Awesome camouflage frog

Awesome camouflage frog, originally uploaded by juggernautco.

Spotted at Lincoln Marsh by Caleb.

NYC Weekend Bridge and Street Closures / Traffic Updates-- November 7 - 8, 2009

Manhattan

West Street Northbound (Route 9A) from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to Cedar Street: Two of three northbound lanes will be closed from 6am to 9am Saturday November 7th, 2009. One of 3 northbound lanes will be closed from 9am Saturday November 7, 2009 to 6pm Sunday November 8, 2009 to facilitate NYSDOT roadway work.

7th Avenue between West 24th Street and West 25th Street: Two lanes of traffic will be maintained 12:01am to Noon Saturday and/or Sunday for crane operation. One of two lanes may be closed intermittently during lifting operations only.

East 15th Street between Irving Place and Third Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

West 31st Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 4pm to facilitate crane operation.

East 40th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 6am to 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

West 40th Street between 8th Avenue and 9th Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday 12:01am to 6am to facilitate crane operation.

West 43rd Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday 6am to Sunday 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

West 44th Street between 8th Avenue and 9th Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 12:01am to 10am to facilitate crane operation.

West 44th Street between 12th Avenue and 11th Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 6am to 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

East 45th Street between 2nd Avenue and 1st Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

West 46th Street between 8th Avenue and Broadway: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 12:01am to 9am to facilitate crane operation.

48th Street between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue: This street will be closed 8pm Friday to 6am Monday to facilitate roadway operation by MTA.

East 50th Street between Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

East 52nd Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday from 8am to 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

West 53rd Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue: This street will be closed 8am Saturday to 4pm Saturday to facilitate crane removal operation.

West 56th Street between 11th Avenue and 12th Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 7am to 7pm to facilitate crane operation.

East 69th Street between 1st Avenue and York Avenue: This street will be closed 10pm Friday to 6pm Saturday to facilitate roadway work.

East 75th Street between 1st Avenue and York Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

East 75th Street between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 3pm to facilitate crane operation.

West 76th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 12:01am Saturday to 9pm Sunday to facilitate crane operation.

East 77th Street between 1st Avenue and York Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday from 8am to 4pm to facilitate crane operation.

East 78th Street and 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 4pm to facilitate crane operation.

East 119th Street between 1st Avenue and Pleasant Avenue: This street will be closed Saturday from 9am to 4pm to facilitate crane operation.

Greene Street between Canal Street and Grand Street: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 4pm to facilitate crane operation.

Morton Street between Hudson Street and Bedford Street: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

MacDougal Street between West 3rd Street and West 4th Street: This street will be closed Saturday from 8am to 4pm to facilitate crane operation.

Madison Avenue between East 42nd Street an East 57th Street: This street will be closed Sunday from 11am to 6pm for the Arch Diocese of NY St. Patrick's Cathedral Young Adults Madison Avenue Festival as permitted by the Mayor's Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO).

Stone Street between Coenties Alley and Williams Street: This street will be closed Monday April 27th through November 30th from 11am to 6pm for the Stone Street Pedestrian Mall as permitted by the Mayor's Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO).

Manhattan/Queens

Queens Midtown Tunnel: The Manhattan-bound tube will be closed from 1am Sunday to 5:30am Monday. Two-way traffic will be maintained, for cars only, in the remaining tube. Motorists should expect delays. Trucks should use alternate east river crossings, except Brooklyn Bridge which is for cars only. Closures are also scheduled for Sunday 1am November 15 to Monday 5:30am November 16 in the Queens-bound tube.

Manhattan /Brooklyn

Manhattan Bridge: One of three lanes on the lower level Manhattan bound-westbound will be closed Saturday from 7am to 5pm for NYCDOT bridge repair.

Brooklyn

Gowanus Expressway outbound/southbound BQE to Prospect Expressway; BQE/Gowanus Expressway southbound exit to Hamilton Avenue; Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to southbound Gowanus Expressway: Two of four lanes will be maintained southbound on the Gowanus Expressway. (a third lane will be open at 11am Sunday). Traffic will be maintained southbound, as well as the exit to the Prospect Expressway. The exit to Hamilton Avenue from the southbound BQE/Gowanus Expressway will be closed until 11am Sunday. Motorists should use the prior Atlantic Avenue exit or the next 39th Street exit. Traffic exiting the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel will be routed onto Hamilton Avenue until 11am Sunday and may re-enter the Prospect Expressway or Gowanus Expressway via 17th Street. Additionally Gowanus Expressway traffic may continue on 3rd Avenue southbound and enter the Gowanus at 62nd Street. These closures will be in effect weather permitting, from 11pm Friday through 5am Monday to facilitate NYSDOT deck rehabilitation work.

