Letters to the Editor
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‘Renewal of Lower East Side’
I do not really understand the nostalgia residents of the Lower East Side attach to the neighborhood [“City May Block Renewal of Lower East Side,” David Lombino, Page 1, March 15, 2006].
I was born on East Fifth Street between Avenue C and D in 1950. Many times I tried to encourage my father, a post-World War II immigrant from Poland, to revisit it. He would always look at me in horror, not interested in rekindling the memories of poverty.
I understand a tenement museum for those that wish to explore other memories. Is it necessary, however, to turn the entire area into a museum?
A year ago, my partners and I made the mistake of investing in the neighborhood with a wonderful fresh-food diner called Zozo’s, on the corner of Orchard and Stanton streets.
Since then, more businesses have closed than opened and many shop owners are calling things the worst that they have seen it in 25 years.
Orchard Street: Perhaps one of the most famous streets in the country is practically desolate between Houston and Delancey streets, and Community Board 3 could not be more unfavorable to new businesses. The hype about the growth of this neighborhood far exceeds the reality
We need ways of turning this neighborhood around into an area that we can all be proud of, not looking for ways of limiting its viability.
PAUL CELNIK
Manhattan
R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr.’s latest column reminded me of Archie and Edith Bunker singing this one:
“Boy the way Glenn Miller played
Songs that made the Hit Parade,
Guys like us we had it made,
Those were the days”
[“Democrats Dying With Rock and Roll,” Opinion, March 16, 2006].
Miles Davis just made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. How do you like that? As Rock and Roll is threatened, its supporters (including me) just go out and include great stars like Hank Williams, Ray Charles, and Miles Davis. We just stretch the definition of Rock and Roll a little.
There will always be a place for hedonistic, earthy dance music as long as there are people with red blood in their veins and a need to let it all hang out.
Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, and the ghost of Elvis wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s got nothing to do with politics.
MICHAEL J. GORMAN
Whitestone, N.Y.
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