Downtown local

Representative Carolyn Maloney inspected the 50-caliber sniper rifle, with experts Tom Diaz of the Violence Policy Center, center, and Andy Pelosi of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. Maloney, chairperson of the Task Force on Homeland Security for the House Democratic Caucus, last week urged a crackdown on access in United States markets to the 50-caliber, armor-piercing sniper rifle. The Al Qaeda terrorist organization has 25 of them, Maloney said. Said Maloney, “This is an obvious weapon of mass destruction in the hands of a terrorist, but under current federal law it is easier to purchase than a basic handgun.” She called for Congressional passage of House Resolution 4292, of which she is a co-sponsor, to ban the sniper rifles and regulate the weapons in the same manner as machine guns.

A sailing appeal
Michael Fortenbaugh, commodore of the Manhattan Sailing Club, says harbor security has gotten so tight at Battery Park City’s North Cove lately, that visitors must show I.D. before being allowed to walk down to his club docks and office.

“Of course there is not much you, I or a hundred other people can do about this,” Fortenbaugh wrote in his most recent e-mail newsletter. “But when people suggest this is the new ‘normal,’ my eyes glaze over. . ..This is not a way for a free and brave people to live.”

He said the policy has also cut into his walk-in business. His solution may not directly solve the problem, but Fortenbaugh thinks there is something to be gained if visitors ask “permission to come aboard” after showing the security guard their I.D.

“If one person does it, it will be a statement,” he wrote. “If ten people do it, it will become a movement. And if one hundred people do it, well, we just might begin solving some of the world’s problems.

From Duane to Miller
Two members of State Senator Tom Duane’s staff for the past two years are going to work for City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, a likely candidate for mayor next year. Brian Sogol, Duane’s liaison to Community Board 4 covering Chelsea and Clinton, will become Miller’s scheduler, and Danielle Castaldi-Micca, liaison to C.B. 2 covering the Village, will be Miller’s assistant for members services. Phil Yeager is taking Sogol’s place as Duane’s C.B.4 liaison and Jonathan Posnit is the senator’s C.B. 2 link.

From Lava to lox
The former lava lamp and CD shop on St. Mark’s Pl. between Avenue A and First Ave. is now Holy Land Market kosher grocery store.