| Letter to the Editor Editor’s Note: The last issue of the Newsletter reported that City Councilwoman Moskowitz’s position regarding the transfer of Robert Moses Park for development of a United Nations office building was contrary to TBA’s position that Moses Park should not be transferred until an equivalent neighborhood substitute is open to the public. While TBA understands the U.N.’s need to renovate its facilities and fully appreciates the importance of the United Nations both to the international community as well as to New York City, TBA believes an esplanade – a bike and walkway built along the east side of the U.N. property – is not an adequate substitute for the loss of the Moses park space. TBA has suggested that a vacant lot at 685 First Avenue, between 39th and 40th Streets and part of the Con Edison properties that the utility plans to sell, could be quickly converted to a replacement park. Councilwoman Moskowitz replies: October 8, 2004 I was disappointed by the description of my position on the UNDC project. I have not “callously abrogated” my obligation to this community, nor have I “betrayed” or “abandoned” my constituency. Having worked exceedingly long days for five and a half years to promote the interests of the East Side of Manhattan, I find these accusations unfair. As I did to the board of the Turtle Bay Association last week, I would like to take this opportunity to briefly explain my position. It is readily apparent that the UN Secretariat building is in dire need of renovation. I firmly believe that we need to keep this symbol of international cooperation in NYC. It is my understanding that the most workable site for the UN’s expansion during its renovation is Robert Moses Park. Further, support for this project gives our community an opportunity for federal funding that most likely would not be available otherwise. This funding provides critical fuel for this City’s economy. For these reasons, I felt it was important to express support for the concept.
Throughout my years in public service, I have made parks and open
space a priority. I have allocated funding for parks all along my
district from Samuel Seabury in the north, to St Vartan’s in the
middle, to Stuyvesant Cove in the southern part of the district. I
have always argued that the loss of Robert I feel that my record reveals a time-tested commitment to the interests of my constituents and my position on this issue is no different. I am happy to hear your input on this important matter. Please email me at cmmoskowitz@earthlink.net with your concerns and suggestions. Sincerely,
Council Member Eva Moskowitz
The Turtle Bay Association is a nonprofit (501c3) community organization.
224 East 47th Street, New York City 10017 |
