Scott Stringer

After Angry Birds Incident, Scott Stringer Writes Letter to Ray Kelly

By Sam Levin Sat., Apr. 28 2012 at 10:14 AM
Categories: "Politics", Chinatown, Lower East Side, Manhattan, NYPD, Sam Levin, Scott Stringer

angrybirds.jpeg
via rovio.com
Angry Birds, a central player in this local politics story.
This is a story about Angry Birds and a Manhattan pol who is probably going to run for mayor in 2013.

More specifically, this is a story about an Angry-Birds-inspired police raid that prompted Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer to write a letter to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

On November 8th, 2011, the NYPD conducted raids on the Lower East Side and in Chinatown to stop the sale of counterfeit merchandise related to Angry Birds -- you know, the addictive game where you slingshot little birds at little pigs. Well apparently, the NYPD got wind that some vendors in these Manhattan neighborhoods were selling merchandise related to the Angry Birds franchise and responded with a raid.

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Chinatown

Chinatown Property Owners Say City Illegally Charged Them BID Fees Before BID Even Existed

By Sam Levin Wed., Apr. 11 2012 at 7:33 AM
Categories: "Politics", $$$, Business, Chinatown, City Council, Sam Levin
chinatownbid.jpeg
via Supportchinatownbid.org
A before and after shot from the BID's website.
Some Chinatown property owners didn't really want to be part of a Business Improvement District in the first place. Now a group of them are claiming that the city illegally charged them fees corresponding to months before the BID even officially existed.

The city told the Voice yesterday that it is correcting that error, but that's doing little to appease some frustrated business owners.

These BIDs, which are public-private partnerships, are intended to revitalize neighborhoods and support economic development through a partnership of local property owners and commercial tenants. Businesses pay annual fees that BIDs charge for cleaning sidewalks, picking up trash, and other local efforts.

To those who didn't want to be a part of a Chinatown BID in the first place, the alleged financial mishap is an extra slap in the face, especially as businesses are struggling to stay afloat during a tough economy.

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Crime

Rich Old Woman Pick-Pockets Chinese People Because She Hates Them

By Joe Coscarelli Wed., Mar. 30 2011 at 9:36 AM
Categories: Chinatown, Crime, Joe Coscarelli, New York Post, WTF

fanny_pack.jpg
The New York Post has the sort-of Robin Hood story today of Ha Vasko, a rich 67-year-old Vietnamese woman arrested in Chinatown four times for pick-pocketing. "I hate Chinese people," she explained to the police. "They sell fake stuff, take the money, and send the money back home," she went on, in an effort to justify the money she steals. "They get benefit cards and they don't contribute anything back. So I take their money and give it to people who need it. I give it to homeless people who need it." If not for the racism, this could almost be adorable. Why couldn't she have said she hates tourists?

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Missing Persons

Kong Xin Huang, 79, Missing in Chinatown

By Ward Harkavy Tue., Feb. 22 2011 at 1:20 PM
Categories: Chinatown, Featured, Missing Persons, Ward Harkavy

Kong-Xin-Huang-5-Pct-RMA-139-11.jpg
Where is Kong Xin Huang?
​Cops are asking for the public's help in finding Kong Xin Huang, a 79-year-old Chinatown man who was last seen at around 3 p.m. Saturday at his home, 79 Chrystie Street, Manhattan. Huang, who speaks only Cantonese, is 5-foot-10, 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue baseball cap, brown coat, light brown pants, and black leather shoes.

Tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips at nypdcrimestoppers.com or text info to 274637 (CRIMES), entering TIP577.

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