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Tuesday, May 1, 2007

TODAY’S NEWS Two groups favor over Javits Center CAMPAIGN REFORM Good-government groups are wondering Two influential organizations are say- better plan. “We think it’s high time to be whether Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s campaign fi- ing that the future of conventions in New looking around for a lasting solution,” Bar- nance reform can be done piecemeal. For a York City lies not on the West Side but in wick says. month, Spitzer negotiated behind the Queens. The Municipal Art Society and The key would be how fast convention- scenes with legislative leaders to lower con- the Regional Plan Association are talking eers could travel from Queens to Manhat- tribution caps. But the three-way agreement with Pat Foye, ESDC’s downstate chair- tan attractions such as nightlife, theaters fell apart over his proposal to ban contribu- man, about building a platform over the and museums. Sunnyside Yards is near tions from limited liability corporations, the Long Island Rail Road’s Sunnyside Yards the 7, E and N lines at Queens Plaza, lifeblood of New York Republicans. Citizens in Queens for a new convention center. among others, and completion of the Union Executive Director Dick Dadey says Their argument: Space is too limited on LIRR East Side Access project would en- the lesson may be that “if there are going the West Side to do a good job of expand- hance rail transit to . to be significant restrictions on organization- ing the Javits Center. Walter McCaffrey, a former City Coun- al gifts, the state will soon need to enact MAS President Kent Barwick says that, cilman from Queens, says he believes some form of public campaign financing.” as a temporary solution, the state should that neighbors would support a conven- Citizens Union favors a matching program, repair and expand the Javits Center to the tion center with areas devoted to other like ’s. north, and spend as little as possible. uses, such as a hotel with conference Meanwhile, officials should develop a space. BERGER BATTLES The hospitals fighting against closure by the Berger commission are at a critical STATEN ISLAND PLAN AT A GLANCE phase in their battle. Several have filed law- Each elected official on Staten Island suits that would overturn the closures. But has promised to champion one of 14 proj- FUND-RAISER: City Councilman David the hospitals targeted for closing must de- ects sought by the borough’s economic de- Weprin, D-Queens, will host a birthday cele- cide whether to continue that battle or apply velopment corporation. For instance, Coun- bration and fund-raiser tomorrow night for the state’s upcoming HEAL NY IV fund- cilman Mike McMahon will initiate a master aboard the Queen of Hearts at Pier 40. ing, which provides millions of dollars in plan for future growth, Assemblyman Lou Weprin chairs the City Council’s finance com- state money to implement the Berger rec- Tobacco will try to tap the economic poten- mittee and is running for city comptroller in ommendations. The state Department of tial of the ferry, and Rep. Vito Fossella will 2009. Tickets start at $500. For information, Health should issue its request for grant ap- push for ferry improvements, such as wire- call (212) 370-0700. plications any day now; the due date for sub- less access. Some projects went un- missions is likely to be in June. A DOH claimed. Especially noteworthy: No one vol- JOB: WolfBlock Public Strategies is seeking spokeswoman confirmed that hospitals unteered to champion an upzoning of St. a lobbyist for its New York City practice. must be in compliance with state law to be George, Stapleton and other transit-friendly E-mail [email protected]. eligible for this round of HEAL money. areas. Comments? [email protected]

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