NEW YORK — A Brooklyn principal was forced to apologize after insulting Spanish speakers, a beloved restaurant owner passed away and a glittering new public art project was announced for Madison Square Park, those were just some of the top stories happening in the city this week.
Here's a look back at the week:
Brooklyn Principal Takes 'Racist' Dig at Spanish Speakers, Parents Say
Donna Taylor, the principal of the highly selective Brooklyn School of Inquiry in Bensonhurst, shocked parents at an open house this week by telling them, “In New York City, if you don’t speak Spanish, you’re going to clean your own house,” according to a Park Slope dad who attended. The principal apologized after facing criticism from parents.
Benjamin Tucker Appointed NYPD's First Deputy Commish After Banks Bows Out
The NYPD named its new No. 2 this week, just days after the abrupt resignation of Philip Banks III, the man Commissioner Bill Bratton had initially tapped for the position. Benjamin Tucker, who worked in the Obama administration, was sworn in Wednesday at police headquarters as the new first deputy commissioner. He said he was honored to be given the opportunity and never would’ve thought it possible as a kid growing up in Bed-Stuy.
Gus Vlahavas, Longtime Owner of Tom's Restaurant in Prospect Heights, Dies
The longtime owner of Tom’s Restaurant in Prospect Heights has died, staff at the popular Washington Avenue eatery said. Gus Vlahavas succumbed Tuesday to a respiratory illness. Despite the heavy hearts, staff at the restaurant said they were “trying to keep a normal atmosphere.”
NYPD Officer Attacked With Hatchet Only Eligible for $27 a Day in Pension
The NYPD officer who was severely injured by a man wielding a hatchet would only be eligible for $10,000 a year in disability if his injuries prevent him from returning to work, according to NYPD records. Officer Kenneth Healey, who was hit in the head with a hatchet in what police referred to as "a terrorist attack," makes $42,000 a year, but would only be eligible for less than a quarter of that under new city rules.
Meet Tinderella, the Queen of Tinder
An anonymous 27-year-old Chelsea woman started the blog Tinderella in January based on her experiences after using the popular dating app Tinder. She gives her dates nicknames and then describes the brief romances.
Globe Trotting Parks Dept. Head Too Busy to Meet, Community Groups Say
Since taking office May 12, Parks Department Commissioner Mitchell Silver has visited at least eight cities on four continents to deliver speeches and teach classes — but his globe-trotting isn’t flying with some colleagues and community members. Activists have complained that it's hard to get a meeting with Silver because of his extensive travels.
MAP: 94 Failing Schools Get Extended Days and Extra Support
Instead of shuttering failing schools, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $150 million plan Monday for boosting the struggling programs, extending the school day by an hour, adding summer learning opportunities and increasing professional development.
Shimmering Metal Canopy to Hover Over Madison Square Park
A canopy of gold discs will hover over the Madison Square Park paths beginning in the spring. The 500-foot-long canopy will hang over the paths surrounding the central oval lawn, making it look like sunlight filtering through foliage.
Looking to Rent? Now's the Best Time to Find a Deal
Mid-October through December is the best time of year to find deals on rentals, experts say. Landlords don't want their apartments empty in the coldest months of the year, so many offer deals in the fall.
