A hurricane of news
To The Editor:
Hunkering down for Hurricane Sandy, I was delighted to spend some time with the latest issue of the East Villager. One story after another piqued my interest, from the plans for the Seward Park area to the heartening green efforts of our local schools and politicians. It was also heartening to see that activist Eric Carter’s case was drummed out of court for his participation in a recent demonstration at CHARAS.
I was glad to learn about ideas for vacant city parks building in our neighborhood. Perhaps the dynamic new Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space on Avenue C will become involved. And on a personal note, I appreciated the epitaph for artist John Evans and was pleased that the story included one of his beautiful collages in full color.
Finally, I wanted to extend a welcome to the new publisher Jennifer Goodstein and congratulate Lincoln Anderson on his well-deserved promotion to editor in chief. Long live the East Village and the East Villager. The community is grateful for your service.
Jeff Wright
Free speech forever
To The Editor:
Re “Anderson, Editor in Chief” (editorial, Oct. 25):
The community is fortunate to have such a strong and dedicated voice upholding the First Amendment. Thank you and congratulations on your promotion to editor in chief, Lincoln Anderson.
A.S. Evans
Spokony: The Next Generation
To The Editor:
I just want to convey how deeply impressed we have been at Two Bridges with the earnest reporting by Sam Spokony. He is levelheaded, unassuming, always asks insightful questions and his articles are always well balanced. It’s wonderful to witness a new generation of reporters like him.
Thank you.
Victor Papa
Papa is president, Two Bridges Neighborhood Council
Don’t rock the boat(houses)
To The Editor:
Re “Leagues toss a change-up on Pier 40 buildings idea” (news article, Oct. 18):
In all the handwringing about the future of Pier 40, one of the park’s biggest and most public-spirited constituencies is getting overlooked, and that is the two community boathouses on Pier 40 that offer free public access to the waterways that actually make up most of Hudson River Park. Together, those two boathouses put more than 15,000 people on the water this season.
As anyone who has walked down that short stretch of walkway on the south side of the pier knows, we have created the literal “connection to the water” that the park’s creators, designers and managers have always claimed they want to provide.
We too would like to see the Hudson River Park Trust and our elected officials work together to address the needs of the community for ballfields and green space.
However, we would most like to see them acknowledge (preferably on paper) their commitment to supporting the future of community boathouses and public access to the water at Pier 40.
Sally Curtis, Rob Buchanan, Phil Yee, Dave Clayton, Ruth Lindner, Divid Shehigian, Frank Cervi
The above signers are board of directors members, Village Community Boathouse
Rothenberg is a godsend
To The Editor:
Re “David Rothenberg’s new book took a lifetime to write” (interview, by Jerry Tallmer, Oct. 25):
Beloved David Rothenberg is a godsend to our prior-convicted community family, and to us all. Here we have a soul that is in tune with humanity. He has and continues to give much. He does not look for praise. He looks for us to follow in his footsteps to help those who are kicked to the curb.
The Castle is an example of what comes of a dream. Beloved David has a spirit that communicates with us all. His “Out on a Limb” blog postings on his “Any Saturday” WBAI radio show are treasures we all should latch onto, to better understand the working of our current social structure.
Beloved David is more than honest. He tells it like it is, and has suffered many insults from people who don’t know any better. However, he keeps on keeping on. And how I love David for his dedication to life. Bright moments beloved David. I am grateful to be called your friend.
Stella Marrs
Treasured Evans’s collages
To The Editor:
Re “John Evans, 79, artist whose collages were a diary” (obituary, Oct. 25):
We were lucky enough to be mail art chums with John over many years through the interntional mail art network since the early 80s, in fact. His mail was always a joy to receive, and to get a collage on my birthday was a real treat indeed and they are much treasured. It was great to see him find some measure of success during the last 10 years of his life. Success that was a long time coming and richly deserved!
Michael Leigh
Denigrating for dogs
To The Editor:
Re “Halloween goes to the dogs” (photos, Oct. 25):
If dogs had thumbs they would not need us to open their can of food and they would not have to put up with this sort of humiliation. Until evolution turns in that direction, however, bring on the spangles, funny hats and feathers.
Lawrence White
Michele moved me to tears
To The Editor:
Re “The education of a New York public school parent” (notebook, by Michele Herman, Oct. 18):
This lovely, thoughtful article moved me to tears, especially since my children are alumni of some of the same schools as Michele’s. When we left lovely Charlottesville, Virginia, for the wilds of New York City 18 years ago, some of our friends believed that we were essentially committing child abuse by enrolling our children in the New York City public schools. But all these years later, I couldn’t agree more with Michele’s assessment, and I will mention that I, too, saved the recipes from Alan’s Restaurant. Long may they serve up those fabulous meals. Thank you, Michele.
Pam Raab
Would be great P.R.
To The Editor:
“Activists keep up the pressure for Firestone feminist apartment” (news article, Oct. 18):
Dear Robert Perl, I urge you to consider the possibility of granting an apartment at a reduced rent to a responsible feminist. Such a person, carefully selected, will be a desirable tenant who pays rent every month, and who will take proper care of her apartment, bequeathed to her by you. The publicity of your generosity in this case will enhance your philanthropic reputation.
I am a Lower East Side resident of 68 years, blessed with a caring landord. I’m now 88, and still working.
Frances Goldin
Landlord could lead way
To The Editor:
Re “Activists keep up the pressure for Firestone feminist apartment” (news article, Oct. 18):
I recently had to move and look for an apartment and therefore can attest to the fact that the rents all over Manhattan, but particularly in the East Village, are sky high. The studios are so small one can barely fit a bed in them and they are running $1,700 to more than $2,000 a month.
The idea for an apartment set aside for a feminist, someone who is continuing the legacy of Ms. Firestone, seems like an excellent (though partial) solution to the problem of the scarcity of affordable housing. Perl should jump at this opportunity to support people in the neighborhood where it really counts and where he could make a real difference.
And yes, I think all landlords should do this, when some famous important person dies and leaves the apartment available. It would certainly help their public image, which truthfully is quite dismal these days. I hope Perl can change his mindset and lead the way.
Grace Weaver
Still a dangerous corner
To The Editor:
Re “Pedestrian pebble-ization” (news brief, Oct. 18):
I cross Bleecker St. on the east side of Seventh Ave. South every morning. We need a left-turn signal because traffic still speeds through that left onto Bleecker even with pedestrians attempting to cross. This is still a very dangerous corner, whether going uptown or downtown.
Linda Bennett
E-mail letters, not longer than 250 words in length, to lincoln@thevillager.com or fax to 212-229-2790 or mail to The Villager, Letters to the Editor, 515 Canal St., Suite 1C, NY, NY 10013. Please include phone number for confirmation purposes. The Villager reserves the right to edit letters for space, grammar, clarity and libel. The Villager does not publish anonymous letters.
