To the editor,
The plan by the MTA to increase fares to as much $3, hike express bus fares to $7, and alter the M, eliminate the B37, end weekend service on the B4, B16, more importantly the X27 and X28 express buses is criminal to say the least (“MTA cuts would cut Brooklyn to pieces,” online, Nov. 24).
It is one thing to ask for an increase in fares, and turn around to give better subway and bus service, but it is another one to give a double KO to commuters of Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights.
With the highest number of seniors, cutting the B37, and ending weekend service on the B4, and B16 will greatly impact this community.
Ironically, ridership is up at record highs, revenue is up at record highs, and even this year, with a slowing economy, revenue and ridership are up 3-4 percent.
The city and state need to cut high-end jobs, put in a hiring and salary freeze and just do anything they can to avoid this “Armageddon” to the people of this great city.
More important, I call one last time on Rep. Vito Fossella, Councilman Vince Gentile, and state Sen. Marty Golden to avert these proposals. Let’s get it done, guys.
Thomas Brice, Bay Ridge
‘Park’ views
To the editor,
I found a remark in your story about putting the much needed middle school in a new building in DUMBO very funny (“Walentas project prepares to ‘Dock,’” Nov. 15). Judy Stanton of the Brooklyn Heights Association is opposed to the building on the grounds that it will obstruct the view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Brooklyn Heights Association is the same organization that is ecstatically cheering for the ridiculous plan to build the misnamed Brooklyn Bridge Park. That plan is still trying to put two enormous hulking buildings next to Pier 6 and another three towers near Fulton Ferry.
Isn’t it a teeny weeny bit disingenuous to complain about the Dock Street view and ignore a total cut-off of sight lines from Atlantic Avenue and from all of the ferry landing?
Barbara Charton, Brooklyn Heights
His pet peeve
To the editor,
If the city needs to raise money, it should station a traffic cop or two at Bartel Pritchard Square and 15th Street instead of writing tickets to old ladies at supermarkets (“Buy or beware,” Nov. 8).
Anyone who has driven there — and done so legally — shares my frustration. The street has arrows that are clearly marked to indicate which lanes allow for turning onto 15th Street and which lanes do not.
Nonetheless, more than half the cars turning right onto 15th Street turn from the “straight ahead only lane.” And, most important, almost all the drivers ignore the “Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk” sign.
Larry Gillig, Park Slope
Coney baloney
To the editor,
Too much talk and no progress on this so called development (“Coney Island Sitt down; City moves to buy out Joe,” Nov. 22) has been ongoing for such a long time.
I originally preferred Disney coming to Brooklyn. Disney has family values, entertainment, and security as their main concern. Jobs in Coney Island have always been scarce, and Disney would have improved the area and the economy with their expertise and creative ideas.
I have never seen the mayor with his family at Coney Island, but he wants to preserve an area that has been the true ghetto for many years.
I am tired of waiting for a safe amusement park to take my child in Brooklyn, and so every three months I go to Florida to enjoy their parks and extracurricular activities.
Stop talking about improving Coney Island, just do it! We are aging and still have seen no improvement. Many of us do travel to amusement parks, but New York City has no real safe amusement park.
Elizabeth Vasquez, Gravesend
Shirley he jests
To the editor,
Your story (“Pols riding the Chisholm trail,” Nov. 15) was a great trip down memory lane. It reminded me of past arrogance on the part of both Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Remember the Clintons’ theme during the Democratic primaries that Hillary was the first serious female candidate for president?
Sorry, Hil, but Rep. Shirley Chisholm (1972, Brooklyn) and Pat Schroeder (1976, Colorado) preceded you in this journey.
Larry Penner, Great Neck
