December 4th - December 11th, 2009

Goldman Sachs Refuses City Dollars

December 7 – The New York Times reported that Goldman Sachs has agreed to relinquish a $161 million claim against the city related to deadlines associated with the World Trade Center site. While Goldman won’t accept the $161 in city taxpayer money, another $160 million is owed on December 31 by the city and state.

Concrete-Testing Fraud Trial Begins

December 9 – The associated press reports the criminal trial of Testwell Laboratories Inc. and three executive. Prosecutors charge concrete and steel tests were doctored or made up for more than 100 projects city-wide. More than a dozen projects have been retested and declared safe, however results are awaiting for others.

NYC Passes Green Legislation

December 10 - The Daily News reports the City council stopped short of what the mayor promised but still passed an eco-friendly green buildings initiative. The legislation will require the largest building owners to pay for energy audits, lighting upgrades and further development to reduce energy consumption.