Safety wise, it's a double-edged sword. Sure you may prevent the resulting possible fatal injuries in a HS setting (although from the article, it seems as studies have shown there is no greater risk posed by metal bats), but for those in NYC that go onto play college ball, you're at a decided disadvantage. Playing a ball of of a metal bat is quite different than playing a ball off of a wooden bat. Not being able to handle a hard grounder or line drive off of a metal bat can result in injury in college, especially where the players are going to hit the ball harder. Luckily these kids will almost certainly play in private leagues that allow the metal bats so they get a good experience before college ball. But hey, NY really isn't a state known for its sports (on a HS and collegiate level) outside of basketball and lacrosse (possibly hockey, don't know much about it at those levels).
It may be a counter-intuitive problem, but one of the reasons I've used metal bats in the past is because I've found the balls travel farther and are harder hit.