Sorry, quality of life comes first
To The Editor:
As a third-generation resident of the Lower East Side, and a co-operator at Seward Park Co-ops, I was deeply offended by Lisa Adams’ letter, entitled “Property values vs. human values” (Dec. 31). In her letter she tries to paint people whose views differ from hers as selfish monsters who care about no one but themselves. And for this I say shame on you, Ms. Adams.
This is not about property values; this is about quality of life issues for long-term residents — people like me, who have lived in this neighborhood when it was drug infested and who’ve suffered from lack of basic services for decades. This neighborhood already has more public/low-income housing than just about any neighborhood in the city. The last thing we need is more housing of any type. What we need is more services and parks, to improve the life of current residents — residents who are predominantly middle and low income.
Ms. Adams, I’m truly sorry that I and others’ “audacity to speak out” against this unfair plan offends you. I guess in your world the only opinion that matters is your own and anyone who disagrees with you will be painted as “heartless and selfish.” Well, I am neither. I care about the people who already live here, people whose quality of life is finally improving.
Adam Varsano
But the city promised to house us
To The Editor:
As an original site tenant of the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area in 1965, I believe the city now has the opportunity to make good on the promise it made to us 35 years ago: to give former site occupants their priority right to return to any new housing built there.
Many of the original tenants have died, relocated or were made permanently homeless. The problems resulting from not having a home escalate to include many other symptoms; ultimately, lives can be destroyed. I have been witness to this.
The original promise can still be kept by ensuring that low-income working people and small businesses can afford to live and work in the new buildings and stores planned for the site. In 1965, about 2,000 people — Hispanics, whites, Asians and African Americans — made this site their home. This population and income mix must be maintained.
We do not want the homogenized result that has ripped out the heart and soul of our communities under the Giuliani administration to replicate itself here in 2004. We have a glut of luxury condos, co-ops and rentals in the area. The Lower East Side says, “Not here, not now.” We need a mix of affordable housing for all ethnic and racial groups.
Not only is it time to keep the long-overdue promise of new homes for our community. It is time to move away from the anti-poor and racist policies of the past that prevented the building of housing with open and fair rent-up and marketing practices.
Edwin ‘Tito’ Delgado
Lopez washes hands of bathhouse
To The Editor:
Re “Lopez gives $500,000 for Wash. Sq.” (news article, Dec. 24):
Why would Margarita Lopez take half a million dollars in capital budget funds earmarked for the East River Park in Council District 2 and devote it to Washington Sq. Park in Council District 1? East River Park, constructed during the Great Depression, is a 55-acre park with a mile-long riverfront promenade. Almost the entire length of the park is surrounded by four New York City Housing Authority Developments (Jacob Riis, Lillian Wald, Bernard Baruch and Vladeck Houses).
In May 2001, Lopez refused to fund the second and third phase of renovation of Seward Park, which is located within District 2. It took then-Councilmember Kathryn Freed to earmark funding from her district to complete phases 2 and 3.
When Lopez was questioned about this issue, she said she believes capital budget renovations of the park should be the primary responsibility of the mayor’s office, not the City Council.
It seems as if every time someone is running for reelection or higher office, funds are committed for Washington Sq. Park. In 2001, then-City Council Speaker Peter Vallone pledged $1 million, and Kathryn Freed pledged $200,000 in discretionary funds toward the restoration of the Washington Sq. Arch. Even former Mayor Giuliani contributed $1.1 million in capital budget funding. Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields also committed funding towards the restoration.
Speaking of the arch, Lopez states that she “treasures historic symbols.” Lopez needs to refocus her need to preserve historic treasures within her own Council district. If she needs an historic symbol, I would like to recommend the Dr. Simon M. Baruch Bathhouse, which is located at 328 Rivington St. on the Lower East Side.
In the early 1950s, a 14-square-block area leveled through urban renewal allowed for the construction of the largest New York City Housing Authority Development in Manhattan — Bernard Baruch Houses. In 1954, 17 buildings of 13 stories each were constructed, providing over 2,000 low-income families with decent, permanently affordable and integrated housing. The only two buildings that survived the demolition were Public School 97 and the Dr. Simon M. Baruch Bathhouse.
This historic bathhouse sits on parkland, and is under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. What these 2,000 low-income families need is a community center. Lopez’s earmarking precious capital budget funds from an underserved community in her district and transferring it to a well-served community outside her district is an insult.
During Lopez’s six-year tenure in the City Council, she also earmarked $1 million from District 2 towards the rehabilitation of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in District 3.
If Lopez’s real motivation in awarding capital budget and discretionary funding is to advance her own political agenda for Manhattan borough president in 2005, then she should simply state that is the real reason for earmarking $500,000 toward the renovation of Washington Sq. Park. I am sure that the 2,000 families can wait another 50 years.
Roberto Caballero
Caballero is president, Lower East Side Political Action Committee
Caroling merrily through the rain
To The Editor:
On the eve of Dec. 24 we could have used Noah’s ark during the Christmas caroling in Washington Sq. Park.
Nevertheless, nearly 200 adults and their children were there to sing the songs of the season (near the tree, west of the arch, which is being restored).
Thankfully, we have a bounty of goodwill and volunteers.
Thanks to everyone who helped to remind us that we are a very special community.
Anne-Marie Sumner
Sumner is president, Washington Sq. Association
