Hurricane Irene
Evacuation warnings and an MTA system-wide shutdown on Aug. 27 preceded Hurricane Irene. The Category 1 hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached New York, but still cost the state almost $7 billion in damages.
Earthquake
The internet exploded with chatter as an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude shook New York. The epicenter of the quake was in Virginia, and it was felt as far away as South Carolina, Ohio, and Toronto, Canada.
Dominique Strauss-Khan Sex Controversy
The managing director of the International Monetary Fund was arrested for alleged sexual assault and placed under house arrest in 71 Broadway, prompting media to camp-out near the building. The charges against him were later dismissed, though his French presidential aspirations are reportedly ruined.
9/11 Anniversary
The 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 marked the opening of the 9/11 memorial. Families of those who lost their lives gathered to hear President Obama and Mayor Michael Bloomberg speak, among others. The World Trade Center towers, a sign of recovery and hope, rise rapidly; more than 80 floors of 1 World Trade are completed.
Foiled Terrorist Plots
Three terrorist plots were foiled by the New York Police Department and other law enforcement officials in 2011, including stopping two men in May who purportedly planned to bomb a Manhattan synagogue and, at a later time, the Empire State Building.
West Indian Day Parade Controversy
The popular parade draws millions in a celebration of culture, yet has become synonymous with violence. This year two people were shot and injured, part of a spate of violence over Labor Day weekend. Councilmember Jumaane Williams was arrested during the parade along with another government official, sparking controversy over perceived racism. A recent report by the New York Times said police officers made racist comments about parade participants on Facebook.
Fundraiser for John Liu’s Campaign Arrested
Xingwu “Oliver” Pan, a fundraiser for city comptroller John Liu, was snared by an FBI sting operation. Liu’s campaign has long been connected with irregular campaign financing, including donations from organizations with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Smoking Ban Implemented
An unprecedented law banning smoking in parks, marinas, boardwalks, beaches, public golf courses, and pedestrian plazas was signed by Mayor Bloomberg on Feb. 23 and took effect on May 23. The law encourages people to ask smokers to obey the law, and report offenders if they don’t stop. The violators could get a $50 ticket. A public awareness campaign was launched simultaneously.
NYPD Muslim Surveillance Program
Ethnic communities, especially Muslims, have been targeted by the NYPD since 9/11 with help from the CIA, reported the Associated Press in August. Neither the city council, nor the federal government is privy to the exact workings of the partnership. The CIA said the partnership is not illegal, and the NYPD denied the details laid out in the almost 5,000 word report.
MTA Rolls 117 Phone Numbers into One
MTA announces 511, a single phone number for all transportation-related questions, including information about MetroCards, bridge and tunnel tolls, and trip planning.
Officer Killed in Line of Duty
New York Police Officer Peter Figoski died on Dec. 12 after being shot in the face while responding to a robbery in Brooklyn, prompting widespread sympathy and support for his family and the NYPD.
Snow Storm Hits NYC in 2010
The storm hit the day after Christmas, halting daily activities. Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration received criticism for how they handled the situation and changed their techniques for Hurricane Irene. The city has paid more than $1.8 million in claims from the storm, reported the Associated Press on Dec. 25.
