Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the ex-International Monetary Fund chief accused of sexual assaulting a hotel maid, was busy Thursday settling into his new palatial digs in New York City’s trendy Tribeca neighborhood — while a New York politician was busy tallying the case’s financial impact on the city.
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer would like to bill the Frenchman after conducting an assessment of the financial toll his stay is having on the city and on his less-than-thrilled neighbors.
“I’m calling on Mr. Strauss-Kahn to whip out that checkbook of his and pay us for the cost of policing, traffic congestion and other ancillary services as he lives in the lap of luxury under house arrest,” Stringer said at a news conference held Thursday down the street from Strauss-Kahn’s new home, a 6,800-square-foot (631-square-meter) townhouse.
“Mr. Strauss-Kahn has been running up quite a tab, including $50,000 monthly rent for a townhouse, fancy steak dinners, plus the use of a gym, a terrace and a private movie theater.
“Well, here’s something else he can put on his tab — total compensation to the taxpayers of New York City as the price of living here, high on the hog, and bringing potential burdens to a residential neighborhood.”
Stringer is calling for an assessment of the financial burden imposed on New York City and Strauss-Kahn’s new Tribeca neighborhood.
“At a time when the city is cutting back on essential services and layoffs are imminent, we need to know what taxpayer-funded services are being dedicated to monitoring this man’s every move,” Stringer said.
Strauss-Kahn posted $1 million bail last week and submitted to a house arrest and Stringer argues that the arrangement could end up costing New York taxpayers millions in support services, from sanitation to police.
Furthermore, Stringer noted the ex-IMF boss is now living just blocks away from Ground Zero, which could add to transportation issues leading up to the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and the opening of the Sept. 11 memorial.
Once the costs are calculated, Stringer says he’ll mail Strauss-Kahn the total bill.
“The circus may be in town — but that doesn’t mean we pay for it,” Stringer said.
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