‘Reversal’ a victory for parks
To The Editor:
I am writing in response to The Villager’s article “In Elizabeth St. Garden end around, mayor offers West Side park” (Oct. 6), which mentions the long-sought transfer of three Department of Environmental Protection water-shaft sites in Community Board 2 for use as parks.
This reversal by the city is the result of years of advocacy by community members and elected officials, and is a victory for every resident of C.B. 2 who needs and deserves more open space.
I am particularly pleased with the transfer of the empty lot at Grand and Lafayette Sts. in my Council district. Together with at least 5,000 square feet set to be created nearby at Elizabeth St., this new park will give residents of Soho, Little Italy, Nolita and Chinatown more permanent and protected open space that they can be sure will be there for generations to come.
In regard to critics of this transfer, and of affordable housing for our seniors on Elizabeth St., there is an important point of agreement: The idea that parks or affordable housing must take priority over the other is a false choice that does a great disservice to the people — all the people — that I am proud to represent.
We can, and must, have both.
I agree that this announcement is a “step in the right direction.” And I, too, am not satisfied. That is why I have advocated, and will continue to advocate, for the most possible open space for people living in the crowded neighborhoods of Lower Manhattan — including in Little Italy on Elizabeth St.
Affordable housing and open space must complement each other. And in a crisis, such as the one confronting the thousands of seniors languishing on wait lists for affordable, age-appropriate and accessible housing, they must occupy the same space.
How best to do that is a discussion I look forward to having with all members of our community, who, far from being divided, are united in their insistence on neighborhoods that all can live in and enjoy.
Margaret S. Chin
Chin is city councilmember, First District
We’re being assimilated!
To The Editor:
Re “In Elizabeth St. Garden end around, mayor offers West Side park” (news article, Oct. 6):
Be advised that Greenwich Village, the East Village, Little Italy and Union Square are regularly referred to as “Midtown South.”
Diane Whelton
30 Pike isn’t enough
To The Editor:
Re “Pike St. project will ‘replace’ Rivington House: De Blasio” (news article, Oct. 6):
We welcome 30 Pike St. We need all kinds of truly affordable housing in a city with this level of homelessness.
Senior housing is for those who can live independently — nursing homes are for those who cannot.
People who cannot advocate for themselves — like those living with advanced Alzheimer’s — require fierce championing.
The promised facility at 30 Pike St. would do nothing for those affected by that growing epidemic or others who need 24/7 care. And it would do nothing for the 115 patients who were evicted from Rivington House or the caregivers who lost jobs.
Rivington House was retrofitted to be a nursing home — at taxpayers’ expense. It’s ready to serve. Let it.
K Webster
Webster is a founder, Neighbors to Save Rivington House
Rabbi’s run is wrongheaded
To The Editor:
Re “Rabbi runs vs. Hoylman; Does he have a prayer?” (news article, Oct. 6):
This guy, the rabbi, is crackers. He is unhappy with Albany’s culture, so he is running against the relatively new reformer who has emerged as the leading voice against that culture. What? What a vainglorious waste.
Cormac Flynn
Trump unfit to lead
To The Editor:
With Election Day right around the corner, I can’t help but think about all that is at stake this year. Working people know that the path to prosperity starts with electing candidates who support a raising-wages agenda.
We have the opportunity to win equal pay, paid leave, fair scheduling and higher wages. These are just some of the reasons why Donald Trump is the wrong choice for America. Donald Trump has bragged about benefiting from the housing crash that left millions of Americans without a home.
Trump has a history of not paying workers at his properties. He has profited from the trade deals he speaks against. He outsources jobs at his own companies. He even boasts that not paying taxes makes him smart.
We can’t risk electing a candidate who puts his profits ahead of the needs of working families.
R. Ryce-Paul
Pier 40 is kids’ kick
To The Editor:
Re “All in the family: Pier 40 is Village’s playground” (talking point, by Magdalene Zier and Dugan Zier, Sept. 29):
I’m 11 and have played at the Pier 40 soccer fields since I was 5. I have played with the Downtown United Soccer Club soccer league, and done DUSC soccer camp there. One of my most fun memories is when DUSC sponsored a Red Nose soccer game. We wore costumes and red noses and played to raise money for the Red Nose Foundation.
Playing fields keep kids healthy and out of trouble. Please save the fields.
Alex Koster
E-mail letters, not longer than 250 words in length, to news@thevillager.com or fax to 212-229-2790 or mail to The Villager, Letters to the Editor, 1 Metrotech North, 10th floor, Brooklyn, NY, NY 11201. Please include phone number for confirmation purposes. The Villager reserves the right to edit letters for space, grammar, clarity and libel. Anonymous letters will not be published.
