New York City Council Member calls for inquiry into Pier 57

New York City Council member Charles Barron has asked the offices of Mayor Bloomberg and the Police Commission to answer question relating to the handling of protesters being detained at Pier 57.

I’d like to know whether, A.) they were aware there was the history of this building, and if so, B.) what did they do to investigate the asbestos problem, and if they didn't do anything about it, they should do it immediately. I have not heard anything yet. I am going to have a press conference today. We should not create any kind of a public health problem for people who are protesting and are detained on the Westside Highway.

Not only are there stories [here, here, here, here, and here ctnow, here nyt downplaying the conditions (bmn reqd. on the last 2)] of people having to spend the night in a grimy, oil soaked environment, but now there are reports that the site has a history of asbestos contamination. At least from the indy press. No word yet from ABCCBSNBCFOX. Even if the asbestos has already been properly removed, that still leaves a nasty way to deal with protesters.

I'm surprised and saddened that the mainstream media is not covering the handling of prisoners. If the allegations about the conditions are overblown, then the public would see. It would not be the first time the media has gone inside the justice system to cover the conditions of prisoners being held. I was on a shoot about Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the pink jumpsuits he assigned. I would think the Republicans watching at home would be happy let FOX show them what the pesky protesters were being subjected to. When it comes time to look back, I wonder how the press will rationalize their (in)actions.

[updated 9/7 with add'l stories]
journalists needing legal assitance
Capital (WI) Times: Bruce Renwick, parent of college student
Akron Beacon: Beth Rankin, reporter, Daily Kent Stater
MassLive: Richard Y. Hardie, 73
Tom Tomorrow
secondhand story on the Daily Kos
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JoAnn Wypijewski
secondhand on East Broadway Ron's