New York City Green Streets

Going   red  waiting  for  something  green

Putting dollars back in the hands of the population is the fastest route to growing demand in the New York City economy. Currently; the hardest hitting de-facto -tax increase is the unpredictable fluctuations in rising prices at the gas pump. Opening up NYC streets to Segways and other single standing electronic or alternative energy source motored vehicles would stimulate rippled demand across multiple markets within the city and be received with open arms. In addition; it would not take a city tax relief that would decrease revenues and possibly further unbalancing budget. Continuing to wish on falling stars that all will be rectified by something green while ledgers are in the red is naïve and counter-productive. Escaping the clutches of this Great Depression is proving more challenging than most wise men predicted. Hiring has slowed to a snail’s pace and the job numbers will keep being revised down. And hopes of a v-shaped recovery are as fragile as the wings on a fairy.

Increase  the  supply  to  build  demand

Demand for mechanics with knowledge and skill in these mobile transporters would increase immediately. Maintenance, upkeep and up-grading would give birth to a new industry that would grow for the next 10 years. The Department of Motor Vehicles revenues would increase exponentially with new motorists’ registrations fees and annual renewals. New licensee’s and classifications combined with charges for testing operators, providing permits and identification plates would raise many bottom lines; while providing the city with direct funds. Inspection test sites would grow revenues with new services not previously provided. Small community lenders would benefit from small low risk financing from loans created by the standup motored vehicle demand. The sales tax from the vehicles in addition to its parts and accessories markets would create a new stream of revenues for NYC. Less cars, sports utilities and trucks on the streets are better for the city roads and bridges maintenance costs because …..


 
Segways Do Not Create Potholes!

Traffic congestion would experience relief; improving the air quality citywide. Pollution and gas emissions will be lowered and improve public health; saving hospitals and health insurers costs on patients due to externalities. Fewer vehicle accidents means’ less road injuries and deaths. Emergency rooms occupancies would lower. Frivolous law suits that clog court rooms would decrease; saving tax payer dollars. Police officers who would normally be dispatched to the scenes of accidents could be better utilized if fewer vehicle crashes were occurring. Insurance providers would have an entire new market opened up to them to profit from. Parking revenues citywide would more than triple in five years. Due to the size of Segways; four of them can occupy the same parking space that one car does. The numbers could be skewed higher when taking into account the size of mini-vans, sports utilities and trucks that might be left at home in favor of a single stand up rider. Instruction facilities would flourish since lessons on proper use and laws would be in demand. Renting services would see demand rise and new revenue open up to them as well.

Passing the speed test

Since Segways are not the size and weight of traditional auto mobiles; the age requirement for operating these transporters can be lower than traditional drivers’ permits that limit use to 16 year olds (varying from state to state). Adding new customers to the standup mobile market or the duel Puma riders that are prototyped,creates revenues that are not currently available. This would allow the minimum auto driving age to be raised to 21yrs old increasing the safety conditions for the youth, other drivers and pedestrians while still providing alternative transportation. That demographic would not be deprived private transportation since the Segways would suffice and test the waters of putting a de-facto speed limit on them.
 
Tax Breaks ??

A tax break to citizens can also stimulate growth demand in the city economy. A five hundred dollar give back to the 1.8 million families in NYC would generate $900 million in disposable currency annually. This 4.5 billion over 5yrs would not fully be lost since a percentage will be returned thru sales tax. Families are less likely to save this $500 than other demographics and spend it on the grid. A percentage will also be returned to city coffers thru income tax generated on the revenues of this $4.5 billion being injected in to the economy. Of course, getting money back from big government is like squeezing blood from a stone. Too often the scenario is reversed and taxation is the only means of balancing pork barrel spending by empty suits that lack innovative thinking and fiscal responsibility.

New York City Tourist Attraction

A rate drop in unemployment would also grow demand but what are the chances a senator in the Senate or anyone in the House of Representatives has the skill set necessary to implement an economic solution viable enough to stimulate organic job growth? As well, an increase in population would grow demand in the city economy. Tourism is the quickest method to increasing the population and the most likely effective scenario. A restoration of Flushing-Meadow Corona Park and the surrounding World’s Fair Marina would create an international must see tourist destination. Clever promotion and marketing to raise awareness of its historical significance could attract more tourism to an area already equipped to handle large crowds, due the multiple means of transportation to and from the location. A cleaning of the harbor water, restoration to the walk way and the removal of the homeless who now occupy it would go a long way. Boats and other water craft rentals would be in high demand along with instructors, storage, specialized labor etc. Revitalization of the entire area would increase population by bringing in more out of town and international tourist, filling hotel rooms, local eateries and creating more jobs. Street vendors licensing and associated fees would increase for the city. With the Unisphere in all its glory the area has a much needed international symbol that can be a respectable addition to the other magnificent New York City tourist attractions, combined with a very unique historical background story, nearby Queens Zoo, Botanical Garden, Queens Museum of Art and an aquatic center that could attract additional visitors to the area.