Sounds to me like these fees were aimed specifically at poor/middle class . . . I wonder if there's a basis for a legal challenge there.
Exactly - and for this reason I'm *very* surprised nobody has challenged it and had it overturned yet.
Small administrative fees are one thing - but this clearly a barrier for many poor or working class individuals, so it's arguably infringing upon peoples' right to arms.
Immediately following the recent Supreme Court recommendation, here in Chicago there was a lot of speculation that Emperor Daley would try to put unreasonable fees on registration, and there were a crapton of people pre-emptively challenging that, saying they'll take him and the city right back to court if they do.
The new fees are bad (i don't remember exactly what- i moved just outside of the city a while back .. but around $100 i think), but they're nowhere NEAR what it sounds like NYC residents are charged.
And there is *still* a followup suit about the legality of the new ordinances. If any court decision/opinion is made on the cost barrier, NYC residents should have an easy time challenging yours.
Guess we just have to wait and see. Good luck with your permit by the way.