The only way for entitlements to be there for future generations is to maintain their current form and do nothing to alter and weaken them.
—Reba Shimansky

Zest for Life
I really enjoyed reading this (“Ed Asner Off the Cuff,” Oct. 11). Ed Asner is an inspiration to all of us approaching the later decades of our lives. Glad the interviewer fielded such broad-based questions—Ed’s zest for life is so apparent in his answers.
—Lilian B.

The Real Issue
MTA’s plans to remove trash cans at additional Manhattan subway stations missed that besides litter left on platforms, subway cars and buses, riders have to deal with those who hog two seats or who yawn, cough or sneeze without covering up.

There are other ways to fight the growth of rats, mice and litter. The MTA should consider installing separate cans for recycling newspapers, plastic and glass along with regular garbage. Selling advertising on the side of cans could generate revenue to help cover the costs of more frequent off-peak and late-night collection and disposal. If asked, the NYC Department of Sanitation could do the same on the street adjacent to subway station entrances.

Many have forgotten that up until the late 1960s, it was common to find penny gum and 10-cent soda machines dispensing products at subway stations. That generation of riders did not litter subway stations and buses leaving behind gum, candy wrappers, paper cups, bottles and newspapers.

Police have more important tasks to perform by preventing fare evasion, pickpockets, mugging, sexual harassment and other real crimes against victims rather than give out $250 fines to those caught snacking on the subways.
—Larry Penner

To the Editor:

I wish to make comments in regard to the proposed JHL development on my block (“Jewish Home and Fracking in Hot Seat at UWS Town Hall,” July 26).

I wanted to address the serious problems with this proposed project. This ambitious undertaking was embarked upon without due consideration of the unfortunate consequences perpetrated upon inhabitants of the area.

Who thought of the effects upon the children in the school? Why would anyone wish for this to invade the community with dirt, noise and danger for a few years to further crowd the area? Isn’t there another area (or many other areas) available in the city to be pondered instead of this established community, whose original purpose was to provide safe, affordable housing via the high-rise, with the area surrounding to be preserved as a pleasant airy neighborhood as proposed? Where are the city fathers on this matter?

I propose that it be located on Riverside Drive or some such open area for future residents to enjoy.

—E. Price

The test run spanning June and July on the service road at Second Avenue between East 33rd and 30th streets was a positive addition to the neigborhood where I have lived since 1985.

People in this area are starved for a nice place to sit in open air that is not private property. The trees offered cool shade, and everyone was polite and largely well-meaning as they enjoyed this lovely place for two summer months. The Doe Fund kept the area spotlessly clean and pleasant. I enjoyed seeing them come into Starbucks each morning and evening after their work duties; they were very polite and courteous to all.

As you know, this area fronts the Kips Bay Towers complex, and I understand there was considerable resistance from some of the real estate professionals who deal in those properties, but in fact, I should think that this lovely pedestrian plaza compliments any potential financial value over which these people might be concerned.

I recall one Kips Bay Towers resident was quoted in Our Town as saying, “We’re against it! Who will sit there but homeless people. It’s very sad.” With lovely fresh breezes coming off the ocean via the East River and the lovely shade trees, this is the best-kept summer secret!

Please bring it back immediately—not a year from now or never.

—Virginia Hooper

To the Editor:

Kirsten Gillibrand is a political hack and opportunist if ever there was one. (“Why Kirsten Gillibrand Could Have It All,” July 26). She shamelessly scouts for headlines to jump on and take what her handlers advise are “populist” positions. An example is Gillibrand jumping on the “Miracle in the Hudson” incident to call for an all-out war on Canada geese that resulted in the roundup and destruction of 751 geese just a couple of weeks ago from the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge—a refuge-turned-slaughterhouse, thanks to the political ambitions of Gillibrand. She should be road out of town on her broomstick come November.

—Patty Adjamine

Double Standard 

To the Editor:

Reading “Brewer Intros New Bike Legislation” (July 26), I would like to commend Council Member Gale Brewer and Queens Councilman James Vacca for new legislation, but was disappointed that they can only see one side of this problem of lawbreaking bikers. Why only concentrate on commercial bikers? Whatever laws they break are also broken by other bikers who do the exact same things—going through red lights, against traffic and on the sidewalk, shaking up pedestrians, especially the elderly. Why are these other offenders exempt from punishment? Why the double standard?

—Bunny Abraham

A message received on my phone on the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend prompted a reply to this kind lady, and her sharing the letters with me. In one of the letters, mention of the camp name was made, and a Google search revealed that while the camp was no longer in operation, a website including alumni news and a contact was available. The alumni contact put me in touch with a gentleman (like myself, a camp lover) who put our investigation into motion. It gives me pleasure to say that in less than a week, one of the daughters was located. I have conversed with this woman twice, and will be meeting with her in the very near future. How moved and delighted she was, after almost 81 years, to have these letters placed in her hand.

In the hustle and bustle of life, eight decades later, four people took the time and made the effort to reunite this treasure, four beautiful letters, to a loving father’s two remaining daughters.

Allie Tabak
East 72nd Street

Letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.