Long distance thanks
To The Editor:
Re “Just another New Orleans day” (The Penny Post, May 12 – 18):
Thank you for your continued coverage of New Orleans. There is so much work still to be done, and keeping us in your readers’ minds is crucial.
Our tourism-based economy has suffered a severe blow, yet there is a duality to New Orleans right now that makes it a must-see for anyone planning a vacation. The French Quarter is virtually untouched, the Garden District is pristine, eclectic Magazine St., Faubourg Marigny and the Bywater historic districts are hopping with activity. Visitors could come to New Orleans now and not see a thing wrong, but the large area of destruction is a side trip they should not miss. Our world-class restaurants, galleries, music joints, and especially our wonderful small hotels are all ready for you to come. Now! The climate is delightful, the city has never been safer. Many of our attractions are small businesses, owned and operated by New Orleanians who are suffering greatly. With no financial aid forthcoming for the thousands of small businesses which are the very heart of what makes the traditional “New Orleans experience” so unique, most are hanging on by a thread. We are counting on the return of our visitors to keep us going.
We thank you, we love you, and we need you.
Joanne Hilton
Joanne Hilton owns the St. Charles Guest House in New Orleans
Diverging streets
To The Editor:
Re “Defending Ardito” (Letter by Phil Fox, May 12 – 18):
It seems that I have set off a fire-storm of defense for Lori Ardito. Keeping traffic moving is one of the major jobs for the Dept. of Transportation. Perhaps Mr. Fox or she can explain why the traffic light at the corner of Court and Remsen Sts., (exactly where the Brooklyn D.O.T. office is located), turns red instead of continuing as green, thus stopping the traffic flow and backing it up for blocks, creating needless traffic jams and pollution we do not need. I guess it’s because it’s too close and directly under their noses, for them to recognize it or correct it.
D.O.T. may have done a few good things, but their track record under Ardito’s leadership was bad.
As an example, 10 years ago, her brain-trust of “consultants” was about to destroy the Bay Ridge community’s exiting traffic flow, because of their intended repairs to the Gowanus Expressway. The low-cost solution I proposed to solve the problem, (which they pooh-poohed and laughed at then), is the exact solution that was ultimately adopted. A few buckets of white paint saved millions of dollars and tons of time.
Mr. Fox, I wish you good luck in Lower Manhattan, because you sure as heck will need it.
Allen Bortnick
Bay Ridge
WWW Downtown Express
