The city’s Economic Development Corporation is currently accepting proposals for an interactive nightly light show around the financial district, in the style of Las Vegas or Hong Kong, that “will transform the experience of Lower Manhattan at night.” The “experience,” is boring, or even nonexistent, as of now. The winning bidder would receive up to $1 million over the first three years, plus the possibility of grants and sponsorships. “We don’t want something that creates a circus-like atmosphere,” a community board chairwoman insisted. “We want something tasteful, to emphasize historical facades, but most importantly economic development, jobs — anything to create more revenue for small businesses.” Anything? We hear those bars with cheap shot deals do pretty well. “If it brings more tourists I’m going to throw up,” warned a neighborhood resident. Those places with cheap shots could help with that, too.
