7 Line Extension

NYO Story Link

The mayor was on hand to announce the start of tunneling in the 1.5-mile extension of the No. 7 line that would connect Times Square to the Javits Center upon completion (slated for 2013).

There goes some grime. Take a note.

"In 2007, city employees began surveying New York streets for conditions that affect residents' quality of life. Members of the SCOUT unit ride in three-wheel scooters or sedans looking for potholes, defective storm drains, failed street repairs and other conditions. New York has more than 6,000 miles of city streets, and the program's goal is to drive every city street every month of the year.

The unit's inspectors report visually-identifiable conditions into a wireless hand-held device that transmits the data to the mayor's office."

What happens once a a piece of graffiti has been SCOUTED? Does the city just paint over it like they do twice a week on at the 52nd st station? Do they just paint over the side of a crummy factory that could possibly be used for young artists to express themselves? Why not designate a wall in a neighborhood so kids can paint without fear of the cops?

Why cant we think through issues instead trying to accomplish bad goals (driving every block?WTF)? I think it would be helpful to stop on 1 out of 10 blocks to ask a citizen what they think, instead of pointing out flaws and driving off.

source: http://nyc.everyblock.com/scout/about/
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/about/about_311.shtml