Rudi Blesh.

The 1980s, often remembered for their political conservatism, also witnessed a burgeoning of ecological awareness and activism beneath the mainstream surface. Hultberg was an active participant in this movement, involving himself in initiatives like the Village Green Recycling Team and the nascent New York Greens, which aimed to establish a Green Party in the city.

The volumes cover various facets of this era’s activism, from the New York Greens and community gardening efforts, led by figures like Adam Purple, to experiments in bicycle and human-powered vehicle design, and the push for urban cycling and recycling. These grassroots efforts, documented in “Garden of Eden,” were instrumental in pressuring New York City to adopt official recycling programs and other environmental initiatives.

Hultberg’s work also touches on the broader implications of these movements, such as the struggle against gentrification and the transformation of public spaces. The narrative is punctuated by personal anecdotes, including protests against early instances of neighborhood gentrification.

The publication of “Garden of Eden” serves as a testament to a period of vibrant ecological activism in New York City, emphasizing the profound impact of grassroots efforts on the city’s environmental policies and urban landscape. Hultberg’s collection is a reminder of the origins of many now-mainstream environmental practices and the ongoing tension between grassroots initiatives and corporate or bureaucratic adoption.

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Purple, pedicabs, a push for recycling: A look back at New York’s ‘Eco ’80s’

Mayor Bill de Blasio experienced a significant setback when his initiative to restrict the horse carriage industry in New York City was halted by the City Council. This initiative aimed to reduce the number of carriage horses and confine them to Central Park, but it faced opposition from various groups, leading to the Teamsters union withdrawing their support. The plan, which involved spending up to $25 million of taxpayer money on a new stable in the park, was criticized by community leaders, parks advocates, and the Transport Workers Union, which supported pedicab drivers opposing restrictions placed on them. Despite this political defeat and calls from some City Council members to move on from the issue, de Blasio vowed to continue his efforts to address the horse carriage industry, a promise he made during his mayoral campaign. The decision has sparked frustration among animal rights activists, particularly NYCLASS, which supported de Blasio’s campaign due to his stance on horse carriages. The controversy surrounding the horse carriage industry remains unresolved, with both supporters and opponents standing firm in their positions.

For more information:

https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2016/02/4/city-council-shelves-horse-carriage-bill

Mayor Bill de Blasio faced a significant setback as his initiative to limit the horse carriage industry in Manhattan abruptly failed, marking a considerable embarrassment for his administration. Despite de Blasio’s efforts and personal appeals to New York City Council members, the council canceled a vote on the bill, which sought to confine the industry’s horses to Central Park. The legislation’s failure highlighted the mayor’s isolation on the issue, opposed by labor unions, parks advocates, pedicab drivers, and other groups. The Teamsters union, representing carriage drivers, withdrew support, citing concerns for the industry’s future and the safety of their jobs. This withdrawal was pivotal, as the union’s support was deemed essential for securing the necessary council votes.

The plan, which also involved spending over $25 million on a new stable in Central Park, faced criticism for being out of touch with de Blasio’s core mission and for prioritizing the interests of wealthy donors over more pressing city issues. The collapse of the deal overshadowed de Blasio’s State of the City address and served as a painful reminder of previous legislative failures, such as the attempt to limit the expansion of Uber. Opposition to the horse carriage plan grew, with key figures and unions actively campaigning against it. The bill’s removal from the council’s calendar effectively defeated the initiative, prompting calls for the city to move on to more pressing matters. Despite the setback, de Blasio vowed to continue pursuing a solution, emphasizing his commitment to finding a new path forward on the issue.

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New York Mayor Bill de Blasio faced a significant setback when his plan to restrict the horse-carriage industry in the city fell through, after the Teamsters union representing the carriage drivers withdrew their support. Initially, the deal proposed to limit carriages to Central Park, reduce the number of horses, and ban pedicabs from certain areas of the park, with plans to invest in a new stable within Central Park funded by public money. This plan, however, faced intense criticism and skepticism from various stakeholders, including horse-carriage drivers, pedicab drivers, parks advocates, and labor unions. Critics pointed out de Blasio’s campaign contributions from groups opposed to carriage horses, suggesting a potential conflict of interest.

The collapse of the deal was a considerable embarrassment for de Blasio, who had campaigned on the promise to ban horse carriages and had the presumed support of the City Council to pass the measure. The debacle highlighted the complex interplay of political, labor, and public interests in New York City politics. In the aftermath, the mayor expressed his disappointment and intention to seek a new compromise, while pedicab drivers and their supporters saw the bill’s failure as a victory, emphasizing their desire for inclusion in future negotiations. As de Blasio prepared for his State of the City speech amidst this controversy, his administration aimed to steer clear of similar political conflicts, reflecting on the horse-carriage issue as an avoidable dispute.

