Scene and heard

Who does this man make political contributions to? Why does his wealth allow him to break rules if he isn’t ‘exerting influence’? That, dear readers, is a rhetorical question! I know money talks and buys acquiescence. I also know that it is naïve to hope that New York officials are no longer corrupt. So, what has fired my ire?

There was an article in AM New York this morning http://www.amny.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nycond015315343aug01,0,228940.story

The Donald is building a 45 story building (the article states it as 42) in an area of Soho – that’s South of Houston Street, Manhattan, for non locals – that is zoned for manufacturing and not for dwellings. The only type of residence permitted in this area is hotels. So, Trump gets plans approved for the tower after agreeing that owners cannot stay in their condominium for more than 29 straight days or more than 120 days per year.

Owners do get a portion of the hotel fees when they are not home, and will supposedly be ‘fined’ double the hotel tariff for the each day they go over their allotment. But with 430 sq. ft. studios starting at $1 million and the 800 sq. ft one bedrooms going for twice that, it is understood that many people will stay year round and the regulations are not expected to be enforced. So, whether or not apartments are allowed in this area, if you are wealthy enough, you can build apartments. Simply supply rose-tinted glasses to politicians who reside in your very large pockets, and you can do anything you fucking like!


NB. For those who may not understand my writing style, 'rose-tinted glasses' is a metaphor. Any number of things can make a corrupt official see things in a more favourable light.