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Bloomberg vows recovery in State of the City speech

Bloomberg vows recovery in State of the City speech
By Howard Koplowitz

Mayor Michael Bloomberg conceded the city was in the midst of rough economic times, but pointed to a few upcoming construction projects in Queens as ways to alleviate the situation during his State of the City address last week in Brooklyn.

“We don’t know how bad the recession will be, but we know it will be bad enough,” Bloomberg said during his speech at Brooklyn College. “There’s no question that the temporary state of our city is shaken. But I’m here today to tell you it’s not broken.”

Pointing to some of the accomplishments of his administration, Bloomberg noted that the city is funding more than $10 billion in capital projects that will create more than 2,500 jobs, including breaking ground on the new Police Academy in College Point, building two new libraries in the borough and renovating the Queens Museum of Art.

Willets Point will also be important in creating jobs, Bloomberg said, although he did not offer any details on the development project.

The mayor boasted of the city’s effort in helping residents get jobs through its Workforce One Career Centers, including one such center in Jamaica. Bloomberg said 17,000 people have gained jobs through the center so far, compared with 500 when it began “a few short years” ago.

Bloomberg also unveiled an effort to combat quality−of−life offenses starting this month, saying his administration would identify the so−called “Dirty Dozen” — the 12 worst offenders in Queens and the other four boroughs.

“We won’t cede an inch to the squeegee men, turnstile jumpers and graffiti vandals who breed a sense of disorder and lawlessness,” he said.

The mayor said he would urge Queens District Attorney Richard Brown to seek the maximum sentences for the 12 worst offenders.

Turning to parks, Bloomberg cited the planned renovation and expansion of Queens Theatre in the Park as one of his administration’s successes.

Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e−mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 173.