Rain didn’t dampen Gottfried’s enthusiasm
To The Editor:
A shout out and a big Thank You! to Assemblymember Richard Gottfried and his Deputy Chief of Staff David Czyczk for the hands-on help they gave us on Sunday, November 17.
In spite of the rain, they pitched in, turning over the rock-solid, hardpacked soil in the eight tree pits around Clement Clarke Moore Park (at the corner of West 22nd St. and 10th Ave.). Dick wielded a ferocious, four-pronged “claw” loaned to us by the West 300 Block Association — exactly what was needed to open up the dirt for composting and new plants.
Come the spring, that corner of Chelsea will be much more beautiful thanks to their efforts. Thanks also to Clayton Harley and Mary Swartz for all the work they did too on Sunday.
Allen Oster
Chair of the Parks Committee West 400 Block Association
Our political coverage is crazy, like Fox!
To The Editor:
Re “Johnson to Succeed Quinn as District 3 City Council Rep” (reader web comment):
I didn’t work for the Kurland campaign, but by the time the primary was over, I could not find it in myself to vote for Johnson. What I find very offensive is the editorial slant of this paper — and its other publications the Villager and Gay City News — that are seemingly on the payroll of the Quinn/Duane/Johnson political machine. The Villager and its editors are the Fox News of Lower Manhattan.
Chelsea Deborah
Foes would curb capitalism, opportunity
To The Editor:
Re “Letters to The Editor” (Nov. 6):
Being Anti-7-Eleven seems to be the cause du jour. Two letters-to-the-editor have appeared in the same issue of Chelsea Now, decrying the newly opened 7-Eleven on 23rd Street near Seventh Avenue.
The ever-militant Gloria Sukenick asks why we are being subjected to what she sees as “an invasion,” while Diana Maeurer asks, “Where is the zoning?” It appears that both women feel that the neighborhood should contain only the sort of shops they approve of, and in only the quantity that they feel is appropriate. Ms. Maeurer goes a step further and seems to believe that their choice is already embodied in the Zoning Resolution.
These letter-writers may regret the fact, but we live in a capitalistic country where each person has a right to invest his capital in any legal venture, and can locate that business in any part of the city that doesn’t bar it. A 7-Eleven is a commercial use that can be located in any commercial zone. As no liquor is sold there, there are no restrictions concerning how far from the entrance to a church or synagogue it can be located, or how far from a similar establishment. No one is forcing either Ms. Sukenick or Ms. Maeurer to patronize any of the proliferating 7-Elevens in our neighborhood. There is no requirement that those women partake of any of the junk foods of which they complain. No part of their taxes is going to subsidize those stores.
It is especially surprising that Ms. Sukenick is complaining, as she is usually exceedingly aggressive in her defense of the right of everyone to exercise free choice, and she doesn’t hide her distaste for the Thatcher-like rule-making of Michael Bloomberg. I too see no need for still more fast food stores, just as I see no need for still more bank branches. I would much prefer it if the many long-shuttered hardware stores could return, along with the bookstores that used to abound. But such minor inconveniences pale in comparison to my rejoicing in the glory of this country where anyone who is willing to invest his hard-earned capital, and work long hours to be his own boss and open a store, is able to do so, and to continue doing so until he realizes that the meager return is not worth the Sisyphean effort.
It is a precious freedom to be able to lose your savings in a foolhardy venture of your own making. Too bad some people would curb that opportunity.
Andrew Alpern
Stairs only option, a year after Sandy
To The Editor:
Re “High Line on Track for Final Section, New Leadership” (news, Nov 6):
It is well and good that the High Line is expanding, and salutations to the new leadership. However, long before Superstorm Sandy, about 18 months ago, the 23rd Street park elevator was taken out of service. This closure has not been remedied.
The result is that our seniors, our disabled and young families are simply unable to avail themselves to the park. This is a situation that requires an immediate response. The explanation that there is no money for this project does not add up!
Alan Brown
Revival does Tennessee proud
To The Editor:
Re “The Mutilated is a Magical Gumbo You Won’t Soon Forget” (arts, Nov. 6):
Mesmerizing performances from the lead ladies, wonderful original music, and terrific direction. And on top of that, it’s Tennessee Williams at his most deliciously tawdry/touching/beautiful. I only wish it had been staged with The Gnadiges Fraulein, as it was when it opened on Broadway in 1966. But I’m being greedy. That’s how marvelous this production is. I wanted more. Just like Celeste.
KCB
