Tallmer was one of a kind
To The Editor:
Re “Jerry Tallmer, Voice founding editor, legendary theater critic and Obies creator, is dead at 93” (obituary, Nov. 13):
I was saddened to read about Jerry Tallmer. I know he had become important at The Villager, just as he had been at the Voice in its golden era.
Jerry reviewed my first play, “Hector at the Cherry Lane,” in the early ’60s, when it was done as part of a Living Theater series on a bill with Kenneth Koch’s “Pericles” and Jean Cocteau’s “Marriage on the Eiffel Tower.” He cited the actress Jean Bruno, stating that she gave “a magnificent performance,” to my delight.
Jerry was one of a kind and we will miss him and his writing. It would be nice — and pertinent as well — to see a new book of his reviews come to light.
Robert Heide
One of the special people
To The Editor:
Re “Jerry Tallmer, Voice founding editor, legendary theater critic and Obies creator, is dead at 93” (obituary, Nov. 13):
It’s amazing and lucky for us that Jerry Tallmer lived to 93, though somehow I thought he would go on forever.
Ted and I ran an Off Off Broadway theater for 10 years. Jerry was one of the special people in the “business.”
Cynthia Crain
A candidate who cares
To The Editor:
Re “Pier 40 issue looms large in C.B. 2 chairperson race” (news article, Nov. 13):
As an N.Y.U. faculty member who opposes the university’s expansion plan, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Bo Riccobono. He is a terrific advocate who cares about the neighborhood and his neighbors. Bo would be an excellent choice for chairperson of Community Board 2.
Marie Monaco
He works for win-wins
To The Editor:
Re “Pier 40 issue looms large in C.B. 2 chairperson race” (news article, Nov. 13):
As a community activist, I am suspect of any candidate who is tied closely with any major issue facing this community board. It lessens the opportunity for comprehensive debate and achievable, community-benefiting solutions.
Of the three respectable candidates, Richard Stewart has demonstrated the most substantive record for win-win outcomes through his tenure as S.L.A. Committee chairperson and as a member of Community Board 2, over all.
There are dozens of major community-representing organizations that can attest to Richard’s substance, long-reaching agreements and resolutions that have protected their constituencies and their neighbors. He is objective, fair and future-thinking. He has served on six other committees and numerous special committees with similar contribution.
It all comes down to how well someone can manage a meeting; how objectively one can manage the board; and how effective C.B. 2 intends to be for the multiple constituencies it represents.
Zella Jones
Has led thousands
To The Editor:
Re “Pier 40 issue looms large in C.B. 2 chairperson race” (news article, Nov. 13):
All three candidates are wonderful board members. But Tobi Bergman has led efforts that have involved thousands of people in helping shape Community Board 2 and government policy. His kind of leadership would be unique in board history.
Arthur Schwartz
Don’t blame film crews
To The Editor:
Re “Seniors are praying church won’t boot them in favor of film crews” and “Electeds rally to save senior day center” (news articles, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6):
Do not blame the film and television community for the bad management of Father Walter Tonelotto and of the Catholic Church.
In the first place, film companies do not rent space in churches on a permanent basis, and I doubt if there is enough filming near the church to warrant keeping the space open for the use of film and TV shoots.
One of the great benefits of having so many films and television shows filmed in the various neighborhoods all over New York City is that a lot of churches and community centers benefit from the rents they receive for renting out their space. My own co-op has benefited from those rents.
As for film crews blocking streets and sidewalks for hours, I never hear of anyone complaining of the construction companies blocking lanes of traffic and sidewalks for months to build housing that most of us can’t afford to live in anyway. Filming in New York adds well-paying jobs and pumps at least $7 billion to $10 billion into the New York City economy, including local stores in neighborhoods where the filming takes place.
I have been assured by a top union official in the industry that if it became known that the senior group was being evicted from Our Lady of Pompeii ostensibly for the benefit of “film crews,” the space would be boycotted, and no film crew would rent the space.
The senior center should remain at Our Lady of Pompeii Church.
Anne K. Johnson
Johnson is a retired production accountant; current treasurer, New York Production Alliance; and member, Community Board 3
Labyrinth comeback?
To The Editor:
Re “Lost without labyrinth” (letter, by George Jones, Nov. 13), in response to “Union Square pavilion restaurant could be cooked, local pols say” (news article, Oct. 16):
As a designer and painter of the labyrinths formerly at the north end of Union Square, I mourn with Mr. Jones and assure him he’s not alone in regretting the loss. Besides individual labyrinth-walkers like Mr. Jones, whole families told me they made the largest of the three labyrinths a place where they’d walk together.
Many people wrote letters to this newspaper, The New York Times and other publications trying to save the labyrinths when new pavement was being planned for the north end. Unfortunately, that campaign did not succeed at the time. But if the voices of labyrinth appreciators eventually prevail with Union Square Park planners and officials, I am more than willing to create a new labyrinth at the north end.
Meanwhile, people wanting to center their thoughts and energy away from the traffic sounds and city’s bustle (as Mr. Jones puts it so well) are welcome at my East River Reflections Labyrinth, in the dance oval just north of the tennis courts in the East River Park.
Diana Carulli
Park pioneers
To The Editor:
Re “Conservancy hopes to help historic Seward Park” (news article, Nov. 13):
Nice article, Zach! Kudos to locals who are working to revive and maintain Seward Park, providing much-needed open space and recreational facilities to the ever-changing Lower East Side community.
It’s important to note the significance of the settlement houses in creating the park. The Outdoor Recreation League was established by Lillian D. Wald, the founder of Henry Street Settlement, and Charles B. Stover, the director of University Settlement, who — concerned with crowded tenements, congested streets and lack of public space in the neighborhood — successfully lobbied the city for a Lower East Side park.
In 1897 rows and rows of decaying tenements — on the blocks from Canal St. and East Broadway to Grand St. between Essex and Jefferson Sts. — were condemned and demolished for the creation of William H. Seward Park. Although the city leveled and fenced-in the area, it was the O.R.L. that raised funds to plant grass and trees, lay out walking paths and supply benches.
After the park opened in 1899 the O.R.L. provided playground equipment, personnel and other support until the city took over its administration in 1903.
Joyce Mendelsohn
There’s NO bus service!
To The Editor:
Re “Still waiting for the buses” (talking point, by Shirley Secunda, Nov. 13):
The discontinuation of the M6 and severe altered and reduced M1, M3 and M5 bus routes has resulted in virtually no bus service in Lower Manhattan below Eighth St. between Sixth Ave. and Broadway. Many seniors, working people, students, families, shoppers and tourists need bus service in this area. I hope the M.T.A. and our representatives will work to restore a working bus system for us. Thanks to Shirley Secunda and Community Board 2 for advocating for much-needed bus transportation for our community.
A. S. Evans
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