Chestnut Street between East 15th Street and East 16th Street: This street will be closed 8pm Friday to 5am Monday to facilitate crane operation.

48th Street between New Utrecht Avenue and 12th Avenue: This street will be closed 9am to 2pm Friday and 5am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday to facilitate crane operation.

51st Street between New Utrecht Avenue and 13th Avenue: This street will be closed 9am to 2pm Friday and 5am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday to facilitate crane operation.

Adams Street southbound service roadway between Red Cross Place and Tillary Street: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 6am to 6pm to facilitate crane operation.

Brooklyn/Queens

Grand Street Bridge over Newtown Creek: This bridge will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 7am to 5pm to facilitate NYCDOT bridge repairs. Motorists should follow posted detour and use Metropolitan Avenue Bridge.

Queens

29th Street between 30th Avenue and Newtown Avenue: This bridge will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 7am to 5pm to facilitate NYCDOT bridge repairs. Motorists should follow posted detour and use Metropolitan Avenue Bridge.

Formation: 80th Street and Metropolitan Avenue
Route: Metropolitan Avenue from 80th Street to Rentar Plaza
The above streets will be closed Sunday from 11am to 4pm for the Village Veteran's Day Parade as permitted by NYPD.

Bronx

Tinton Avenue between Home Street and East 168th Street: This street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8am to 4pm to facilitate crane operation.

Formation: Lafayette Avenue between Brinsmade and Edison Avenue
Route: East Tremont Avenue between Lafayette and Lawton Avenues; Lawton Avenue between East Tremont Avenue and Throgs Neck Expressway Service Road (Northbound); Throgs Neck Expressway Service Road (Northbound) between Lawton Avenue and Meagher Avenues
End: Bicentennial Veteran's Park
The above streets will be closed Sunday from 11am to 4pm for the Bronx United Veteran's Parade as permitted by NYPD.

Honest Building Inspectors in New York City

BUILDINGS COMMISSIONER LIMANDRI COMMENDS ANOTHER INSPECTOR FOR REPORTING A BRIBE TO DOI WHICH LED TO AN ARREST

"For the second time this month, I would like to commend one of our inspectors for reporting a bribe to the Department of Investigation that led to an arrest. The honest work of these inspectors reflects the integrity of so many of our employees and the recent strides we have made to fight corruption. We have a duty to enforce the law and protect the public, and I am proud to say these inspectors fulfilled their duty to this Department, their coworkers and millions of New Yorkers. I would like to thank DOI Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn and her staff for their immediate and decisive action, and I urge our employees to continue telling the contractors in this City that they can keep their money."

BUILDINGS COMMISSIONER ROBERT LIMANDRI COMMENDS DOB INSPECTOR WHO REPORTED BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS THAT LED TO AN ARREST BY DOI

"I would like to commend one of our inspectors for reporting a bribe to the Department of Investigation, which led to the October 6th arrest of Hersel Hedvat, a Manhattan business owner. Our inspector told DOI investigators that Hedvat offered him money not to issue a violation and a Stop Work Order after he failed to have proper plans at a construction site at 1324 Lexington Avenue. Our inspector flatly refused and issued the Stop Work Order, which is still in effect. This inspector exemplifies the hard work and integrity of so many people at the Buildings Department who have dedicated their lives to protecting the public and ensuring safe development. New Yorkers are depending on all of us to make construction sites safer, and this inspector shows why they should. I would like to thank DOI for their prompt action, and I encourage all employees to report any wrongdoing immediately."

October 15, 2009 Chicago City Council Zoning Committee Agenda Items

See all October, 2009 city council items here.

