Carriage horse opponents ignore reality
Re “Letters” (Dec. 24, 2015):
To The Editor:
The letters of Elizabeth Forel and Jen Wilder in opposition to New York’s iconic horse-and-carriages reveal what their misplaced and emotional PETA-like mindsets ignore. Ms. Forel makes the geographically-dyslexic assertion that the “hack line, which is on 59th St., [is] inside Central Park.” Perhaps Ms. Forel is from out-of-town, but even little children know instinctively that the stone wall surrounding Central Park defines its limits, and 59th St. (and the carriages) is well outside those limits.
Evidently, Ms. Wilder has never taken care of a horse (as I did when I was much younger). She doesn’t seem to realize that it is natural and normal for there to be lots of horse manure inside a stable, as a flushing toilet suitable for a horse has yet to be invented. She doesn’t understand that pigeons and horses enjoy a symbiotic relationship that allows the horse to eat (somewhat messily), and the pigeon to do the cleanup work and enjoy his dinner at the same time. The presence of the pigeons is almost as calming for the horse as would having a goat as a stall-mate (as is often done with race horses). As demonstrated by Forel and Wilder, the opposition to horse-and-carriages in New York is very economical with reality.
Andrew Alpern
Merchants zombified
To The Editor:
New York City’s small businesses are “dead men walking.” Unfortunately, they are doomed to die when their lease term ends and they are faced with double and triple rent increases.
After 10, 20 and 30 years of operating a successful business, our small merchants face sudden death when they get hit with exorbitant rent increases. The American Dream of owning a business has turned into an American nightmare in New York City.
The City Council can solve this problem. They have before them the Small Business Jobs Survival Bill, which addresses this crisis and offers small businesses a lifeline. The question is: Will this bill make it out of committee to the Council floor for a vote, or will it too die in committee, as all similar bills have over the past 25 years?
What is the Council waiting for now in order to vote on this bill? Is the real estate industry again calling the shots? While hundreds of businesses face eviction every month, the City Council band plays on.
Alfred Placeres
Placeres is president, New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
Reader Feedback From Facebook
Re “Borough President Brewer: Tenants Must Organize” (news, Dec. 24, 2015):
What a joy it is to hear our BP (who always seems to be on the job) speaking out loud and clear on housing issues. It’s also nice to see an elected official coming through for their constituents after being elected! Hooray for Gail!!!
Gloria Sukenick
I agree. Gale is a terrific public servant — hard-working, smart and fair — and pulls no punches. There are not too many like her. Also, bravo to Gloria Sukenick, who has been on the job as an advocate for decades. Each of them helps make New York the great city that it is.
Marc Greenberg
Executive Director at Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing
