To the editor:
Your ongoing coverage of the South End Avenue arcades makes me think of Bologna, the Italian city renowned and beloved for medieval system of covered walkways.
An internet search for “Bologna arcades” will yield hundreds of evocative images of the 24 miles of “portici” in the historic center of the city, constructed as required by city ordinance to be tall enough to accommodate a man on horseback. The portici of Bologna provide shelter in this often rainy city and define its unique character.
Preserving and improving the Battery Park City arcades, widening the sidewalks as much as possible and making South End Avenue look less like a highway and more like a human-scaled city street will do much to make Battery Park City an even better place for residents and visitors. If enhanced with skill, the arcades could make South End Avenue as attractive and engaging as the Esplanade.
Robert LaValva, Founder
New Amsterdam Market
www.newamsterdammarket.org
To the editor:
The BPCA’s latest project (addressing nonexistent problems on South End Ave) is an excellent example of what happens when people or organizations no longer have a useful purpose-they become bored and subsequently make trouble.
A similar phenomenon occurs periodically when my 4 year old grandson gets bored-he makes trouble as well. The solution which works well for my grandson can be applied with equal success to the BPCA. To wit, we should all chip in and get the board members an I-pad with a 1 year subscription (with an option for infinite renewals) to “ABC Mouse”. That should keep them busy for a while (a year at least). This would be the wisest investment the good denizens of BPC could ever make.
Bruce P. Gelman
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To the editor:
First, I truly want to thank you for your wonderful reporting. Always!!!!
We depend on your honesty, and great reporting.
Sure seems that BPCA are looking for a way to justify the BPCA.
I do NOT understand how BPCA can spend our money for this ridiculous project. Why do they want to do this change. The survey was costly.
* We need the bridges across West Street.
* We need safe crossings.
* We like the arcade protection from the sun, wind, and rain.
Why would a retailer want to increase the cost of operating? We enjoy that delivery trucks do not stop traffic. A wide road is OK.
What it the “problem” that they are trying to solve. Who triggered the start of this conversation?
BPC resident