Where the beef was
To The Editor:
Re “Google wants cut of Meatpacking BID as residents stew” (news article, Feb. 13):
Meat Market activities used to extend up Ninth Ave. to 15th St. There was a chicken wholesaler next door to what is now the Porter House, and the Wells Fargo bank space used to be a taxi company — not meat-related, but the kind of business that operates in not-so-fancy neighborhoods.
On the ground floor of what is now the Apple Store, there used to be a fish wholesaler and a food counter that catered very much to the meatpackers. So did Nick’s diner, on the corner of 14th and Ninth.
I live on 15th St. between Eighth and Ninth Aves., and I tell people I live in the Meatpacking District. We certainly used to have the tranny hookers from the Meat District on this block.
Jim Jasper
Help is out there
To The Editor:
Re “In private, tortured drama, Hoffman loses life to drugs” (news article, Feb. 6):
The Villager’s article described the tragic death of this talented but troubled man.
Alas, our society is experiencing a veritable plague of deaths from drugs, painkillers, alcohol, cigarettes, compulsive eating, etc.
It would be an act of mercy and compassion for The Villager to educate the public about available therapies to heal these addictions, such as, Dr. Arthur Janov’s primal therapy, Dr. Abram Hoffer’s nutritional psychiatry and John Lust’s herbal remedies.
This information is vital to prevent these tragedies, but is not being communicated to the public. While we lost this talented actor, we can prevent future losses.
P.S., 12-step programs are also helpful!
Michael Gottlieb
A warm, tasty slice
To The Editor:
Re “When folk legend Pete Seeger played our fundraiser” (notebook, by Michele Herman, Feb. 6):
Again and again Michele Herman serves a slice of Village life and her life that is smart, warm, provocative and engaging.
Ms. Herman and I have been friends for a long time, which does make me biased. But this column mirrors what everyone said after Seeger’s passing — that he was always ready to lend a hand to causes that improved humanity.
Seeger was a humanitarian, and in so many ways, so are Ms. Herman and her husband.
Robert Waddell
A tribute to treasure
To The Editor:
Re “When folk legend Pete Seeger played our fundraiser” (notebook, by Michele Herman, Feb. 6):
Michele’s tribute, richly deserved, does justice to both subject and writer. The everydayness of the story is Pete through and through. He was a treasure, and so are Michele and Jonathan.
Charles Komanoff
Escape from Nebraska
To The Editor:
Re “Bleecker pot activist gets out of jail” (news article, Feb. 13):
I spoke with Dana daily while he was in prison. I spoke with him the day he got out.
It is imperative we find Dana a place to go in New York City. He needs to get out of the place where he’s staying in Nebraska A.S.A.P.
He just needs a place for a month or two until he can find his own place. Please consider letting him stay, and please ask around. Thanks.
Nancy Allen
House Dana Beal!
To The Editor:
Re “Bleecker pot activist gets out of jail” (news article, Feb. 13):
Hosting a parolee is not as invasive as you might think. All the authorities want to know is that he has a roof, floor, shower and bed, and that there is a land-line phone, so he can be called if he misses a parole-officer meeting, etc.
At this phase, they are not concerned with his daily itinerary. It’s not as restrictive as work-release or a re-entry program. They don’t even care about past crimes of the host.
It is worth doing and a chance to help the drug law reform movement retain a big hitter on the field. Do it!
Jay Statzer
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