From: NEW YORK (AP)
New York City is trying to make it easier for citizens to access some government information.
The Department of Buildings has begun placing codes on all city construction permits that can be instantly scanned with smart phones.
Any passer-by who scans a Quick Response code with a phone will be instantly directed to a Web page with information on what work has been approved at the site, who owns the property and how many violations the project has earned. The Web page will offer a link to help users make a complaint.
Quick Response Codes are used for product packaging and advertising. Phone scanners to read them are available as free downloads.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday said the city plans to expand the technology to give information about historical sites and other points of interest.