WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. December 25, 2006 In recognition of Christmas Day, WPCNR brings back a favorite of the past posted on this site many years ago, updated:
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the city,
Construction cranes were idle, Cappelli's Ritz Towers silent with no activity
Accept for Building Inspectors counting each floor, there wasn't even a mouse at the door.
Not a legislator or councilperson was stirring not even a high school student.;
The County and City budget stockings were hung by Michaelian & Main chimneys with devil-may care air,
In hopes Angels Eliot,Amy, Adam Andy and Bill Would Stuff Them fair.
The citizens, nestled snug in their beds with the Mayor’s City Center filled and spending Wal Mart Mobs,
With visions of sweet sugar plums from Trump Tower, City Center, Fortunoffs and Wal Mart Plunder soon to fill sales tax into the city' s till with cash in gobs.
Paul Wood in his trusty chair, cellphone in ear and the kindly Cuneo-Harwood applying her budget cap and CAFR magic
Had just settled the city in for a short winter’s nap;
No new approvals, Just a quiet $16 Million Sale, with zoning zen on tap.
When out on 221 Main site, there arose such a clatter,
Paul Wood Sprang from his desk in City Hall garret suspending Secret Developer Talks to see what was the matter,
Away to the window, he flew in a flash, stunned to see in Bank Street view, construction begin on Christmas Eve anew.
He tore open the shutters and threw up the sash,
As cranes, girders and whistles sounded across Bank Street with a crash.
The moon shown on the crest of the rising girders on LCOR's Christmas Eve Crew,
The Acting Building Commissioner Amodio was summoned to issue a stop work order to the intrepid Gilpatrick jumping the gun.
“It’s Christmas,” he said to the peerless leader . “Even Louis is not working. Santa can’t come with all this to-do, and we haven't approved it yet.”
Turning from the developers in marathon secret talks, the nimble Wood and barrister Dunphy
Fashioned a Christmas gift for all the City.
“It’s a disgrace,” said gatekeeper Paul Wood, when hounded by clamorous press in voicemail message curt.
Seeking an explanation for the cacaphonous distress.
“How can we do the people’s business, even on Christmas,” said right hand man Maloney
As Saint Theresa and reliable Melissa patiently awaited the holiday agenda thick and toney.
The construction lights gave the luster of midday, to trucks and dirt and backedup cars causing them
To glow like fresh fallen snow.
When what to the crew’s surprise should appear,
But a big red sleigh, pulled by six councilpersons..
With a jolly old driver, so lively and quick, looking very
Much like Mayor Joseph Delfino with a sleigh full of holiday cheer.
The city servants working late, knew in a moment it must be their leader.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came on the wintry scene
“Now, Boykin! Now Malmud! Now Bernstein!
On Roach! On Hockley! On Power!
To the Top of City Hall! To the Top of the Wall!
Into the Council Chamber they rushed to assemble a proclamation to all!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!
As empty lots before developers fill, bearing promissory notes and refi's creating cash anew
With towers to the sky,
To the City Hall roof his sturdy council did fly.
With the Mayor’s sleigh full of toys, and the jolly Mayor, too.
In a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The serious voices of each councilman giving proof
That the sleeping city was in sure hand.
As Mr. Wood drew in crewcut head, turning around,
Down the circular stair the Mayor and Council came with a bound.
The Mayor was dressed in his Mayor’s suit, from his head to his foot,
His brown trademark suit was draped with ribbons for approvals to come for North Street Community, Bank Street West, The Luxury Lexington Mile and mystery subdivisions to boot.
A bundle of plans, for sewer and water tanks Nicoletti brought forth for Mayor and council to consider.
The Mayor, his eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up in a smile…”No, Bud, no plans for awhile!”
The Mayor spoke not a word, but went straight to his desk, he bade Council be seated, and with not a voice of denial,
Presented the resolution, the council spread the communications with glee
He congratulated Straub, Jennings and Jackson for law and order with style,
He Lay plans for condos and apartments for the Court Street homeless with care
With BID restaurants to cater the less fortunate with compassion's splendid fare.
Gifts to the city from the hardest working Common Council without guile.
Thanking the council, commissioners that are left, and city staff bereft, and benefactors generosity
America’s favorite Mayor sprang to the circular stair, and sleigh,
To his team gave a whistle, and away the Mayor and council flew like the down of a thistle.
But the citizens heard them exclaim, as the team drove out of sight filled with new Gateway and 4% Union Contract goodies and stuff,
