Trib story on plaza 'partially' misses the mark, says reader
To the Editor:
Thank you for almost getting the facts right (“The inclusion of public plazas in Forest City Ratner’s plans is at least partially the result of an out-of-court settlement from a lawsuit filed early in the planning stages by the resident of 140 and 150 Nassau Sts. . . .”). Partially?! The plazas were nowhere in the original idea Forest City Ratner got from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Doctoroff, which was part of the reason we sued. And you precede that statement with a sentence that (literarily) wipes out our two buildings: “Along a portion of Nassau Street, a row of vertical trellis structures covered with climbing plants will provide a buffer between the plaza and adjacent buildings.” The buildings at 140 and 150 Nassau Street have stood between Nassau Street and the former hospital parking lot since long before the hospital acquired that urban renewal land.
Speaking only for myself—although I think my neighbors agree—I am not happy FC Beekman Associates [the developers] will be putting up a building so out of scale with the neighborhood, taller than anything anywhere downtown until (if) something goes up on the WTC site. But I am pleased we will have trees and a buffer between us and our fancier neighbors. I would also appreciate more sensitivity on the part of a local newspaper to the fact that we and our homes do exist and hope to exist for many years to come.
As for the security concerns voiced by some who are now suddenly involved: the new building, with its possibly multi-million-dollar apartments, is likely to have a higher degree of security than anything else within many blocks. All those folks will want their investment protected.
Suzanne Fass
To the Editor:
Your December issue featured a letter from Washington Market Park fan Donald Jenner, who pondered the wisdom of the recent removal of the fence along the northern edge of the park’s lawn. The decision to remove it was made jointly by the Department of Parks & Recreation and the community-elected Board of Directors (currently transforming into The Friends of Washington Market Park). The fence in question was installed during the 2004 construction of the BMCC-Chambers Street ramp when pedestrian traffic was routed through the Duane Street entrance. The Board ordered the fence to discourage people from taking a shortcut across the lawn. The fence remained because it provided protection for our delicate grass. However, we believe that park space should be open space, where possible, which is why the fence was removed. Many parents have told us that it’s now easier to monitor their children from the benches in this area.
Before Mr. Jenners letter, we had not heard any complaints about errant balls flying toward the heads of unsuspecting gardeners and other park users! We plan to monitor the situation during 2007. We will not rule out the possibility of a modified barrier if the grass becomes a frequent footpath this summer or if the open field becomes too much of hazard for those relaxing nearby. Stay tuned!
Nelle Fortenberry
President, Friends of Washington Market Park
Keep film shoots out of Washington Market Park
To the Editor:
There’s been discussion in the neighborhood, and within the board of Washington Market Park, about allowing commercial film shoots in the park. [See the Trib’s article on this subject, this month]. Hopefully this idea will have been dismissed before this letter even gets to you.
This is a community park and it’s no more appropriate to allow film or TV shoots there than it is to allow any other form of commerce, such as letting McDonald’s set up a hamburger stand. I say this as someone who’s made his career in the film industry.
If the park is in need of financial assistance, I hope they will invite the community to help. I’m sure we could arrange a fantastic fundraising party.
On the other hand, if the board is feeling pressure from the City to exploit the park as a resource, they can always follow the National Park’s example. I’d be happy to pay $2 for the mineral rights. And I’m sure we could lease grazing rights to Bazzini for a pack of wild boars to sniff out truffles among the beautiful oaks, something which is certainly less disruptive than a film shoot.
Carter Burwell
Remembering a neighbor, Ernie Lee
To the Editor:
In 1976, when all you could hear downtown were trucks rattling over the cobbled streets, Ernie Lee, an artist and recent graduate of Rutgers University, moved to North Moore Street. For the next 30 years, Ernie graced this neighborhood with his presence, wearing a well-worn Yankees cap and in the company of his dogs – first, Reba, then Hannah, and most recently, his pug Phoebe. On December 6, Ernie died at Lenox Hill Hospital, leaving behind his companion David Stevens, his mother Lottie Mae Talbert, and many relatives and friends.
This past July 1 sat on the bench in front of Bubby’s with Ernie. Our conversation was interrupted continually, because he knew almost everyone who passed by. Even people who didn’t know him stopped to compliment Phoebe, nestled comfortably in his arms, although I think more likely they were simply drawn to Ernie. He had a wide-open face, an infectious chuckle, and was a master of the sidewalk chat. That afternoon we talked about my younger son’s new puppy, my older son heading off to college, and the price of Bubby’s lemonade. We talked a little about Ernie’s health, but not for long, because a couple from out-of-town politely asked to photograph Phoebe, who reminded them of their pug at home.
Last week, at Ernie’s funeral in his hometown of New Brunswick, friends and family members remembered his constant and generous spirit, his sharp sense of humor, his courage in the face of illness, and his capacity for joy. Ernie, I want you to know, liked to celebrate the Christmas holiday with not one, but two towering trees.
Now I am the one walking the neighborhood streets with my dog, still hoping to see Ernie ambling around the corner. For those who knew and loved him, North Moore Street will never be the same.
Connie Schraft
