To the editor,
Despite your recent story, two governments are not “bitterly fighting for the right to clean” the Gowanus Canal (“Fed, Bloomy ‘Superfund’ battle slogs to finish,” June 2). One government, the federal version, is fighting to clean the canal. The other, run by Mayor Bloomberg, is fighting to keep developers — principally Toll Brothers, but others, as well — from having to deal with the truth about environmental conditions while trying to market their luxury condominiums.
This is no fight about principle; it’s about doing what is right versus doing what is expedient and profitable. It’s more than a little maddening that our mayor cares more about private development interests and corporate profits than he does about the public’s well being or our environment.
Superfund Gowanus now!Eric McClure, Park Slope
Poetic justice
To the editor,
On behalf of myself and others on the poetry circuit (“New poet laureate will have big muse to fill,” June 25), I would like to thank Barnes & Noble on Seventh Avenue and Borough President Markowitz for working together to create Brooklyn Poetry Outreach.
Late poet laureate Ken Siegelman wanted the children in our schools to write poetry and be part of that outreach, so the craft of poetry writing continues. He encouraged everyone and had no hidden agenda or reason to promote a venue, publishing company or himself, only poetry.
Everyone held Ken in high esteem. I hope Borough President Markowitz never nominates a new poet laureate, because there will never be anyone that can come close to Ken Siegelman as a person, as a teacher, as a family man and, most of all, as a poet.Marion Palm, Sunset Park
Generally mad
To the editor,
In years of reading American history I have never seen George Washington referred to as “often defeated,” as you did in last week’s issue (“What’s in a name? The Parks Department hopes cash at McCarren Park,” June 29)!
I hope I never will again.
Phil Forbes, Red Hook
Clean the Hook
To the editor,
Of course, I realize that the headline of the article, “Idle chatter in Hook,” (June 5) is meant as a play on words, the title can also be taken as meaning “ineffective” chatter.
Discussion addressing the issuing of the massive abuse of cruise ships and cargo ships as well spewing unbridled air pollution has been going on for years; and yes, right now “idle chatter” does fit the fact that, thus far, the residents of Red Hook have not obtained satisfactory results for their dedicated efforts.
When will the “pasty” white men of this society stop abusing their black brothers and treating them as though they are invisible? They are not; these are folks just like you who have families and neighbors who wish to live, play, go to work, and go to school, and be able to breathe freely in their neighborhood!
Asthma is already very high in this neighborhood. By their actions, the Bloomberg Administration, Borough President Markowitz, the members of the Economic Development Corporation have turned their backs on every member of the Red Hook Community.Diana Schneider, Red Hook
Clean the park
To the editor,
The garbage left in certain areas of Prospect Park, such as Ninth Street, is beyond disgusting (“What a dump! Prospect Park was a real mess this weekend,” online, July 6).
There is no excuse for folks using the Park as their backyard to leave their garbage strewn about, but the real stupidity is that there are not enough garbage cans left in these popular areas.
So, I humbly suggest that folks start getting fined for littering or that the Park get its act together and leave enough garbage cans (or both!).Josie Marino, Park Slope
