UN to move from NYC?

[me]

there's an Op-Ed piece in the International Herald Tribune today that suggest moving the UN headquarters from Manhattan to Montreal.

it's an interesting read. it might be of interest to some folks here.

personally, i think it's a great idea for the UN to be less tied to US, and vice versa. maybe this might, as the op-ed sez, lead to more responsible financial accounting at the UN?

- d

[stanncie]

i agree david. The UN while a very good idea seems to be very dysfunctional

[jennifer]

I have NO objection! Getting a job there is one of my many ideas, so being in Montreal, WOULD ROCK!

[Eagle]

Sounds like an interesting proposal, especially as recent news reports have indicated that the U.N. building is falling apart and will require many millions of dollars in renovations.

However, I don't see the move to Montreal actually happening as the U.S. probably wants it to stay in New York. I'm sure it brings lots of money into the local economy. With the "veto" (or whatever), they could block any plans to move.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out!

[me]

don't know about that, Ken. New York's US-Senators probably want to keep it, but NYC most likely would rather UN finds a new home.

UN is a drain on NYC. many of the people working there, from other countries, have diplomatic immunity which makes them scofflaws. [i've read stories about "diplomats" parking anywhere, even blocking streets & fireplugs, they just ignore fines and can't be towed - except under extraordinary conditions]

what's more, the UN occupies some of the worlds most expensive real estate, yet can't be taxed. if UN vacated this riverfront land and sold it for development, this would easily pay for a new facility just about anywhere. and whoever buys it would no longer be exempt from property taxes. it would be an annual windfall for NY! [i've read that land was donated to UN by Rockefeller half a century ago]