For more information:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/nyc-council-wont-vote-on-horse-carriage-deal-1454597315

Ali Salih, an Iraqi refugee and pedicab driver, shares his harrowing journey from Baghdad to New York City. Initially, he welcomed the U.S. Army’s arrival in Iraq, hoping for a better future free from Saddam Hussein’s tyranny. However, the promised safety and prosperity did not materialize, leading to widespread violence and loss. Witnessing the death of friends and family, and the destruction of his surroundings, Ali decided to leave Iraq. In 2007, he moved to Jordan and applied for refugee status in the U.S., arriving at Kennedy Airport in April 2008.

For the past eight years, Ali has worked tirelessly as a pedicab driver, working seven days a week to support his family back in Iraq, including sending money for basic necessities to his mother and supporting his disabled brother who was injured in the war. Ali’s job is not just a means of livelihood; it’s a lifeline for his family in Iraq. The recent proposal by Mayor de Blasio to restrict carriage horses to Central Park, effectively limiting pedicab access to areas below 85th Street where Ali primarily operates, threatens his only source of income. Ali argues that this move would devastate his and other pedicab drivers’ lives, equating the loss of livelihood to death, as it would strip them of their ability to provide for their families.

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Pedicab drivers will be jobless under Mayor de Blasio’s proposal

Mayor Bill de Blasio remains confident that his plan to relocate carriage horses to Central Park will be approved by the City Council, despite mounting opposition and criticism. The proposed bill aims to reduce the size of the horse carriage industry and move stables inside the park, a move that has sparked controversy among horse carriage medallion owners and pedicab drivers, with the latter being restricted from operating south of 86th Street in Central Park. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has expressed readiness to sue on behalf of pedicab drivers if the bill passes, and the Central Labor Council, representing 1.3 million workers, has voiced concerns over potential job losses. Despite these challenges, de Blasio defended the bill, emphasizing its balanced nature and the legitimate representation by the Teamsters union in negotiations. However, City Councilman Rory Lancman has shifted to opposition due to what he perceives as the administration’s disregard for the plan’s consequences. Despite the backlash and concerns, some Council members believe the bill will pass, citing the resolution of previous issues and a commitment to support the Teamsters.

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De Blasio says his plan to move carriage horses into Central Park will pass, as medallion owners and pedicab drivers voice concerns

The Central Labor Council (CLC), representing 300 unions and 1.3 million workers, is supporting the Transport Workers Union Local 100 against Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to limit pedicab operations in Central Park. This stance places the CLC in opposition to Teamsters Joint Council 16, which supports de Blasio’s proposal to reduce the horse carriage industry and move it into Central Park while banning pedicabs from the park’s southern, tourist-heavy areas. The conflict highlights a division within the labor community, as both the TWU and Teamsters presidents serve as vice presidents on the CLC’s executive board.

The CLC has been actively lobbying City Council members to oppose the bill, citing job losses in both the pedicab and horse carriage industries. This last-minute lobbying effort has reportedly caused confusion and resentment among some council members. Vincent Alvarez, president of the CLC, has a history of opposing legislation that threatens the horse carriage industry, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers’ livelihoods.

The pedicab drivers, fearing the loss of their industry, have been organizing with the TWU’s help to protest de Blasio’s proposal. TWU’s president has written to City Council members, describing the bill as anti-worker and anti-immigrant, and emphasizing the pedicab drivers’ role in tourism.

Despite the growing opposition, a spokesperson for Mayor de Blasio stated that the administration remains committed to the proposal, expressing confidence in reaching an agreement with the Teamsters and the Council Speaker. The situation underscores the complexity of balancing labor interests, tourism, and animal welfare in the debate over the future of Central Park’s horse carriages and pedicabs.

For more information:

https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2016/02/labor-leaders-at-odds-over-de-blasio-horse-carriage-proposal-030857

Mayor Bill de Blasio is facing stiff opposition as he tries to garner support for his controversial plan to reduce and restrict the horse-carriage industry to Central Park. This plan has sparked criticism from various groups, including the Central Labor Council, pedicab drivers, horse-carriage drivers, and the Central Park Conservancy. The proposed bill, which is set for a vote, aims to significantly cut the number of carriage horses and restrict pedicabs from operating in lucrative areas of the park. Opposition has grown to include threats of legal action and concerns over the impact on park traffic and the livelihoods of those involved in the carriage and pedicab industries. Some City Council members are considering using a rarely invoked rule to amend the bill on the day of the vote, reflecting the contentious nature of the debate. Despite the backlash, the administration remains confident in securing enough votes for the bill’s passage, citing a compromise that preserves the industry while addressing safety and welfare concerns. The issue has become a persistent challenge for de Blasio, highlighting the complexity of fulfilling campaign promises amid diverse and conflicting city interests.

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