A resolution recommending a proposed ordinance authorizing the sale of City-owned land under the Adjacent Neighbors Land Acquisition Program.The land is commonly known as 6316 South Aberdeen Street and is located in the 16th Ward. (09-065-21)

A resolution recommending a proposed ordinance authorizing the negotiated sale of City-owned land. The land is commonly known as 5922 South Prairie Avenue and is located in the 20th Ward. (09-066-21)

A resolution recommending a proposed ordinance authorizing the negotiated sale of City-owned land. The land is commonly known as 4841 West Ferdinand Street and is located in the 28th Ward. (09-067-21)

A resolution recommending a proposed ordinance authorizing the negotiated sale of City-owned land. The land is commonly known as 3524 West Fulton Boulevard and is located in the 28th Ward. (09-068-21)

A resolution recommending a proposed ordinance authorizing the negotiated sale of City-owned land. The land is commonly known as 3825 West Division Street and is located in the 27th Ward. (09-069-21)

A proposed Business Planned Development Application submitted by James McHugh Construction Co. for the property generally located at 2206-2236 South Indiana Avenue and 109-133 East Cermak Road. The Applicant proposes to construct a six-story building to be utilized as an electronic data storage center. The 63,262 square foot (1.45 acres) site iscurrently zoned DS-5 Downtown Service District. (2nd Ward)

A Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Application No. 573 submitted by the Chicago Park District for the property generally located at 4101 South Lake Shore Drive. The Applicant proposes to construct a new comfort station measuring approximately 2,500 square feet. (4th Ward)

A proposed amendment to Residential Planned Development No. 840 as amended, submitted by Alderman Toni Preckwinkle to designate theproperty generally located at 828 and 830 East 38th Street, 3746-3754 South Ellis Avenue, and 3753-55 South Cottage Grove Avenue as a new Sub Area C which will contain 72 dwelling units, 65 parking spaces and residential support services. The overall unit count for the Planned Development will remain the same. (4th Ward)

A proposed Waterway-Industrial Planned Development Application submitted by Adlman Truck and Equipment Corp. for the propertygenerally located at 3033-3051 East 106th Street, within Planned Manufacturing District No. 6. The Applicant proposes to establish a Class IV Recycling Facility and construct a one-story warehouse with office area and truck service area. (10th Ward)

A proposed Residential-Business Planned Development Application submitted by Wabash Development Group Corp. for the property generally located at 2421 - 2439 South Wallace Street and 508 - 534 West 24th Place. The Applicant proposes to construct a 13-story building with approximately 220,000 square feet of retail/commercial space, 77 residential units, and 420 off-street parking spaces. The Applicant proposes to change the zoning of the site from M2-2 Light Industry District to B3-5 Community Shopping District prior to establishing this planned development. (25th Ward)

A proposed Business Planned Development Application submitted by Boyce - II, LLC for the property generally located at 501 - 521 North Clark Street, 54 - 74 West Illinois Street, and 55 - 75 West Grand Avenue. The Applicant proposes to construct a 17-story building with approximately 621 hotel keys and ground floor retail space. (42nd Ward)

A Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Application No. 574 submitted by the Chicago Park District for the property generally located at 5801 North Lake Shore Drive. The Applicant proposes to construct a new comfort station measuring approximately 2,500 square feet on a portion of Osterman Beach. (48th Ward)

A Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Application No. 572 submitted by the Public Building Commission of Chicago for the property generally located at West Bryn Mawr Avenue and North Lake Shore Drive. The Applicant proposes to construct a new children's playground on a portion of Osterman Beach. (48th Ward)

A proposed Residential Planned Development Application submitted by JRC 108 Jefferson, LLC for the property generally located at 108 - 124 North Jefferson Street. The Applicant proposes to construct a 36-story building with approximately 304 residential units, 248 off-street parking spaces and ground floor retail space. The Applicant proposes to change the zoning of the site from DC-12 Downtown Core District to DX-12 Downtown Mixed-Use District prior to establishing this planned development. (42nd Ward)

NYC Alternate Side Parking Regulations Update October 28, 2009

Alternate Side Parking Regulations To Be Suspended In Parts Of Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Marble Hill And Kingsbridge Starting Wednesday, Oct. 28 Fo Six To Eight Weeks As DOT Posts New, Reduced Street-Cleaning Regulations

Suspension is the first of two phases for neighborhoods in Bronx Community District 8 New regulations will take effect in parts of Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights (south of Joralemon Street), Boerum Hill, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill starting Nov. 9

Effective Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, Street Cleaning/Alternate Side Parking (ASP) Regulations will be temporarily suspended in parts of the Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Marble Hill and Kingsbridge sections of Bronx Community District 8 for approximately six to eight weeks as the Department of Transportation (DOT) installs some 2,200 signs with new, reduced regulations. This is the first of two phases of the project to change approximately 3,600 ASP signs throughout the district reducing residential street cleaning parking restrictions from twice a week to just once a week to ease parking for local residents. In other cases, only the time of day of the street-cleaning regulation will change. The new rules were established by the Department of Sanitation at the request of Community Board 8.

