“Seaport Report, Week Of Dec. 18, 2014: On Howard Hughes’ Plans”
(POSTED, Dec 18):
Three cheers for saying so clearly what many of us have been struggling to express for so long. As a long-time resident of the neighborhood and participant in the Seaport Working Group, I feel we have a precious historic legacy to protect. The Guidelines and Principles developed by the SWG spell out many of these issues. The HHC and NYCEDC seem determined to ignore the guidelines, especially those respecting the size and contextuality of any new development.
Both Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and City Council Member Margaret Chin have both stated that the proposed tower does not belong on the New Fish Market Site or anywhere in the historic district. To quote Ms. Chin, “Move the tower south”.
Future generations will thank us if we can create a sensible master plan to preserve the antique buildings, support the South Street Seaport Museum, and provide access to the noble ships. These treasures belong to all Americans, not just the Howard Hughes Corporation.
Diane Harris Brown
There is no rational argument against New York City boasting a first-rate maritime museum. It is not the South Street Seaport Museum of the past that should be lamented, but the loss of what the museum could be in the future …
So the difficult question remains: can the museum be an independent, well-respected and robust institution firmly rooted in its subject, or must it be simply a mediocre appendage on the hip of the developer?
…Those calling the tune are presenting the public with little more than over-advertised shopping, too-loud concerts and an embarrassment posing as a maritime museum.
Anonymous
“The Middle School Crunch: Has ‘Choice’ Become A Roll Of The Dice?”
(POSTED, Dec 18)
Why can’t USA provide excellent education to all who can benefit from it? Why can’t we have enough excellent middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities to provide excellent educations to all?
Walter77777
“Downtown Notebook: Sadie, The Four-Legged Mayor Of Ludlow St.”
(PRINT VERSION, Dec 18)
We adopted a golden back in 1994, before there was even such a thing as Petfinder; we located her with the help of a rescue known as “Golden Lifeline”—also defunct…
Her name was “Sandy” but we renamed her “Tipper”—after Tipper Gore, and because it was a better name for a dog. Thanks to her, I was able to get rid of my antidepressants.
Cancer also took our Tipper, after we had had her 11 years; she was 13.
For some reason, goldens are very prone to cancer; a very high percentage of them get it. I’m so sorry your angel was taken from you; goldens have epic, unforgettable personalities and make friends wherever they go.
@franklanguage
“C.B. 1 Rallies To Help Fortenbaugh At North Cove”
(POSTED, Dec 22)
As an instructor at Manhattan Sailing School and Manhattan Yacht Club member for over 14 years, I can attest first hand to the accomplishments our little sailing community have made in Lower Manhattan. The teen program, Project City Kids, Achilles Sail, The Dennis Connor International Yacht Club Challenge and other have gone hand and hand with the rebirth of water recreation in NY Harbor. I know what the existing management has done. I do not know how Brookfield can continue or improve upon this. Perhaps if we could see their proposal and have a small bit of input?
Tracy Spinney
Battery Park City Authority should listen to the community board and restart this flawed procurement – perhaps this time with some input from the people who live, work, and play in the neighborhood!!
Andy
I am a New Yorker old enough to remember no Battery Park City, no river access. What Michael Fortenbaugh has achieved at North Cove is testament to a vision which was inspired by being a sailor and seeing no one on this magnificent waterway. He managed to bring local sailing, visiting yachts, regattas, beer can racing, a stop or start on international ocean racing, a sailing school, and youth sailing. Now, because he has fulfilled a vision and opened the harbor to recreational sailing and the marina to distant yachts, the corporate world hopes to swoop down and take it away. Why? Because they have no vision, only money and people in high places.
Claire Morda
