I can't comment on New York, but for places like Orlando and Miami it was considered acceptable - although it is of course paramount that the pilot fly "defensively" i.e. with a safe spot in reach and at an altitude to get the ship under control.
There was one notable forced landing in Orlando - H269 lost tail rotor drive and auto'd into a car park. Not considered big news and the school involved wasn't affected.
Bear in mind a helicopter lands in a very short distance during a (properly executed) forced landing.
Fixed wings....different parameters.
BG