People have the power
To The Editor:
Re “Let the S.B.J.S.A. finally come up for a vote!” (editorial, March 12):
Kudos to The Villager for its reporting on the plight of small businesses and the Small Business Jobs Survival Act. But more is needed.
The S.B.J.S.A. is a reasonable measure that we, the voters, should hold all our city councilmembers accountable for enacting or rejecting.
Small businesses are vital to the health of our neighborhood ecosystems and are as endangered as coral reefs. Just as we have regulations protecting our fisheries from obliteration, so too we should also have a sensible measure affording small businesses a reasonable chance of survival.
Small business owners are few, vulnerable and without political or economic clout. The citizenry of the neighborhoods are many and have the collective power at the ballot to take away the jobs of councilmembers and other representatives who fail to work on behalf of a healthy, diverse city.
Who are the 35 councilmembers who do not support this bill? Do their constituents know their elected representatives don’t support small business? Who are the “political powers that be” who control our elected representatives, and how do they block this measure for more than 20 years?
What petition can I sign and to which politicians send my angry letter? Which councilmember, assemblymember, district leader or congressperson is actively organizing support for this measure? Anyone?
I look forward to continued reporting and investigation by The Villager.
Chris Gaylord
Flavor keeps city hopping
To The Editor:
Re “Let the S.B.J.S.A. finally come up for a vote!” (editorial, March 12):
Why do we pay a fortune to live in shoeboxes? Because New York City has flavor. To a large part, this flavor is provided by small businesses. Whether it’s your favorite pizza place, bodega, bagelry or Irish bar, these places are being lost.
If we don’t act now, we’ll be left with the same eating and shopping choices that they have in the rest of the country, where we could have a much larger dwelling space for what we pay here. Preserve the flavor of New York City!
Lady Bunny
Brooklyn in the house?
To The Editor:
Re “Let the S.B.J.S.A. finally come up for a vote!” (editorial, March 12):
Now we need one of the big Brooklyn community papers to step up and follow this lead. Hello, Brooklyn!
Steven Barrison
Mom-and-pops are N.Y.C.
To The Editor:
Re “Let the S.B.J.S.A. finally come up for a vote!” (editorial, March 12):
New York City is in large part our small businesses. They are a large part of what gives interest to our streets, our communities, our lives. As well as protecting affordable housing, we need this bill and really some kind of commercial rent control. It is so depressing to see these superficial chain stores all over the place, replacing community businesses. There really is no comparison!
Donna Hooker
It’s not a bridge too far
To The Editor:
Re “Pols, officials urge a surge of local input on ‘Big U’ design” (news article, March 19):
Instead of just building a berm on the east side of the F.D.R. Drive, how about widening the bridge connecting Corlears Hook Park and East River Park from Montgomery St. to Cherry St.? Then the two parks would come together as one.
This would serve a flood-prevention purpose while greatly increasing usable parkland along the East River.
Joseph Hanania
Maybe shut them down
To The Editor:
Re “Woman killed by flying debris at the former St. Vincent’s site” (news article, March 19):
If it’s true, as reported, that the construction company has garnered a number of violations of this sort, its permit to continue as a construction company should possibly be revoked. At least this should be considered, depending on whether an investigation proves the company is trustworthy or not.
Stephanie Low
Live and let live!
To The Editor:
Re “De Blasio staying the course on St. Pat’s inclusivity” (editorial, March 19):
Why do people have so much hate against gay groups? Why not just be happy with your own life and let others enjoy who they are?
Randy Garcia
Friend through it all
To The Editor:
Re “Amnon Kehati, Sidewalk Cafe partner, dies at 64” (obituary, March 5):
I am stunned and hurt by the death of an old friend. Amnon was able to keep friends for a long time. He had a contagious laugh and a unique ability to keep everyone as friends, even old girlfriends. He will be sorely missed by all who met him in his short 64 years.
Rutie Eck
E-mail letters, not longer than 250 words in length, to news@thevillager.com or fax to 212-229-2790 or mail to The Villager, Letters to the Editor, 1 Metrotech North, 10th floor, Brooklyn, NY, NY 11201. Please include phone number for confirmation purposes. The Villager reserves the right to edit letters for space, grammar, clarity and libel. Anonymous letters will not be published.
