Res. No. 311
Title
Resolution calling upon the United States Treasury Department to return the United States Customs Service and its 750 employees back to its historic home in lower Manhattan.
Body
By Council Members Gerson, The Speaker (Council Member Miller) and Council Members Brewer, Clarke, Davis, Dilan Felder, Foster, Gennaro, Jackson, Katz, Lopez, Monserrate, Nelson, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Seabrook, Sears, Quinn, Reyna, Recchia and Oddo
Whereas, The United States Customs Service, the nation's first government agency, has occupied offices in lower Manhattan since its inception in 1789; and
Whereas, The tragic events of September 11 resulted in the destruction of the United States Customs House which was located at 6 World Trade Center; and
Whereas, The 750 United States Customs Service employees formerly employed at 6 World Trade Center have since been dispersed to satellite offices, nearly half to Port Elizabeth, New Jersey and the remainder to John F. Kennedy Airport and offices in Midtown Manhattan; and
Whereas, New York City residents who are United States Customs employees now face a commute that can total up to 5 hours round trip per day; and
Whereas, The Customs House serves a vital role in New York's multi-billion dollar import business; and
Whereas, Over 500 people work in import-related jobs in the lower Manhattan and have found it difficult to conduct their transactions with Customs employees who are spread throughout the region; and
Whereas, Many of these import-related companies are suffering as a result of the United States Customs Service leaving its historic home in lower Manhattan; and
Whereas, Millions of square feet of commercial office space are available in lower Manhattan; and
Whereas, Federal, state and local governments have created numerous tax incentive packages, grants and loans to encourage businesses to remain in or relocate to lower Manhattan; and
Whereas, the Federal government can set an example for private sector companies by bringing the Customs Service back to lower Manhattan; and
Whereas, It is a priority of the New York City Council to encourage the revitalization of lower Manhattan and the return of commerce to this area; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Treasury Department to return the United States Customs Service and its 750 employees to its historic home in lower Manhattan.
APB
LS#664