Meanwhile, in Brooklyn's Community District 2, the third and final phase of a signreplacement that began earlier this year is now complete, with signs in Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights (south of Joralemon Street), Boerum Hill, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill having been replaced since Sept. 8. The newly posted regulations will be enforceable starting on Monday, Nov. 9, giving residents two weeks to adjust to the new rules.

Street Cleaning Regulations (all parking signs marked with a broom symbol) will be suspended within the following borders from Oct. 28 until further notice:

North: City Line (West 263rd Street included) from the Hudson River to Broadway.

East: Broadway (included) from City Line to the Harlem River.

South: Harlem River from Broadway to the Hudson River.

West: Hudson River from the Harlem River to City Line.

The new regulations will take effect once sign changes are complete in the entire area. The changes do not affect 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. parking rules or meter regulations, or any other parking rules that are not street cleaning regulations. DOT will give advance notification before enforcement resumes. The public is encouraged to check the DOT's Web site at www.nyc.gov/dot and to call 311 regularly.

Regulations were similarly converted last year in Brooklyn's Community District 6. During that transition, DOT conducted a study which found that the suspension of Street Cleaning Regulations had minimal impact on traffic and parking conditions in the area.

For more information, please contact 311 or visit the Department of Sanitation's Web site at www.nyc.gov/sanitation, or the Community Board 8 Web site at www.nyc.gov/bronxcb8.

Alternate Side Parking Regulations To Be Suspended In Parts Of Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Marble Hill And Kingsbridge Starting Wednesday, Oct. 28 Fo Six To Eight Weeks As DOT Posts New, Reduced Street-Cleaning Regulations

Suspension is the first of two phases for neighborhoods in Bronx Community District 8 New regulations will take effect in parts of Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights (south of Joralemon Street), Boerum Hill, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill starting Nov. 9

Effective Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, Street Cleaning/Alternate Side Parking (ASP) Regulations will be temporarily suspended in parts of the Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Marble Hill and Kingsbridge sections of Bronx Community District 8 for approximately six to eight weeks as the Department of Transportation (DOT) installs some 2,200 signs with new, reduced regulations. This is the first of two phases of the project to change approximately 3,600 ASP signs throughout the district reducing residential street cleaning parking restrictions from twice a week to just once a week to ease parking for local residents. In other cases, only the time of day of the street-cleaning regulation will change. The new rules were established by the Department of Sanitation at the request of Community Board 8.

Meanwhile, in Brooklyn's Community District 2, the third and final phase of a signreplacement that began earlier this year is now complete, with signs in Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights (south of Joralemon Street), Boerum Hill, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill having been replaced since Sept. 8. The newly posted regulations will be enforceable starting on Monday, Nov. 9, giving residents two weeks to adjust to the new rules.

Street Cleaning Regulations (all parking signs marked with a broom symbol) will be suspended within the following borders from Oct. 28 until further notice:

North: City Line (West 263rd Street included) from the Hudson River to Broadway.

East: Broadway (included) from City Line to the Harlem River.

South: Harlem River from Broadway to the Hudson River.

West: Hudson River from the Harlem River to City Line.

The new regulations will take effect once sign changes are complete in the entire area. The changes do not affect 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. parking rules or meter regulations, or any other parking rules that are not street cleaning regulations. DOT will give advance notification before enforcement resumes. The public is encouraged to check the DOT's Web site at www.nyc.gov/dot and to call 311 regularly.

Regulations were similarly converted last year in Brooklyn's Community District 6. During that transition, DOT conducted a study which found that the suspension of Street Cleaning Regulations had minimal impact on traffic and parking conditions in the area.

For more information, please contact 311 or visit the Department of Sanitation's Web site at www.nyc.gov/sanitation, or the Community Board 8 Web site at www.nyc.gov/bronxcb8.