Letters to the Editor
| 06 Jul 2022 | 10:46
Banner at 96th Street and Broadway. Photo courtesy of Say Their Names Vigil
Governor Kathy Hochul announces that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, is requesting proposals to guide the Penn Station reconstruction effort outlined in the fall in the Penn Station Master Plan study. Photo: Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Cartoons by Marc Bilgrey
I just LOVE Marc Bilgrey’s tongue-in-cheek cartoons that always capture the essence of New York life. Keep us chortling, Marc!
Mary C. Homan
Upper West Side
“Say Their Names”
Thank you for the front page article by your reporter Zoe Kava and her account of the anniversary of the vigil at 96th Street and Broadway, “Say Their Names” (West Side Spirit, June 30 - July 6). I like to think that it represents the best of the Upper West Side. Two women were moved to take action, to atone, and to honor George Floyd and the many individuals whose lives were cut short by law “enforcement.” It is their statement that violence is never an answer when what is needed is Justice.
As the Fourth of July holiday celebrates the birthday of our country, this is the proper time to reflect on the unfulfilled promises of our nation. We must continue to work with dedication to realize the ideals proclaimed for freedom.
Thank you again for this story and its message of compassion. In the end, all life really is about love.
Nydia Leaf
Upper West Side
Happy 58th Birthday to Manhattan Public Transportation
July 2022 marks the 58th Anniversary of federal government support for public transportation. The success of public transportation can be traced back to one of the late President Lyndon Johnson’s greatest accomplishments which continues benefiting many Americans today. On July 9, 1964 he signed the “Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964” into law. Subsequently this has resulted in the investment over time of several hundred billion dollars into public transportation.
Millions of Americans including many residing or working in Manhattan today on a daily basis utilize various public transportation alternatives. They include local and express bus, para transit, ferry, jitney, light rail, subway and commuter rail services. All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single occupancy vehicles. Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars thanks to President Johnson. Depending upon where you live, consider the public transportation alternative. Try riding a local or express bus, commuter van, ferry, light rail, commuter rail or subway.
Larry Penner
Great Neck, NY
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Office.
Larry Penner
Great Neck, NY